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The spinal cord is an indispensable part of the body’s central nervous system whose primary purpose is to facilitate the passage of nerve signals to and from the brain. If severe enough, damage to the spinal cord can lead to a life-changing disability or even death. The party who caused the injury could be held liable in court.
If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence of another, a Hammond spinal cord injury lawyer could help your case. A skilled catastrophic injury attorney with experience in spinal cord injury litigation may be available to help you focus on recovery while they pursue any compensation you might be entitled to. An attorney can help you seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages, among other types of losses recognized under state law.
The human spinal cord consists of four sections, those being the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, and the sacral. As each section is home to a different set of nerves that control separate body functions, the location of where a spinal cord is damaged can play a decisive role in the overall severity of the injury.
The cervical area of the spinal cord is surrounded by the seven vertebrae of the neck, just below the skull. Injuries to this part of the spinal cord are almost always severe and can be fatal. Limb function, the ability to speak, breathing, and other major parts and abilities of the body may be permanently impaired.
The middle and upper portions of the back constitute the thoracic region. The uppermost, or T1-T5, section contains nerves that regulate the respiratory system, while the bottom, or T6-T12, section contains nerves associated with the operation of back and abdominal muscles. Damage to the thoracic region of the spinal cord can lead to paraplegia and a loss of bowel and bladder function, among other issues.
The lumbar area constitutes the lowest major portion of the spinal cord. Injuries affecting the spinal cord in this lower region of the back can adversely affect one’s ability to use their hips and legs. Depending on the severity of the injury, one may be required to use a wheelchair or leg braces.
The sacral area is located below the lumbar region and above the tailbone, or coccyx. The fused bones that make up the triangle-shaped sacrum are labeled S1-S5. Injuries to sacral nerves can impede normal hip and leg function, as well as lead to bowel and bladder problems.
The knowledge of a Hammond spinal cord injury attorney can be invaluable in determining not just the physical extent of such an injury but also the myriad ways it can diminish the victim’s quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries generally occur as a result of a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine. Recent data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center breaks down the most common causes of spinal cord injury as follows:
A spinal cord injury caused by negligent or intentional behavior is legally actionable under state law. The plaintiff’s Hammond spinal cord injury attorney must show that their injury was caused by the defendant who breached a duty of care. State law could reduce a plaintiff’s damage award if they contributed to the accident in some way, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Spinal cord injuries rank among some of the most devastating. Survivors must not only cope with long-term physical impairment but also the grueling psychological challenges that stem from living with a disability such as paraplegia or quadriplegia.
As soon as possible following an accident, it is best to seek help from a Hammond spinal cord injury lawyer to see what your legal options are. Promptly seeking the advice of experienced local counsel can be pivotal in your pursuit for compensation. Call today to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer.