The spinal cord is the central carrier of signals throughout the body. Spinal cord injuries affect more than 4 million Americans every year. An injury to the spinal cord may be a bruise, a contusion, a partial tear, or a complete tear. If the spinal cord is severed, it often causes a total and permanent loss of sensation and movement.

Most spinal cord injuries are caused by car accidents, falls, violence, sports and other recreational activities, and medical errors. Spinal injuries are life-changing events that affect the lives of both victims and their families. These injuries are often caused by the negligence of others. That’s why you need to contact a spinal cord injury lawyer right away to understand your legal rights and secure your rights to compensation. 

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury causes you to lose all feeling and movement below the level of your injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury, on the other hand, means that you still have some movement and feeling below the level of your injury.

There are also four categories of spinal cord injuries based on the location: 

  • Cervical spine injuries. The cervical spine starts at the base of your skull and goes down through your neck. It contains seven vertebrae. These injuries are the most severe, as they can result in loss of bladder and bowel control, paralysis, and breathing and speaking difficulties. 
  • Thoracic spine injuries. The thoracic spine can be found below the cervical spine. There are 12 vertebrae. These injuries are also severe, causing breathing problems, loss of bladder and bowel control, and paralysis.
  • Lumbar spine injuries. There are five vertebrae in the lumbar spine, which can be found in the lower back. The vertebrae tend to be larger. These injuries are typically not as debilitating, as victims often retain feeling and mobility. However, they can still experience loss of bladder and bowel control as well as loss of function in the legs and hips.
  • Sacral spine injuries. The sacral spine can be found at the base of your spinal column. There are five vertebrae that are fused together to form the sacrum. The effects of an injury to your sacral spine will depend on which nerve was damaged. Injuries may cause mobility issues in the legs and hips and loss of bladder and bowel control. However, these injuries are uncommon and are caused by very severe accidents.

Contact Us Today

Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis and other complications. If you or a loved one has suffered from a spinal cord injury, you need someone on your side to advocate for you. 

These injuries result in extensive medical treatment and expenses. The Forest Hills, New York personal injury lawyers from Poltielov Law Firm P.C. will help you file a claim and guide you through this difficult time. To schedule a consultation with our office, contact us online or call (718) 880-2911.