Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV
Helping Seriously Injured Accident Victims Get Back on Their Feet
None of us can stay independent or lead a prosperous life without a functioning spinal cord. An array of accidents can lead to severe spinal cord injuries, which may even lead to paralysis and a sudden, sharp decline in your quality of life.
If you were injured or if your loved one was paralyzed in an accident and you believe someone else is to blame, you need a qualified Las Vegas spinal cord injury attorney to examine your case and inform you of your rights. At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, we have decades of experience and have secured millions of dollars for severely injured accident victims throughout the Las Vegas area. We offer free, confidential consultations and there are no attorneys’ fees unless we win your case.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete.
In a complete SCI, the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged to the point where there is no function below the level of injury. This results in a total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site. For example, if the injury is at the level of the chest, the person might be paralyzed from the chest down (paraplegia).
In an incomplete SCI, the spinal cord is only partially damaged. This means that some degree of motor or sensory function remains below the level of injury. The extent of recovery varies widely depending on the severity of the injury.
Specific examples of spine injuries include:
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, occurs when the injury is in the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord. This type of injury affects all four limbs, as well as the torso.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia occurs when the injury is in the thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), or sacral (pelvic) regions of the spinal cord. It affects the lower half of the body, including the legs.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: Anterior cord syndrome is an incomplete injury where the front part of the spinal cord is damaged.
- Central Cord Syndrome: Central cord syndrome is an incomplete injury often caused by trauma or a condition that narrows the spinal canal, such as cervical spondylosis.
- Brown-Séquard Syndrome: Brown-Séquard syndrome is an incomplete injury caused by damage to one side of the spinal cord.
- Posterior Cord Syndrome: Posterior cord syndrome is a rare type of incomplete injury affecting the back (posterior) part of the spinal cord.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord (cauda equina) is compressed or damaged.
Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
In the United States, there are around 200,000 people living with spinal cord injuries. It’s estimated that more than 12,000 people will become victims of spinal cord injuries every year. 80% of those victims will be male and up to 70% of them will be under the age of 35. The cost of treatment can be as much as $30,000 per patient every year.
The Effects & Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord consists of millions of nerves that link your brain to the rest of your body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the body stops receiving signals from the brain, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation. Depending on where the injury hits the spinal cord, the body below that point may no longer be functional. There are also two tracts—one ascending and one descending—that carry information to the brain and sends signals back to the rest of the body. In the event of a complete spinal cord injury, both tracts will be damaged, which means both sides of the body are equally affected.
In a medical evaluation, physicians will look for the following signs of a spinal cord injury:
- Loss of sensation in the limbs
- Muscle contractions
- Fractured or dislocated vertebrae
- Paralysis or low muscle strength
- Loss of normal bowel or bladder control
What Are the Main Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Besides physical assault and gunshot wounds, the leading causes for spinal cord injuries include:
Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Options
Extensive surgery and treatment are usually required to reduce tissue swelling and remove fluid or reset bones. Once the patient has been deemed ready, rehabilitation can begin. These programs often involve relearning motor skills and practicing techniques to adapt their disability to daily life.
In addition, medical technology has been developed to assist spinal cord injury patients, including:
- Electronic wheelchairs that can move over unstable ground or climb stairs
- Computers that use voice recognition or key guards
- Voice-activated electronic aids for doing household chores
- Electric stimulation devices that control arm and leg muscles for activities like standing, walking, and gripping
- Robotic gait training that enables patients to walk again
What Our Las Vegas Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Can Do for You
Those who suffer this kind of tragic injury may need medical care and financial support for the rest of their lives. If someone else’s negligence was responsible for causing your spinal cord injury, you need the help of a qualified Las Vegas spinal cord injury lawyer.
At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, we’re dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and general pain and suffering. Our attorneys put their combined experience and knowledge of personal injury law at your disposal.
Don’t let a spinal cord injury ruin the rest of your life. No matter how severe the damage might be, you deserve the best care and monetary compensation. The Las Vegas spinal cord injury lawyers at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen are ready to give you the counsel and support you need to make your case in court. We offer a free initial consultation and will visit any client unable to leave their home or the hospital.
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