Manassas, VA Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Lawyers Addressing Paralysis and Other Effects of Spine Injuries in Manassas

Few injuries can change a person's life as completely as damage to the spinal cord. A serious fall, a motor vehicle accident, or another situation involving a back injury can lead to ongoing issues such as paralysis, chronic pain, and the need for personal assistance. Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious issues addressed in personal injury cases, and the compensation that victims may receive in these cases should reflect the full extent of the harm they have suffered.

When a spinal cord injury is caused by another person's negligence, a victim will need to work with an attorney who understands the complex legal issues involved in these cases, the types of compensation that may be available, and the steps that can be taken to hold the responsible party accountable. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, we help spinal cord injury victims obtain the compensation they need to address medical treatment, the impact on their income and career, and the ways they have been personally affected. Our goal is to maximize the compensation that our clients can receive.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord includes a large number of nerves that run down the spinal column and provide communication between a person's brain and their body. While some protection is provided by the bones in the spine, there are limits on that protection. When the spine is subjected to sudden, violent forces, vertebrae may be fractured or dislocated, and the spinal cord may be damaged, compressed, or severed.

Spinal cord injuries may occur in motor vehicle crashes. In a car accident, a collision with a commercial truck, a motorcycle crash, or a situation where a pedestrian or bicyclist is hit by a vehicle, the force of impact can seriously damage the back and spine. Falls are another leading cause of injuries that damage the spinal cord. In a slip and fall accident or a fall from a balcony or upper level, the impact of the body on the ground can severely damage the spine and its important nerves.

Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries may be classified as either complete or incomplete based on the severity of the nerve damage that occurs. In a complete spinal cord injury, all function and sensation below the injury will be fully lost. When a spinal cord injury is incomplete, some nerves may remain intact, allowing for partial function below the injury level.

After an incomplete spinal injury, a person may be able to regain some degree of function in different parts of their body. However, these injuries may still lead to serious limitations for a victim. They may experience chronic pain, a loss of sensation in certain parts of the body, a loss of mobility, and other issues that can lead to long-term disabilities.

Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

The location of a spine injury will determine which body functions may be affected. Injuries higher on the spine will typically result in extensive injuries affecting multiple bodily systems.

Cervical Spine Injuries

Injuries that affect the vertebrae of the neck can lead to severe harm. The nerves in the neck control functions throughout the entire body. In some cases, injuries may affect a person's ability to breathe on their own, and they may need to use a mechanical ventilator for the rest of their life. Cervical spine injuries can also result in tetraplegia, which is paralysis that affects the legs, arms, and torso.

Lower cervical injuries or partial spinal cord injuries may allow a person to maintain some function in their hands or arms, but they may be unable to fully control their fingers, and the lower parts of their body may be completely paralyzed. The level of care needed when a person suffers a cervical spinal cord injury may be extensive, and they are likely to be disabled for life.

Thoracic Spine Injuries

Injuries to the spine in the mid-back can affect the chest, abdomen, and lower body while allowing a person to maintain some function in the arms and hands. Paraplegia, which is paralysis of the lower body and legs, will typically occur in thoracic spinal cord injuries, along with a loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function.

People living with paraplegia may be able to develop the upper body strength and skills needed to use a wheelchair and perform some daily activities independently. However, the physical demands on a person can be serious, and ongoing medical treatment will often be needed to manage complications. The inability to stand and walk can have a lasting impact on a person's quality of life.

Lumbar and Sacral Spine Injuries

Injuries to the lower spine may result in weakness or paralysis in the hips, legs, and feet, along with a loss of control of the bowels and bladder. The degree of limitation may depend on the specific level of the injury and the severity of nerve damage. Some lumbar spine injuries may allow a person to walk with braces or other assistive devices, while others may result in paralysis in the legs that will require the use of a wheelchair. Lumbar and sacral spinal cord injuries can lead to lasting limitations on a person's daily life.

Secondary Medical Complications of Spine Injuries

In addition to the direct effects of paralysis, spinal cord injury victims may encounter a variety of complications that will require ongoing treatment and care throughout their lives. Pressure sores can develop when a person is confined to a bed or wheelchair and cannot shift their weight regularly. Respiratory complications, urinary tract infections, chronic pain, and cardiovascular issues may also affect a victim, adding to their physical discomfort and affecting their quality of life.

The costs of treatment and medical care for a spinal injury over a person's lifetime can be enormous. In many cases, the total costs involved will add up to millions of dollars due to the need for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, ongoing medical treatment, assistive equipment, home modifications, and personal assistance.

The Impact of Spine Injuries on a Person's Daily Life and Independence

The non-economic consequences of a spinal cord injury can be as significant as the financial costs. The loss of the ability to walk, maintain employment, engage in physical activities, and live independently can affect a person's mental well-being. Depression and anxiety are common among spinal cord injury victims.

A person's relationships may be affected as well. Family members may be required to serve as caregivers, and they may experience emotional trauma. Family dynamics may change completely, disrupting the lives of a victim and their loved ones. All of these issues may be addressed in the compensation that a person may receive for a spinal cord injury.

Contact Our Manassas, Virginia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

The consequences of a spinal cord injury are likely to last a lifetime. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our lawyers stand beside injury victims and their families to help them obtain the full compensation they deserve. Contact our Manassas spine injury attorneys today by calling 703-392-6686 to schedule a free consultation.