Understanding Disabling Spinal Injuries After an Accident

Suffering a spinal injury in an accident can be life-altering. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in mobility, sensation, and overall body function. When damaged, it can result in long-term disabilities, significant medical costs, and major lifestyle changes.

If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation in New York.

How Do Spinal Injuries Happen?

Accidents that involve high-impact forces or sudden, violent movements often cause spinal injuries. Some of the most common causes include:

Car Accidents – A high-speed crash or rear-end collision can cause severe spinal damage.
Slip and Falls – A hard fall on the back or neck can fracture vertebrae or cause spinal cord trauma.
Workplace Accidents – Falls from heights, heavy lifting, and unsafe work conditions can result in disabling injuries.
Sports Injuries – High-contact sports, such as football, can lead to severe spinal trauma.
Acts of Violence – Gunshot wounds, physical assaults, or other violent acts can cause permanent spinal cord damage.

Types of Spinal Injuries That Can Lead to Disability

Spinal injuries can range from mild to severe, and some can result in long-term or permanent disability. Understanding the specific type of injury you or a loved one has sustained is crucial in determining both medical treatment and legal options.

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury causes a total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site. This often results in paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). These injuries are typically permanent, and affected individuals may require full-time care for basic activities like mobility, personal hygiene, and communication.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

An incomplete spinal cord injury means there is still some function below the injury site. The extent of function varies; some people may have partial movement or sensation, while others may experience a combination of both. Recovery can happen, but the degree of improvement depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment received.

Common Disabling Spinal Injuries

Paraplegia

Paraplegia affects the lower body and legs, leading to loss of movement and feeling in the legs and difficulty controlling bowel and bladder functions.

Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia affects all four limbs, often making moving the arms or legs impossible. It usually requires lifelong care and support for daily tasks, including assistance with mobility, personal hygiene, and sometimes even breathing.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushioning between vertebrae ruptures or slips out of place, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. While many herniated discs improve with rest and therapy, severe cases can result in lasting pain, limited mobility, and permanent nerve damage if left untreated.

Fractured Vertebrae

A vertebra fracture can cause significant damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the injury’s location and severity, it may lead to partial or complete paralysis. Fractured vertebrae can also result in long-term pain, difficulty breathing (especially if the injury is in the upper spine), and mobility issues. Surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine, followed by extensive rehabilitation.

Nerve Damage

Even when the spinal cord is not completely severed, nerve damage can lead to serious consequences. This type of injury can cause chronic pain, weakness, loss of coordination, and numbness. In some cases, individuals may suffer from neuropathic pain, which is often intense and difficult to manage, requiring ongoing pain management.

What to Do After a Spinal Injury Accident

If you or a loved one suffers a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, take immediate action:

Seek Emergency Medical Attention – Prompt medical care is critical for stabilization and treatment.
Follow-Up with Specialists – A neurologist or spinal specialist can assess long-term care needs.
Document Everything – Keep medical records, accident reports, and any related expenses.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Alone – Insurers may try to minimize your claim.
Contact a Spinal Injury Lawyer – An experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call HKD Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

A disabling spinal injury can change your life, but you don’t have to face it alone. The legal team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.