Baltimore Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Attorneys Addressing Paralysis and Other Effects of Spine Injuries in Baltimore, MD

Few injuries are as serious as those that involve damage to the spinal cord. This type of injury can affect a person's ability to move, feel, or even breathe without assistance. They may no longer be able to work or participate in the activities that used to be an important part of their life. Spine injuries can lead to enormous physical, emotional, and financial burdens that may not only affect victims but also the family members who support them through their recovery and beyond.

When a spinal cord injury has been caused by someone else's negligence, the injured person will need to determine their legal options for addressing the harm that has been done to them. The victim will want to make sure they will have the financial resources to obtain the proper medical care and meet their other needs. At Silverman Thompson, our personal injury lawyers can help victims take steps to secure the compensation necessary to address their injuries and protect their futures.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Can Happen

Trauma to the spine can damage the nerves that run through the spinal column, disrupting the signals that travel between the brain and the rest of the body. In many cases, spine injuries are caused by traumatic accidents that could have been prevented if someone had acted with reasonable care. These situations may include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes are among the leading causes of traumatic spinal cord injuries. The violent forces involved in a high-speed collision can fracture vertebrae, compress the spinal cord, or damage nerves beyond repair.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

When a vehicle strikes a person on foot or a cyclist, the impact can throw the victim to the ground with a great deal of force. The trauma to the neck and back in pedestrian or bicycle accidents can cause spinal cord damage that may leave the victim with permanent neurological impairments.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, and older adults may be more likely to suffer serious harm in these situations. A slip, trip, and fall accident may occur because of a wet floor, a broken sidewalk, or a poorly maintained staircase. When a person hits the ground, they may experience fractured vertebrae and spinal cord trauma that can result in lasting or permanent disabilities.

Workplace Accidents

On construction sites or in other situations, workers may be at risk of fall-related or impact-related spinal cord injuries. Workers may fall from scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, or they may be struck by falling objects or heavy machinery. When an accident is caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a subcontractor or property owner, an injured worker may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim.

Understanding the Levels of Injury to the Spinal Cord

To understand how a spinal cord injury can affect a person, it can help to understand the basic anatomy of the spine. The spinal cord runs from the base of the brain down through the spinal column, and there are four regions where injuries may occur: the cervical spine in the neck, the thoracic spine in the upper and mid back, the lumbar spine in the lower back, and the sacral spine at the tailbone and pelvis. The location of a spinal cord injury along this column may determine how a person may be affected.

Cervical Injuries and Tetraplegia

Injuries to the cervical spine are typically the most serious spinal cord injuries. Damage at these levels may affect the arms and the legs, resulting in paralysis that is known as tetraplegia or quadriplegia. In some cases, cervical spine injuries may affect the muscles that control breathing, and a victim may require the use of a ventilator for survival. People who suffer from tetraplegia may have extremely limited movement, and they may require around-the-clock care for all basic functions.

Thoracic Injuries and Paraplegia

Injuries to the thoracic spine may allow a person to maintain function in their arms and hands, but they may experience paralysis in the lower body and legs, a condition that is known as paraplegia. People with thoracic spine injuries may be able to use wheelchairs and maintain some independence, but they will face lifelong challenges with mobility. They also may be unable to control their bladder and bowel functions, and they may experience additional health risks such as pressure sores, blood clots, or chronic pain.

Lumbar and Sacral Injuries

Injuries to the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine can affect the hips, legs, and pelvis. Some people with lower lumbar spine injuries may be able to walk with the assistance of braces or other mobility aids. Sacral spine injuries may affect bladder, bowel, and sexual function while allowing for some control of the legs. While these injuries may appear less severe than other types of spinal cord damage, they can have a serious impact on the quality of a person's daily life and independence.

The Full Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury

The effects of a spinal cord injury can extend beyond paralysis or loss of mobility. People living with these injuries may be at risk of multiple types of secondary health conditions, and their quality of life may be affected.

Chronic pain often occurs following a spinal cord injury, and it can be difficult to manage. Respiratory complications, including pneumonia or reduced lung capacity, can lead to health complications for victims. Bladder and bowel dysfunction will require ongoing care, and it can affect a person's comfort and daily routines.

The psychological toll of a spinal cord injury can also be serious. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns are common among people who have sustained spinal cord injuries. The social isolation that may come with physical limitations can make these issues even worse. A person's relationships, career path, and personal goals may be affected as they work to recover and address the changes in their life.

Contact Our Baltimore, Maryland Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

A spinal cord injury can change everything for a victim. However, they will not need to face an uncertain future alone. At Silverman Thompson, our attorneys work with victims and their families to address the challenges they are facing. We will fight for the compensation needed to obtain medical care, recover financial losses, and address other effects of a serious injury. Contact our Baltimore spine injury lawyers at 410-385-2225 to schedule a free consultation today.