Denver Spine Injury Law Firm

The Effects of Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spine occurring from a blow to the spine. The number one cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States is car accidents, followed by a violent act or a fall. The effects of a spinal cord injury are not only felt by the victim; it can change your future and your family’s future. If you or a family member was injured by the negligence of another person or in their workplace, speak to our Denver spinal cord injury law firm of PURVIS • GRAY, LLP.

According to statistics, approximately 200,000 Americans are currently affected with a spinal cord injury. There are between 10,000-12,000 new cases of spinal injuries each year. These statistics are frightening. There is no known cure for spinal cord injuries; however, research is constantly being done to help victims deal with their injuries. Spinal cord injuries are categorized as complete or incomplete.

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal injury is one in which there is no movement or sensation below the injured area. Surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine, and the patient can become completely or partially paralyzed, have difficulties breathing, need extensive rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapy, or long term care in a nursing home.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

An incomplete or ‘partial’ spinal cord injury is partial loss of movement or sensation below the injured area. For example, a patient may be able to lift one leg but not the other or one arm and not their leg. Treatment for incomplete spinal cord injuries also requires the care of specialists to regain some of the motor or sensory functions lost.

In either case, the effects of spinal cord injury are life-changing. If the injury was caused by negligence, or by a malicious act of another, you should seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of wages.

PURVIS • GRAY, LLP has extensive experience winning lawsuits for spinal injury patients. Make a consultation in any of our Boulder, Denver, or Steamboat Springs offices to learn what legal and medical options you have. Contact our offices today at 866-788-7616 or email us.