One of the most potentially catastrophic injuries an accident victim can suffer is a spinal cord injury (SCI). SCIs can occur at various levels along the spinal column. The spinal cord itself is a crucial part of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When an injury damages or disrupts the spinal cord’s normal functioning, it can result in a range of neurological impairments and physical disabilities. The location of the injury along the spinal cord determines the extent and severity of these effects.

The following is an overview of spinal cord injuries. For more detailed information, call our office to speak with one of our Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers.

Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries (C1-C8)

The cervical spinal cord is situated in the neck region and consists of eight cervical vertebrae, labeled as C1 to C8. Injuries to this uppermost part of the spinal cord can have significant consequences, potentially affecting the ability to breathe, move the arms and legs, and control various bodily functions. Injuries at the C1-C4 level are particularly severe and can lead to tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia), which involves the loss of function in all four limbs and often requires assistance with daily activities.

Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries (T1-T12)

Below the cervical region, the thoracic spinal cord spans from T1 to T12. Injuries in this mid-back area can result in paraplegia, which affects the lower half of the body, including the legs. The specific effects and severity depend on the level of injury within this range.

Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries (L1-L5)

The lumbar spinal cord, situated in the lower back, includes vertebrae L1 to L5. Injuries at this level can impact mobility and lower body function, potentially causing difficulties with walking, balance, and bladder and bowel control.

Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries (S1-S5)

The sacral spinal cord is located just below the lumbar region and encompasses vertebrae S1 to S5. Injuries in this area typically affect functions related to the pelvis and lower limbs, including bowel and bladder control and sexual function.

Severity Level

The severity of a spinal cord injury is determined not only by the level of the injury but also by the degree of damage to the spinal cord tissue itself. Injuries can be classified as either complete or incomplete:

  • Complete spinal cord injury: In a complete SCI, there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This means that the individual has no sensation or voluntary movement in the affected areas.
  • Incomplete spinal cord injury: In contrast, an incomplete SCI allows for some degree of sensory and/or motor function below the level of the injury. The extent of preservation of function can vary widely, ranging from minimal sensation and movement to near-normal function.

Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

In a personal injury claim involving a spinal cord injury, a person can pursue various types of damages to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of their condition. These damages typically fall into several categories:

  • Medical expenses: This includes costs for hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care required due to the injury. Given the potential for long-term or permanent care, this can be a significant part of the claim.
  • Lost wages: If the injury impacts the individual’s ability to work, compensation for lost wages is sought. This covers the income lost during recovery and potentially any future earnings lost due to long-term or permanent disability.
  • Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. It accounts for the subjective experience of suffering, including chronic pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Spinal cord injuries can severely impact a person’s ability to engage in hobbies and activities they previously enjoyed. Compensation for this loss reflects the reduction in quality of life due to the injury.
  • Emotional distress: This damage covers the psychological impact of the injury, including depression, anxiety, and loss of mental well-being. The emotional toll of adjusting to a new way of life is considered.
  • Future care costs: These include projected expenses for ongoing medical treatment, assistive devices, and home modifications required for accessibility and daily living.

Each case is unique, and the damages pursued will depend on the specifics of the injury and its impact on the individual’s life.

Call Our Office for Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident caused by another party, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Virginia personal injury attorney. A spinal cord injury victim often faces a life of pain and suffering from the injury, as well as the many medical complications that develop. Many victims are often left unable to go back to the type of work they did before the injury or, depending on the severity of the injury, they may be unable to work at all, losing their source of income. There is often the need to modify homes to make living areas handicap accessible, as well as transportation issues.

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we understand the devastating impact these types of injuries can have on victims and their families, not only physically but also financially. Our attorneys are experienced in calculating and negotiating damages for injuries that involve long-term or permanent disabilities and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve.