With September being National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to call attention to this devastating injury. As a Memphis spinal cord injury lawyer, I know spinal cord injuries are some of the worst injuries a person can suffer. From whiplash to severe conditions like paralysis, spinal cord injuries can be a life altering occurrence for you and your family. Over 17,000 people in the US suffer a spinal cord injury, or SCI, each year. With approximately 291,000 Americans living with an SCI.

If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be due compensation for your pain and suffering. Read below to find out more about the devastation of SCIs and how we may be able to help you.

Common causes of spinal cord injuries

SCIs can occur for a variety of reasons, but are usually caused by a jolt or hard and sudden impact to the spinal cord or back. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Car accidents. Auto accidents are the primary cause of SCIs each year. The degree of the injury often depends on the severity of the car crash, and even then, it’s not always easy to tell the extent of the damage right away.
  • Slip and falls. Most people don’t think of a slip or fall causing life long damage, but this is an unfortunate misconception.
  • Acts of violence. This one may surprise you, but incidents involving violence have been increasing steadily as a cause of SCIs.
  • Workplace accidents. Many workplace conditions present hazards for a potential spinal cord injury. These can include an industrial transportation accident, fall, or machinery accident, just to name a few.
  • Medical malpractice. Yes, SCIs can even happen as a result of a doctor’s negligence.

Symptoms and complications of SCIs

An SCI is defined as any damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of function or mobility. This means some symptoms may be obvious right away, while others may be more subtle and show themselves over time. The complications can range from mildly uncomfortable to extremely painful and debilitating. Here are some common symptoms and complications:

  • Loss of balance
  • Loss of movement (paralysis) or weakness in any part of the body
  • A lowered motor function ability
  • Numbness
  • An inability to distinguish temperature (for example, you cannot tell if it’s hot or cold)
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Trouble breathing

Spinal cord injuries can last a lifetime

Even the most seemingly minor SCI can cause severe pain that lasts weeks, months or even years. More catastrophic injuries can potentially lead to things like permanent paralysis, feeding tubes, and endless medical bills.

Caring for an SCI can take a huge emotional toll, as well as an enormous financial one, too.

Speak with a Memphis spinal cord injury lawyer for FREE

If your SCI was due to someone else’s negligent behavior, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and emotional distress you’ve suffered from your SCI-related accident.

Contact us online or give us a call at 901-327-2100 for a FREE evaluation of your case. Our experienced and compassionate team of Memphis spinal cord injury lawyers are here to talk through your specific situation.

We will come up with a plan to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to hear how we can help.