Medford Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves surrounded by the spinal column extending from the base of the skull to the lower back. The nerves it contains are responsible for relaying messages to various parts of the body, and when they are damaged, irreparable harm can occur.

If your spinal cord injury was caused by another person or organization, a Medford spinal cord injury lawyer may be able to help with your case. A dedicated personal injury lawyer can thoroughly examine the causes of your injury to help you seek the justice you deserve.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are sustained in a myriad of ways, but they all stem from trauma to the vertebrae, disks, or ligaments of the spinal column, and in some cases, the spinal cord itself. Heavy impact or force can crush, dislocate, or fracture the vertebrae, and acts of violence, such as stabbings and shootings can sever the spinal cord. Other causes of spinal cord damage include sporting activities, slips and falls, and car accidents.

In the United States, car accidents cause the majority of spinal cord injuries, especially when they occur at high speeds. As time progresses, the severity of spinal cord injuries can increase due to swelling, fluid retention, or bleeding at or near the injured spinal area.

Symptoms of These Injuries

When a person injures his or her spinal cord, there is a possibility they will be paralyzed. Depending on the extent of the injury, a person may experience either incomplete or complete paralysis.

Incomplete paralysis leaves only certain limbs paralyzed while complete paralysis, as its name suggests, results in paralysis in both the upper and lower body. Even if a person does not suffer from paralysis, they may experience the following symptoms over an extended period of time:

• Loss of sensation (inability to notice temperature changes or touch)
• Muscle spasms or irregular reflex activities
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Respiratory problems
• Intense pain near the damaged nerves in the spinal cord

Spinal cord injury survivors may also experience changes in sexual functioning or fertility. The symptoms listed above, as well as paralysis, can completely alter a person’s life. He or she may need medical care and rehabilitation services. Individuals suffering from paralysis may need around-the-clock medical attention and assistance.

Combating the Cost of Medical Treatment in Medford

The cost of medical treatment for a spinal cord injury can be astronomical. Due to the profound nature of spinal cord injuries, many injury survivors are unable to work or generate income for their families. Many will be unable to ever return to work or live a normal life again and those with the most severe injuries may need to be transferred to specialized nursing facilities.

Those who are left partially paralyzed may need to modify their homes or apartments to accommodate their loss of motion. With the help of a Medford spinal cord injury lawyer, injury survivors may be able to obtain compensation for their medical expenses.

Speak to an Established Medford Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

If you are struggling to readjust to life after a spinal cord injury, you are probably feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and frustrated. This is normal, but it is important to understand you may have legal options at your disposal that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Call an established Medford spinal cord injury lawyer now for additional information.