Poughkeepsie Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Suffered a Spine Injury in Poughkeepsie, NY?
If you have suffered a severe spinal injury in an accident, you need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. At Basch Keegan & Spada, our Poughkeepsie spinal cord injury lawyer is here to guide you through the complex legal process of filing a claim and can help you recover the maximum amount of damages.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spine is the central bony structure that runs along the back. It is composed of individual vertebrae and serves as the body’s primary support structure. The spine protects the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It is often referred to as the “backbone.”
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. The spinal cord is a vital component of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is injured, the communication between the brain and various parts of the body can be disrupted, leading to a range of symptoms and impairments. The severity and location of the injury determine the extent of these impairments.
Common types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This type of injury results in a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. It means that there is no sensation or voluntary muscle control below the injured area. These injuries are often caused by severe trauma or damage to the spinal cord and are typically permanent.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In an incomplete SCI, there is some degree of remaining function or sensation below the level of the injury. The extent of impairment can vary widely, depending on the specific location and severity of the injury. Incomplete injuries may result in varying degrees of paralysis, sensory deficits, and dysfunction.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of SCI affects the cervical region of the spine (neck area) and results in partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs. It can also impact the muscles of the chest, abdomen, and even the respiratory system.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia is characterized by the partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function in the lower half of the body, typically due to an injury in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral region of the spinal cord.
- Concussion or Contusion: A concussion or contusion of the spinal cord occurs when there is a bruise or mild injury to the spinal cord, often caused by sudden impact. These injuries can vary in severity and may result in temporary or permanent impairment.
- Penetrating Injury: A penetrating injury happens when an object penetrates the spinal cord, causing damage. This can result from gunshot wounds, stabbing, or similar traumatic events and may lead to severe and permanent deficits.
- Central Cord Syndrome: This type of SCI often results from damage to the center of the spinal cord, typically in the cervical region. It can lead to varying degrees of weakness and sensory loss, with the upper limbs being more affected than the lower limbs.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: This injury primarily affects the front portion of the spinal cord and can result in loss of motor function, temperature sensation, and pain perception while preserving some sensation to touch and position sense.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can occur due to various causes, such as the following:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes of SCIs. The force of impact can lead to damage to the spinal cord.
- Falls: Falls from heights or slips and trips are frequent causes of spinal cord injuries, especially among the elderly.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports such as football, rugby, and gymnastics can lead to SCIs, particularly when players collide or fall.
- Recreational Activities: Activities like diving into shallow water or extreme sports can result in spinal cord injuries if precautions are not taken.
- Diving Accidents: Diving into shallow water can cause severe spinal cord injuries, especially if the water is not deep enough.
- Extreme Sports: Activities like skiing, snowboarding, or biking can lead to SCIs when accidents occur.
- Assault: Physical altercations or acts of violence can lead to SCIs if the head or neck is targeted.
- Gunshot Wounds: Bullets can penetrate the spinal cord and cause severe injuries.
- Stab Wounds: Knife or other sharp object injuries can also damage the spinal cord.
In many cases, the victim of a severe spinal injury will require lifelong medical care and treatment, which can be extremely expensive. If you have suffered a severe spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
At Basch Keegan & Spada, our Poughkeepsie spinal cord injury lawyer can help you hold negligent parties accountable and get the compensation you deserve.
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