In Wisconsin, there are over 200 reported cases of spinal cord injury each year. Among the most common causes of spinal damage are motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries.
If you are suffering spinal damage after an accident caused by someone else, you may speak with a knowledgeable attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. One of our Kenosha spinal cord injury lawyers could help secure compensation for your medical expenses and any other costs associated with your condition.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spine is comprised of bones called vertebra. The spinal cord runs through a canal, known as the spinal column, in the center of these bones. The cord is made up of nerves that carry messages between the brain and the body. These messages control body movement and sensation.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic injury that bruises or tears the spinal cord. SCI is a common cause of disability in both children and adults.
What are Common Causes of Spinal Injuries?
While many things can cause SCI, these injuries commonly occur when the spine is bent or compressed. Incidents that can cause this include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Diving accidents
- Sports injuries
- Violence, including stabbing or gunshot wounds
- Trampoline accidents
- Birth injuries, often occurring at the base of the neck
A key element when seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury is determining its cause. An experienced local attorney could work with medical professionals to assess the factors and any responsible parties that contributed to a person’s spinal cord injury.
Overview of Spinal Cord Injuries
To determine an injured person’s present and future medical needs, it is important to understand the different types of SCI’s and their causes, symptoms, and treatment procedures.
Classifications
SCI’s are classified depending on their severity. A complete SCI can result in the loss of all or most motor and sensory functions below the injury’s location. Incomplete SCI’s generally leave the injured person with some mobility and sensation. Paralysis caused by an SCI is defined as either quadriplegia (loss of all mobility in all four limbs and the torso) or paraplegia (paralysis in the lower half of the body).
Symptoms
Depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury, SCI symptoms could include difficulty breathing, pain, loss of movement or sensation, decreased sexual function, and impaired bladder or bowel control.
The severity of SCI symptoms will affect an attorney’s calculation of the damages that an injured Kenosha resident may be entitled to.
Treatment
SCI’s must be treated promptly to reduce short and long-term consequences. Anyone who suffers a spinal cord injury or presents the above symptoms should seek immediate medical advice. Treatment often includes immobilization of the spine to prevent further damage, surgery, physical therapy, and medication to reduce pain and inflammation.
Recovering Damages for an SCI
After an SCI, a skilled attorney could help identify a victim’s damages and evaluate their case based on the impact of their injury on their health and well-being. Seeking compensation can help a victim recover by reimbursing them for lost wages and enabling them to make accommodations if their mobility is affected. This could include a financial award for modifying their home, vehicle, and workspace for a new disability.
However, these damages are only part of what an injured patient may endure after a spinal accident. In addition to economic losses, a diligent lawyer at our firm could work to recover compensation for the SCI victim’s non-economic damages. These may include compensation for pain and suffering or loss of consortium.
Consult a Kenosha Spinal Cord Injury Attorney after Your Accident
A catastrophic injury to your spine could significantly change your life, especially if you suffered a loss of mobility and sensation. An SCI could also have a substantial financial impact due to medical costs and an inability to work.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer understand the challenges you face and could work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to recover. If you are suffering from an SCI, call a Kenosha spinal cord injury lawyer today for a consultation.
