In the United States, an estimated four to five million people suffer spinal cord injuries every year. And approximately 400,000 people continue to live with the effects. In most cases, spinal cord injuries are caused because someone else was negligent – whether that stems from a car accident, slip and fall accident, surgical error, or medical malpractice.
Spinal cord injuries
Suffering a neck or back injury may result in significant damage to the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves and tissue that is inside the spine. The spinal cord acts as the central carrier of nerve signals throughout the body, connecting almost all our body parts to the brain. Spinal cord injuries vary in severity. A contusion – or bruise – may result in temporary loss of some function below the injury site.
Classifying spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified as either incomplete or complete. In the case of incomplete spinal cord injuries, the spinal cord is partially severed and the injured person retains some function, the level of which is dependent on the extent of the injuries. More than 60% of spinal cord injuries are incomplete, in part due to better treatment methods and increased awareness about the appropriate ways to respond to a possible spinal cord injury.
With complete spinal cord injuries, the spinal cord is fully severed and the injured person experiences permanent loss of mobility and sensation below the location of the injury. Treatment and physical therapy may enable the injured to regain some function.
Spinal cord injuries have life-changing effects
Those who have suffered a spinal cord injury may feel its effects in many aspects of their lives. In addition to the physical injury and the related challenges, victims may experience mental anguish, emotional trauma, and social isolation. Loss of income and mounting medical bills only compound the situation.
Dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate
Our dedicated legal team is knowledgeable in all aspects of medical negligence, medical malpractice, and personal injury law. With compassion and commitment, we aggressively fight for the rights of those that have suffered spinal cord injuries because of someone else’s negligence. Our experienced team includes a Board certified medical doctor as well as a registered nurse, who bring an in-depth understanding of medical records and terminology. Our staff also includes eight New Jersey Supreme Court Civil Trial Attorneys and two retired Superior Court Judges. We have been helping New Jersey families for more than 130 combined years; let us help you. Contact our office at 732-482-9285 or online to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case. We have convenient offices in Freehold and East Brunswick; our team is also available to meet with you at the hospital or your home.