Toledo Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spinal cord relays messages between your brain and your body. Running from the base of your brain and down your back, it is protected by the spinal column which consists of 33 vertebrae bones. Unfortunately, an injury can result in devastating and permanent damage.

Unlike other body parts, the spine does not heal easily after an injury. Every spinal cord injury is unique, but medical professionals categorize spinal damage as:

• Cervical nerve injury – This happens at the top of your spinal cord that is closest to your brain. These are the most serious types of spine damage, and they can result in full-body paralysis and issues with certain organs such as your lungs.
• Thoracic nerve injury – Located under the cervical nerves and in the middle of your back, this tissue can still cause significant damage in the event of an injury. Harm to thoracic nerves can result in difficulty using your legs or hips.
• Lumbar and sacral nerve injury – Spinal damage at the lowest part of your back can cause issues that require special equipment to help the function of your bowels and bladder.

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Common

The Centers for Disease Control reports about 12,000 people affected every year by a spinal cord injury in the United States. The consequences of spinal damage can last a lifetime. And your lawyer must build a strong case for the other party’s negligence. Otherwise, it may not be possible to recover the compensation you need.

Accidents That Cause Spinal Injury

Our Toledo spinal cord injury lawyers have represented many clients with severe spinal damage. Some of the most common accidents that result in harm to a victim’s spine include:

• Car accidents – Over one-third of spinal cord injuries happen in traffic accidents. Recently a large collision on Interstate 75 in Toledo resulted in multiple injury victims and at least one person with serious harm to their spine.
• Boat accidents – Violent collisions are unfortunately common on the Maumee River and on Lake Erie near Toledo. Being hit by a boat as you swim or being ejected from a boat can result in a broken spine and tears to your spinal cord.
• Slip and falls – A dangerous or damaged walkway can result in a fall that causes harm to your neck or back.
• Medical malpractice – Doctors often have to perform procedures that affect tissue near your spinal cord. A doctor can cause serious damage if they fail to practice in a responsible manner.
• Defective products – Powerful vehicles, tools, and machines that we use every day can cause terrible injuries if they are improperly built or designed.
• Sport and recreational accidents – Many people in northwest Ohio are injured playing sports or engaging in recreational activities. Your injuries can become very serious and even result in permanent disability if you sustain a tear or hard impact on your spinal cord.

Injuries that Result From Spinal Cord Damage

Doctors identify spinal damage as either complete or incomplete. Complete injuries are the total loss of sensory or function below the point of the damage. An incomplete injury does not totally destroy the nerve tissue. It’s possible to retain some sensory or function below the point of harm to your spinal cord.

Either way, spinal injuries often require extensive medical attention. And you may need continued help for years.

The most common consequences of an accident that damages your spinal cord are:

• Loss of sensation – Accidents that don’t fully severe your spinal cord can still impair the ability of your brain to communicate with the rest of your body. This can result in numbness and tingling throughout your body.
• Foot drop – Many accident victims with an injured spinal cord suffer from the inability to raise the front part of their foot. This issue generally requires mobility equipment to help those affected.
• Paraplegia – Damage to the lower extremities may make it impossible or extremely difficult to walk on your own. While your arms may work fine, you may also suffer from certain organ issues.
• Quadriplegia – Your arms and legs can be impacted when you sustain damage higher up on your spinal cord. This may require extensive assistance for basic movement over the rest of your life.

With considerable experience helping local injury victims, let us guide and assist you with documenting the medical care and costs associated with spinal truama. We have strong relationships with many of the excellent hospitals and trauma centers in Toledo, including:

• ProMedica Toledo Hospital
• Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital
• Mercy Health Children’s Hospital

KNR’s Spinal Injury Attorneys Will:

• Answer your questions and concerns
• Keep you updated during all stages of the process
• Obtain medical records about the extent of your injury
• Identify the responsible party
• Determine the fair and full value of your damages
• Negotiate for maximum compensation
• Fight for everything you deserve in court if necessary