Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic traumas a person can endure, as these injuries can irreversibly alter one's way of life. The spinal cord is not just an ordinary cluster of nerves: It is the main conduit of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury disrupts this critical pathway, which can often result in partial or complete loss of sensation and motor function below the site of injury. The sudden absence of mobility and sensation often leaves individuals facing daunting physical, emotional, and financial challenges. 

When you suffer a spinal cord injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have legal options and should not wait to get advice. At Bishop & Hayes, we have made it our mission to fight for injury victims and have recovered millions for clients in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. Now, our seasoned spinal cord injury lawyers are ready to put our experience and resources to work for you. You can expect personalized, results-oriented representation that puts your needs first.

We are here to help when you suffer a spinal cord injury due to negligence. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling (417) 304-3228 or contacting us online.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are broadly classified into two types: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury indicates a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury. Essentially, this means no signals can traverse the damaged area of the spinal cord, leading to a complete loss of function in areas below the injury. On the other hand, an incomplete spinal cord injury means some degree of sensation and movement is preserved. Patients with incomplete injuries retain varying levels of function and have a greater potential for recovery, with rehabilitation services playing a critical role in improving outcomes.

The classification of spinal cord injuries extends to the segmental level as well, identified by the vertebrae associated with the damage. Cervical spinal cord injuries, involving the neck region, often have the most severe consequences, including paralysis of both arms and legs (known as quadriplegia or tetraplegia). Thoracic spinal cord injuries, occurring in the mid-back, can result in paraplegia, which is paralysis affecting the legs and lower body. Injuries to the lumbar or sacral regions of the spinal cord may affect nerve and muscle control to the hips, legs, bowel, and bladder but typically do not affect upper body and arm movement.

In addition to the location and completeness of the injury, the spinal cord can be subjected to various types of trauma. Contusions or bruises on the spinal cord, caused by direct injury, can lead to swelling and temporary or permanent damage. Compression injuries result from pressure on the spinal cord, which might be due to conditions such as a tumor or herniated disc. Other types of damage include lacerations, where the nerve fibers are severed or torn, and central cord syndrome, where the damage is centered primarily in the central cord region, which often affects the arms and hands more severely than the legs.

Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries

The consequences of severe spinal cord injuries extend far beyond the loss of motor function and sensation. The detrimental impacts are multifaceted, disrupting many autonomic functions that are essential for daily living and overall health and well-being. You deserve compensation for these impacts when your injury was the result of negligence, and our spinal cord injury attorneys can fight to get you justice.

Cardiovascular complications are common, with many individuals experiencing alterations in blood pressure regulation that can lead to conditions such as orthostatic hypotension or more severe autonomic dysreflexia. These cardiovascular issues not only pose immediate health risks but may also exacerbate other complications of a spinal cord injury.

Breathing may also be compromised, especially when high cervical spinal cord injuries occur. Since the muscles responsible for breathing, such as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, receive signals through the nerves stemming from the upper spinal cord, damage to these areas can impair respiratory control. Consequently, patients may require ventilatory support, and the potential for pulmonary infections like pneumonia increases, adding to the gravity of the patient’s condition and complicating the recovery process.

Beyond these immediate physical complications, severe spinal cord injuries have profound social and psychological ramifications. The sudden reliance on others for personal care and routine tasks can erode an individual's sense of independence, leading to heightened levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The financial burden stemming from ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, and the need for assistive devices can be considerable, straining personal and family resources. Moreover, career disruptions and the potential loss of employment contribute to long-term socioeconomic challenges for the individual and their family.