When someone suffers a spinal cord injury, their life and that of their loved ones may forever be changed. At Dulin McQuinn Young, our Highlands Ranch personal injury lawyers hold negligent parties accountable when their actions or omissions lead to serious harm. We fight for our clients’ full and fair compensation and offer a free consultation to prospective clients to explain their legal rights and options. Contact us today for yours.
What Is the Spinal Cord?
The spinal cord is a fragile, cylinder-shaped tube of nerve tissue that extends from the brainstem to the lower back. It sends messages from the brain and relays sensory information back to the brain. Because of this critical function, any kind of damage to it can result in serious complications.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is any damage to the spinal cord. These severe injuries are frequently caused by motor vehicle collisions, and our Highlands Ranch car accident lawyers regularly help victims hold negligent drivers accountable. Spinal cord injuries disrupt motor, sensory, and autonomic functions below the injury site, potentially leading to paralysis or loss of sensation. Individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries often require continuous care. Medical treatment may focus on learning to adapt to a permanent disability, rather than curing the injury.
Long-Term Implications of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can range from minor injuries to life-threatening injuries. Many of these injuries have various long-term implications or complications, such as:
- Paralysis: Paralysis is the loss of function below the injury site due to the disruption of nerve pathways. This condition requires immediate medical attention and ongoing medical treatment.
- Loss of sensation: Those who suffer spinal cord injuries may not be able to feel touch, heat, or cold below the injury site.
- Autonomic function: Spinal cord injuries can also cause conditions that affect autonomic function, such as autonomic dysreflexia, which is a life-threatening spike in blood pressure, sometimes affecting those with cervical or upper thoracic spinal cord injuries.
- Respiratory issues: Chest muscles can be paralyzed, leading to difficulty breathing without the help of a ventilator. Spinal cord injury victims may also be more susceptible to sustaining respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.
- Cardiovascular complications: Spinal cord injuries can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, strokes, and metabolic syndrome due to chronic immobility and altered nervous system functions.
- Chronic pain: Some spinal cord injury victims may experience debilitating and lifelong pain, further decreasing their quality of life.
- Pressure ulcers: Lack of mobility can result in the development of severe and painful pressure ulcers. These can sometimes lead to life-threatening infections.
- Bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction: Spinal cords can interrupt nerve signals to pelvic organs, leading to bowel and bladder problems and sexual dysfunction.
- Mental health issues: Spinal cord injuries can also have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health as they struggle to adapt to a new normal.
An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can demand fair compensation that considers the full impact of the spinal cord injury on your life. If the accident tragically resulted in a loss of life, our compassionate legal team can also guide your family through a wrongful death claim to seek justice for your loved one.
Contact a Highlands Ranch Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, the legal team at Dulin McQuinn Young can fight for justice and accountability on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation.