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Has your loved one recently suffered a serious event that has led to significant pain and the risk of a spinal injury? Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) are one of the most common long-term afflictions facing Canadians, with an estimated 85,556 people living with an SCI across the country. Often caused by traumatic incidences like motor vehicle collisions (both pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle), serious falls, sports injuries, and other intense contacts that lead to the spine being bent or compressed, spine injuries can have a profound effect on the quality of life, mental well-being, and more.
If you or your loved one are facing the repercussions of living with a spinal cord injury, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there is help available to support you through this difficult time. At James H. Brown and Associates, we know just how important it is to have access to knowledge you can trust, and a team that’s willing to fight in your corner while you focus on recovery. Below, we’ll cover some of the basic information to keep in mind when facing a potential spinal cord injury, as well as how our team can partner with your family to offer legal support and guidance on your journey forward. Read on to learn more!
What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries
As we mentioned above, SCI injuries, are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in today’s world. With many of us commuting to and from the office on a daily basis, staying active on the field, or even having to navigate slippery sidewalks during the long winter months, the risk of a sudden accident is an always present reality. Spinal cord injuries can affect people of all demographics and backgrounds and are caused by impacts that damage the vertebrae, ligaments, discs of the spinal column, or the spinal cord itself.
Whether you suffer an incomplete (partial movement/sensation) or complete (full loss of mobility/sensation beneath the injury site), the realities, as well as the cost of dealing with an SCI can be an overwhelming prospect to deal with, and for those looking to help loved ones affected by a traumatic injury, it’s crucial to realize that your support, research, and understanding are vital to the recovery process.
Read More: How Can I Help My Loved One With an SCI?
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an SCI?
As with any injury caused by a major impact, it’s absolutely imperative that you see a medical doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel relatively fine after a collision. Spinal cord injuries are incredibly complex, and while some individuals will display immediate symptoms, others may not. Your access to critical care and evaluation after an accident is one of the best assets when it comes to determining the severity of your injury, as well as influencing your expected recovery threshold.
In short, even if you don’t display any of the following symptoms below, it’s important to exercise caution and see a doctor as soon as possible following a traumatic incident of any physical nature. Seek additional medical care immediately if you or your loved one experience any of the following:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of/altered sensation (heat/cold/touch)
- Pain and/or a stinging sensation in your spine, neck, or head*
- Difficulty breathing*
- Difficulty walking or balancing*
- Oddly positioned back or neck*
- Numbness, tingling, or the sudden loss of sensation in your fingers, feet or toes*
Weakness or paralysis in any part of your body*
* indicates the potential for a severe injury and requires immediate evaluation. If you or someone you love displays any of these symptoms seek urgent care and/or contact 911 immediately.
When to Seek Legal Help
The aftermath of a traumatic event can leave life feeling chaotic and make it easy to forget to seek help when we need it most. If you or your loved one are facing the realities of dealing with a spinal cord injury, partnering with a reputable legal team as soon as possible will give you access to the support and information you need to proceed forward confidently.
At James H. Brown and Associates, our team of lawyers is here to help you navigate complex injury disputes and legal matters with ease and peace of mind. We know how disruptive and daunting spinal cord injuries are, not just for the individual affected, but for those they love as well. We believe that taking care of your health should never put your long-term wellness in jeopardy and that recovering the funds you need to support your recovery should never be a hassle. Since 1993, we’ve proudly partnered with Albertans to make sure you have the help you need when facing personal injuries like SCI, traumatic brain injuries and more.
We’re proud to have a success record that includes obtaining some of Alberta’s largest settlements for spinal cord injuries, as well as to be majors supporters of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta and sponsor the Resilience Kit. With the help of James H Brown and Associates, facing the realities of a spinal cord injury doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you partner with us, our team will be here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our assistance with personal injury matters.
