At Harsh Law, we recognize that injuries to the spinal cord are some of the most severe and life-altering incidents one can endure. Such injuries are not just about the immediate trauma; they often lead to long-term, even lifelong, repercussions that can impact an individual’s ability to work, enjoy leisure activities, and even perform everyday tasks.

What are Complex Spinal Injuries?

The spine, a column of vertebrae that protects the spinal cord, is crucial for movement, sensation, and overall function. Injuries to this area can range from minor herniated discs to complete spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis. Given its essential role, even minor injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or neurological issues.

Your Right to Sue: Complex Spinal Injury

A complex spinal injury, particularly when caused by the actions or negligence of another party, can give rise to a lawsuit. The specific type of lawsuit would depend on the circumstances surrounding the injury. Here are the primary legal categories under which a spinal injury might fall:

1. Personal Injury Lawsuit: This is the most common type of lawsuit for spinal injuries. If someone else’s negligence or intentional act caused the injury, the injured party could sue for damages. Examples include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, or assaults.
2. Premises Liability: If the injury occurred due to unsafe conditions on someone’s property, it might be categorized under premises liability. For instance, a person who sustains a spinal injury due to a fall caused by a broken stairwell might sue the property owner.
3. Wrongful Death: If a spinal injury results in death, the family or estate of the deceased may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party or parties.
4. Assault and Battery: If the injury resulted from a deliberate harmful act by another individual, there might be grounds for both a criminal prosecution (brought by the state) and a civil lawsuit (brought by the injured party) for assault and battery.

Common Accidents Leading to Spinal Injuries

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-impact collisions, especially those involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles, are a significant cause of spinal injuries. Such crashes can exert tremendous force on the spine, leading to fractures, dislocations, or direct injuries to the spinal cord.
2. Slip and Falls: Unexpected falls, especially in older adults, can result in significant spinal injuries. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or faulty staircases are common culprits.
3. Workplace Incidents: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, or those in construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors, often see a higher risk of spinal injuries due to accidents.
4. Sports and Recreational Activities: Activities that involve high speeds, heights, or physical contact, like football, diving, or skiing, can result in spinal trauma if not undertaken with caution.
5. Violence: Regrettably, acts of violence, including gunshot wounds or physical assaults, can lead to traumatic spinal injuries.

What are treatment options for Complex Spinal Injuries that should be considered?

Complex spinal injuries encompass a range of conditions and severities. Treatment will depend on the nature and extent of the injury, but here’s a general overview of the different approaches:

1. Immediate Care:

• • Stabilization: This is the first step in treating any spinal injury. It involves ensuring that the spine is stable to prevent further injury. Cervical collars or backboards might be used during this phase.
  • Medication: After a traumatic injury, steroids might be administered soon after the injury to decrease swelling, which can help minimize damage to spinal nerve cells.

2. Surgery:

• • Decompression: Removing bone fragments, herniated discs, or foreign objects to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
  • Stabilization: Using hardware (like rods, plates, and screws) to stabilize the spine if there are fractures or dislocations.
  • Spinal Fusion: Connecting two or more vertebrae to eliminate movement between them, thereby providing stability.

3. Rehabilitation:

• • Physical Therapy: To restore movement and strength. This can involve exercises to improve muscle function, balance, and coordination.
  • Occupational Therapy: To regain the ability to perform daily activities and to learn adaptive techniques.
  • Speech and Respiratory Therapy: Especially vital if the injury affects breathing or speech.

4. Assistive Devices:

• • Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs (manual or powered) or braces to assist in mobility.
  • Adaptive Equipment: Tools to assist with daily activities, like specially designed eating utensils, writing tools, or computer access technology.

5. Medications:

• • Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage pain.
  • Spasticity Management: Medications to reduce muscle tightness or spasms.
  • Bladder and Bowel Management: Medications to control bladder and bowel functions if affected by the injury.

6. Alternative Therapies:
   Some patients explore alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic care. However, always consult a physician before trying any alternative treatments.

7. Experimental Treatments:
   Research in spinal cord injuries is ongoing. Some experimental treatments, like stem cell therapy or neural interface technologies, show promise, but they’re still in the investigational stages.

8. Mental Health Support:
   Given the life-altering nature of severe spinal injuries, psychological counseling, peer mentoring, and support groups can be essential in helping individuals cope with their new realities.

When it’s time to call, call Harsh Law.

It’s essential to understand that every spinal injury is unique. What works for one patient might not necessarily be effective for another. You need a legal team that will help you fight for access the best treatment options.

If you or a loved one has suffered a complex spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, seeking legal help is essential for pursuing the compensation needed to rebuild your life. Contact Harsh Law today for a consultation and let us help you on the road to recovery and justice. Call us at (909) 793-6261 today.