If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to an accident, consulting a qualified spinal cord injury lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of your case.
The spinal cord is a crucial part of the nervous system that extends from the base of the brain down to the lumbar vertebrae and plays a vital role in coordinating motor functions and transmitting sensory information.
Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) occur frequently in Alberta, primarily as a result of motor vehicle accidents and other forms of trauma. These injuries arise from damage to the spinal column, which can happen anywhere from the base of the skull to the cauda equina, located just above the tailbone. In severe cases, injuries can result in paralysis, long-lasting physical pain, and emotional distress.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have devastating effects on an individual’s life. The severity of the injury typically depends on its location along the spinal cord and the extent of the damage to the nerve pathways. High cervical injuries, for example, can lead to quadriplegia, where full or partial loss of function occurs in all four limbs. Lower injuries may lead to paraplegia, affecting only the legs, which can significantly hinder a person’s ability to live independently.
Immediate Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries can manifest immediately after an incident, but they may also take time to surface. If you have been involved in a car accident or any event that may cause trauma, recognizing these signs promptly can be life-saving. These may include:
- Loss of Sensation or Movement: Victims may experience diminished ability to feel or move various body parts, particularly below the injury site.
- Difficulty with Bodily Functions: Trouble with bladder or bowel control is a common concern for those sustaining spinal injuries.
- Intense Pain or Stinging Sensations: Many individuals report severe discomfort or unusual sensations in the affected areas.
- Muscle Spasms: Involuntary contractions or spasms can occur as a response to nerve damage.
- Psychological Reactions: Emotional or psychological shock can set in post-accident, leaving victims in a daze as they process the trauma.
Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
Beyond immediate symptoms, spinal cord injuries can result in a range of long-term consequences that may profoundly impact daily life. Some of these effects include:
- Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Victims may experience ongoing headaches or persistent discomfort in the neck and back. The extent of the pain often varies based on the injury’s severity and location.
- Nerve Damage: Spinal injuries can stretch, pinch, or sever nerves, leading to debilitating pain, persistent numbness, and impaired function in various body parts.
- Paralysis: In many cases, spinal injuries may result in paralysis. A complete spinal cord injury generally means a total loss of sensation and movement below the injury level, while incomplete injuries might leave varying degrees of sensation or movement intact.
- Impaired Motor Control: Individuals may face challenges with maintaining balance or walking due to nerve or muscle damage.
- Inability to Regulate Bodily Functions: Long-term loss of bladder or bowel control can profoundly affect quality of life and may necessitate ongoing medical intervention.
- Additional Symptoms: Over time, those with spinal cord injuries may notice changes in sexual function or fertility, abnormal reflex activities, and difficulties in breathing, which can complicate overall health.
Engaging in regular follow-ups with healthcare providers and specialists is crucial for managing these potential long-term issues effectively.
Legal Help and Support from a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
At Braithwaite and Boyle, our dedicated team of spinal cord injury lawyers help clients across Alberta secure the compensation needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With offices in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer, we provide accessible legal support throughout the province.
To learn more about our expertise or to schedule a free consultation, call us at 1-800-661-4902. Your health and recovery are our top priorities, and we are committed to guiding you through the legal process while you focus on healing.