Auto accidents, slip and fall injuries, and violent acts can cause individuals to suffer irreparable damage to the spine that can seriously impact the body. If you or a loved one has been the victim of an injury that has caused damage to the spine, our lawyers here have the experience to help you. Call d’Oliveira & Associates toll free any time, or visit the firm online for your free legal consultation.

Have You Suffered A Spinal Cord Injury After A Car Accident?
Call The Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers For The Help You Deserve.

What is the Spinal Cord?

Doctor Pointing out Spinal Cord Injury for victim of auto accident and in need of a spinal cord injury lawyerThe spinal cord is a key part of the central nervous system. It consists of a length of nerves that reaches from the back of the brain, down the center of the back, and ending in the lower back region. Nerves reach out from the spinal cord to carry sensations to the brain and to carry commands to the muscles out to the limbs. Though it is protected by several layers of tough tissue and located in the bones of the vertebral column, commonly known as the spinal column, it is not beyond damage. Spinal cord injuries are responsible for approximately 6,000 deaths in the United States each year (i).

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

These injuries are more than just back injuries. While back injuries can cause lasting pain, spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis and may require that the victim be confined to a wheelchair or require personal assistance for the rest of his or her life. Some of these spine injuries include the following:

  • Lower back/Lumbar spine Injury: One of the common locations of these injuries is the lumbar spine, located in the lower back. These injuries can occur as a result of sports accidents, car crashes, or from any of a number of other causes.
  • doctor inspecting the x-ray of a spinal cord injury of person in car accidentUpper back and neck/Cervical spine Injury: Another common location of these injuries is the upper back/neck region, otherwise known as the cervical portion of the spine. When the cervical spine is fractured or dislocated, it can cause extreme pain. This can happen from whiplash or a fall. There are various grades of this injury that range in their types of symptoms and severities. Regardless of the severity of the injury, cervical spine injuries can be extremely painful and result in an inability to return to work.
  • Pinched nerves: When the spine has a bulging or herniated disc and that disc rests up against a nerve, it causes pain in the spine. The pinched nerve radiates to other parts of the body, usually to the arms and legs.

Sources:

  • (i) Foreman, Stephen M.; Croft, Arthur C. (2002).
    Whiplash injuries: the cervical acceleration/deceleration syndrome. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams Wilkins.