Why Are Spinal Cord Injuries Permanent?
Two key factors determine the longevity of a spinal cord injury:
- The extent of damage: Incomplete spinal cord injuries occur when the injured party retains some feeling or motor function after the injury. Complete spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, result in the complete loss of sensation and motor function. Typically, the longer someone goes without experiencing improvement in motor function or the ability to feel, the less likely the injury is expected to improve.
- The injury’s location: Spinal cord injuries are usually most severe when they occur on the upper part of the spine. The higher up in the spinal cord that significant injury occurs the more motor function and sensation is likely to be lost. When this area is damaged, there is a higher probability that sensation and motor function will be lost in the legs and arms. Other regular activities, such as breathing and speaking may require assistance. Injuries involving the lower parts of the spine can cause mobility issues below the waist, but the injured person is still able to retain the use of his or her arms and hands and breathe independently.
These factors play a crucial role in whether a spinal cord injury will cause permanent changes or lead to permanent disability. A small percent of accident victims who suffered a spinal cord injury regain functionality years after the injury. Others, particularly those who sustain catastrophic injuries in serious car accidents, experience life-altering consequences that may never improve.
Is There a Cure for Spinal Cord Injuries?
There is no known, universal cure for spinal cord injuries. Although there have been great strides in spinal cord injury research, and many physicians and scientists have devoted their careers to finding a cure, one does not yet exist.
Can Spinal Cord Injury Victims Ever Recover?
Those who have suffered a complete spinal cord injury may seek rehabilitation to learn how to use adaptive equipment and live with permanent function loss. In cases where individuals are unable to recover, they may still need to rely on a team of medical professionals to receive effective rehabilitation. These teams of experts may include:
- Physical therapists
- Physicians
- Occupational therapists
- Psychologists
- Pain specialists
This high level of care can be staggeringly expensive. It is crucial to hire an experienced attorney to help pursue the compensation needed to make the best recovery possible.
How Can a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help?
If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of someone else, you may be able to seek compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. If a serious accident resulted in paraplegia, tetraplegia or quadriplegia, your quality of life has diminished immensely. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can give you the best possible chance to recover the full compensation you deserve for your current and future losses.
The accomplished spinal cord injury attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair and Mandell, Ltd. have substantial experience in handling these difficult cases. Our extensive knowledge about spinal cord injury claims gives your case a distinct advantage. We can:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident and injury
- Gather pertinent evidence
- Identify the party or parties who may be liable for your injuries
- Calculate the value of your damages, both today and in the future
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
For 45 years, the spinal cord injury attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd have helped our clients rebuild their lives after catastrophic injuries. Not only has our firm achieved landmark decisions in a wide range of personal injury cases, but we have also helped change Rhode Island law.
Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Providence Today
At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd. we know the challenges you may be facing after a spinal cord injury. We are committed to helping you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your immediate and long-term losses.
Justice in these difficult cases begins with a free consultation with one of our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers. Your case will be handled on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t owe any attorney fees unless we reach a positive outcome in your case.
Contact Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd today online or at (401) 273-8330. We serve injury victims throughout Providence and other Rhode Island areas.
