The spinal cord is a group of nerves running down the back that send messages from the brain to the body and back again. A car accident, fall, hit, or medical malpractice may damage the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury interrupts neural messages between the brain and body, which can seriously impact the function of the body, even causing death. The spinal cord is unable to heal after injury, unlike other body parts such as bones. The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury are debilitating, and the injured individual may be entitled to monetary compensation if another individual is at fault for the injury. A spinal cord injury lawyer in Waldorf, MD can help evaluate each case and assist in gathering evidence to get the compensation needed and deserved.
A spinal cord injury may cause pain from nerve damage, loss of sensation and/or movement, loss of toileting control, and difficulty breathing. The location of the injury will determine what parts of the body are affected. For example, an injury to the neck, namely high cervical nerves, will affect the body below the neck and the individual will likely be paralyzed and unable to drive, need the use of a wheel chair, require 24-hour care, and could have difficulty breathing and speaking.
A spinal injury in the middle back will affect the lower trunk and limbs. The individual will need a wheel chair or could be able to learn to walk again with braces. The upper body should function normally. An injury in the lower back will result in loss of bladder and bowel control and affect movement in the hips and legs. Some individuals may be able to walk while others may require the use of a wheel chair.
Contact The Valente Law Group for a consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Waldorf, MD. A Spinal cord injury lawyer can help get monetary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. The money will not change the debilitating effects of such an injury, but it will ease the financial burden of 1) stabilizing the patient, 2) rehabilitation including occupational therapy, physical therapy and assistive technology needs, and 3) long-term care.
