Spinal Cord Injury - Types and Causes
At Worby Groner Edelman, LLP, our White Plains personal injury attorneys have experience representing clients that have suffered the devastating effects of a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can result in lifelong disabilities that affect the victim's ability to work and care for themselves. Often, it is up to family members take on caretaking responsibilities for the victim, along with the financial and emotional burdens that come with this duty.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. The attorneys at our practice have handled a range of spinal cord injury case types for our clients; we can evaluate your claim and determine if you have a viable case.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are characterized as complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means that the patient has lost their ability to feel and voluntarily function in the area below the point of the injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that the patient maintains some degree of sensation and movement below the site of the injury.
- Paralysis: Paralysis refers to the loss of the ability to move or feel some or all parts of body; the condition can be caused by injury, illness, or a poisonous substance.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia is the paralysis of the legs and the lower part of the body. Paraplegia generally results from thoracic injuries.
- Quadriplegia: Quadriplegia, also referred to as tetraplegia, is the paralysis of the legs, arms, and trunk of the body. Quadriplegia typically results from cervical (neck) injuries.
- Central cord syndrome: Central cord syndrome is also known as inverse paraplegia because the patient experiences greater impairment of the arms than the legs. This condition often results from cervical and upper thoracic injuries.
- Anterior cord syndrome: Anterior cord syndrome refers to an interruption in the blood supply to the anterior portion of the spinal cord. Patients lose the ability to move and sensation is greatly impaired. The condition is caused by cervical injuries.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are a number of causes of spinal cord injuries, including:
- Auto Accidents: The impact caused by motor vehicle collisions can result in serious spinal cord injuries. Our White Plains auto accident attorneys have handled many catastrophic injury cases involving car, motorcycle, and truck accidents. In these cases, the driver of the vehicle or the driver's insurance company could be liable for injuries.
- Falls: An unsafe construction site or dangerous premises could result in serious falls that cause spinal cord injury. In these cases, the construction company or the owner of the property may be liable for any injuries that occur.
- Assault: If an assault caused a spinal cord injury, the perpetrator may be liable for damages.
- Sports Injuries: Many sports have some inherent risk when played. However, if the coaches, officials, or trainers do not take the appropriate steps to keep players safe, they could be found liable for injuries.
Contact Worby Groner Edelman, LLP, in White Plains for a spinal cord injury case review with one of our skilled attorneys.