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Any trauma to the spinal cord, which stretches from the base of the skull down to the tailbone, is considered a spinal cord injury. Depending on where the injury occurs on the spinal cord, it will impact what symptoms are caused by the injury. For example, an injury to the spinal cord near the neck will often result in paralysis from the neck down. If the injury to the spinal cord occurs in the low back area, it may only result in partial paralysis of the legs.
Spinal cord injuries can vary in severity, and in order to pursue a spinal cord injury case, they must first prove that someone else is responsible. Without the negligence of another individual, there is no spinal cord injury case. Due to the severe consequences of a spinal cord injury, it is important to consult with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible. A delay in seeking representation can have a detrimental effect on a spinal cord injury case. There are many steps that need to be taken and the sooner competent legal counsel is retained, the more likely a successful outcome. Reach out to an attorney to learn about the unique aspects of an Oak Lawn spinal cord injury case.
Spinal cord injuries typically result from trauma. The vertebrae are made of bone and surround the spinal cord. They serve as protection to the spinal cord itself. However, if there is a trauma to the back or neck that injures the vertebrae, it can result in an injury to the spinal cord itself.
The skull protects the brain from injury, and the vertebrae protect the spinal cord from injury. Any type of trauma can result in a spinal cord injury. In addition to trauma to the spinal cord itself, there can be damage to the discs in between the vertebrae. This can impact a spinal cord injury as well.
Spinal cord injuries can result in very serious consequences, so the emergency room is usually the first stop for someone who sustains a spinal cord injury. Typically, the follow-up treatment will be with a neurosurgeon. This type of specialist is in the best position to provide medical treatment to a spinal cord injury. Many hospitals have dedicated units to treat spinal cord injuries. Often, medical treatment is interdisciplinary and involves several specialties who work collaboratively to treat a spinal cord injury.
Following any personal injury accident, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. First, they should be checked out in case there is something injured that they are unaware of. Failure to seek prompt medical attention can often lead to a lesser recovery and the insurance company will argue that any gap in medical treatment should relieve them of the responsibility for paying for all injuries sustained. A spinal cord injury may not be readily apparent immediately after an accident. In addition to seeking medical attention, it is also important to prove their legal case. A spinal cord injury case depends on medical treatment in order to prove the nature and extent of the injuries. If they sustain a spinal cord injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, it is best to seek prompt medical attention.
After a spinal cord injury, the doctor responsible for care will be in the best position to advise the injured individual as to limitations and what they should avoid doing.
Once the emergency treatment for a spinal cord injury is over, it is important to speak with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer. The sooner that they speak to a lawyer, the better the likelihood of adequate recovery. Crucial evidence of the facts of the case, as well as the spinal cord injury, may be lost if there is a delay. Additionally, a spinal cord injury lawyer will be able to advise them on all aspects of their case and their injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord can be difficult to prove. An experienced lawyer will be in the best position to document and prove spinal cord injuries.
Call today to learn about the unique aspects of an Oak Lawn spinal cord injury case and how an attorney could help.