How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Caused?
The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of the human body. The spinal cord serves as a pathway for the nerves that connect to the brain and plays a major role in the movements and sensations of the body. Because the spinal cord is so important, the body has many natural defenses in place to protect it. Unfortunately, these defenses are not always enough to prevent a serious injury, and, once an injury occurs, the effects can be devastating. A spinal cord injury can seriously alter a patient’s functions and physical sensations, often resulting in long-term or lifelong consequences. Attorney Sean M. Burke has represented numerous victims of spinal cord injury and can advise Orange County clients on the causes of spinal cord injury and which cases could benefit from legal representation.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is a collection of sensitive tissues and nerves that can be damaged by traumatic force, a significant blow, or even just an unnatural movement or tweak. There is a wide range of incidents that may cause a spinal cord injury. Below are some of the most common causes of spinal cord injury:
- Birth injury
- Disease
- Automobile accident
- Slip or fall
- Worksite accident or injury
- Recreational accident or sports injury
- Physical assault
Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury
While the consequences of spinal cord injury vary in severity, those who suffer from a spinal cord injury can expect to experience pain, weakness, and partial or complete loss of sensation below the injury site. In many cases, the injury victim may experience partial or complete paralysis below the point of injury as well. Depending on the specifics of the injury, the symptoms experienced may be temporary or may persist for the duration of the person’s lifetime. In either case, spinal cord injury results in serious consequences that dramatically affect a person’s comfort and physical ability levels.
When to Take Legal Action
There are many unfortunate cases in which a spinal cord injury is purely accidental and the result of an accident or fall that could not have been prevented. However, in many cases, spinal cord injuries are, unfortunately, the result of the reckless or negligent behavior of another individual or party and could have been prevented had proper precautions been taken. In these cases, it is important to seek legal representation from a skilled attorney, such as Sean M. Burke, to ensure that legal rights are protected and that due financial compensation is collected. Victims of spinal cord injury may be due fair compensation for pain and suffering, incurred medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, the loss of future wages, and the loss of quality of life.
Contact Our Firm
If you have suffered from a spinal cord injury, it is important to discuss your case with a legal expert such as attorney Sean M. Burke to ensure that your legal rights are being protected. Contact our firm at your earliest convenience to learn if you may be due financial compensation for the damages of your injury. We look forward to meeting with you.
