According to statistics from the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, there are almost 250,000 people in this country who live with a spinal cord injury. Tragically, that number increases by 12,000 more spinal cord injury victims each year.

The majority of these injuries are caused by some type of trauma to the vertebral column. Normally, the spinal cord emits and receives messages between the brain and the body. These messages control autonomic, motor, and sensory functions. If there is an injury to the vertebral column, these messages cannot be received or transmitted and the victim is left with a loss of sensation and paralysis.

Classifications of Spinal Cord Injuries

The location of an injury to the spinal cord determines what types of disabilities the victim with have. There are two types of injuries, complete and incomplete. An incomplete spinal cord injury means the cord is partially severed and the victim will retain some function. A complete injury means the cord is totally severed and there is no function.

Paraplegia: This is when the thoracic portion of the spinal cord is injured, leaving the victim with paralysis of his or her legs.
Triplegia: This is when there is loss of sensation and movement in both legs and one of the victim’s arms.
Quadriplegia: This is also referred to as tetraplegia. This is the most severe result of a spinal cord injury, with the victim paralyzed in both legs and both arms. The victim often has issues with other body functions, including breathing and bladder control.

Astronomical Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, there is almost $10 billion spent each year on spinal cord injuries. For example, the price just to treat pressure sores that spinal cord victims suffer from cost $1.2 billion.

The medical costs for spinal cord injuries can be devastating to a family. This is why victims should retain the services of a North Carolina spinal cord injury attorney who has extensive experience in dealing with spinal cord injury cases and understands how these injuries can impact victims.

Contact a Carolinas Injury Attorney

If a family member has suffered severe injuries caused by the negligence of another party, contact a North Carolina spinal cord injury attorney. Our firm has successfully represented many accident victims and we understand how frightening these injuries can be for families, not only dealing with the uncertainty of your loved one’s health, but also the financial worry about how you will be able to take care of their medical and personal needs. We are available to meet and discuss the circumstances of your case and advice you on what your legal options are and how we can help.

North Carolina Injury Attorney Discusses Spinal Cord Injuries

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