Minnesota Personal Injury Lawyer for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerve cells and axons (projections). It is approximately 18″ long, extending from the brain to the lower back. It is protected by the 33 interconnected vertebrae that comprise the spinal column.
When trauma occurs to the spinal cord, damage may include:
- spinal disc material can be displaced
- ligaments may be torn
- vertebrae may be fractured, which can then bruise, compress, penetrate, or cut the spinal cord
Spinal cord injury can result in changes in mobility and sensations, loss of bladder control and loss of other bodily function. The spectrum of injury runs from complete recovery to total paralysis.
Immediately following a traumatic spinal cord injury, a phenomenon know as “spinal shock” may occur. The spinal cord has literally been traumatized. During this stage the spinal cord shuts down and little function can be detected. As the spinal cord comes out of shock, the extremities may start to jerk and move. The extent of the spinal cord injury can not be accurately assessed until after the initial “shock” stage.
Recovery from traumatic spinal cord injury can occur. The neurons in the spinal cord do have limited ability to be repaired. Under the right conditions, the axons (projections) can actually repair and reconnect themselves following injury. If the nerve cells and their axons do effectively repair, recovery can range from partial to total recovery of function.
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Compensation
A spinal cord injury is classified as either complete or incomplete. Whether the spinal cord injury occured in a car, motorcycle or semi accident, compensation for these spinal injuries should include amounts for:
- medical expenses
- cost of care
- lost income
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- disability
- loss of quality of life
- other damages
If you would like a free consultation with one of our experienced Minnesota personal attorneys, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online consultation form.
Resources:
http://www.spinalcord.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sci/sci.htm
C1, C2 and C3 Spinal Injury Lawyer MN
A cervical spine fracture is a fracture of one of the cervical vertebrae (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7).
When a cervical vertebrae is fractured, the spinal cord, which runs through the center of the vertebrae, may be damaged. Damage to the spinal cord between C1 and C3 can result in quadriplegia or death. Most fatal cervical spine injuries occur either at C1 or C2.
In accident cases involving a C1, C2 or C3 spinal injury, the victim and his or her family may have claims against the at-fault driver and others. In Minnesota commercial vehicle cases, the driver, the driver’s employer, the owner of the truck, the owner of the freight and others may be liable.
Because C1 to C3 spinal injuries are generally severe, compensation can be substantial and may include money for the following: medical expenses, cost of care, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, loss of quality of life and other damages.
People with C1, C2 or C3 spinal cord injuries have the following functionality issues that will affect the amount of compensation sought in a MN spinal injury lawsuit:
- Quadriplegia – complete paralysis of arms, body and legs
- May be able to control electric wheelchair with chin or mouth
- Unable to move without a hoist or other assistance
- Need to have someone put food in mouth
- May have problems chewing and swallowing
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Dependent on ventilator to breathe and may need oxygen and humidification
- May need mouth stick and computer to communicate
- Need assistance in coughing and to have saliva cleared
- Need 24-hour-a-day care
When our law firm is hired to represent a C1, C2 or C3 spinal cord injury victim, we use video and other media to make a presentation outlining how the person’s life has changed. In cases where the victim is now a quadriplegic, a before-and-after presentation using video of the person before the accident is usually quite persuasive.
Because people with C1, C2 or C3 spinal injuries need a substantial amount of money to pay past and future medical and cost-of-care expenses, our lawyers:
- Investigate the facts of the case and corporate connections to determine all liable parties
- Hire experts to testify regarding future expenses and pain
- Gather evidence necessary to support a claim for adequate compensation for the victim
Our Minnesota law firm has the resources necessary to successfully represent C1, C2 and C3 spinal injury victims, and we are not paid unless the victim wins.
If you would like a free consultation with a Minneapolis, Minnesota spinal cord injury lawyer about a C1, C2 or C3 spinal cord injury, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), e-mail Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.
Reference: Selzer, Michael, Spinal Cord Injury, ReadHowYouWant.com, 2010, p. 19.
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