As one of the most dangerous and painful repercussions after an accident, collision or sudden impact, Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) affect several Albertans every year, and without the proper care, can leave victims feeling like their life has been turned upside down. At James H. Brown and Associates, we know that major impairments like an SCI can feel overwhelming, and the process of getting long-term medical care heavily depends on your access to adequate settlement funds.
For over 30 years, our team of award-winning injury lawyers has partnered with Albertans to protect your best interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve following a life-altering accident or collision.
Below, we’ll highlight some of the early signs you may have sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as the benefits of trusting James H.Brown to handle your injury claim. Read on to learn more!
What “Counts” as a Spinal Cord Injury?
Sudden impacts caused by falls, motor or recreational vehicle accidents, or even by colliding with another person while playing sports can cause damage to the vertebrae, ligaments, discs of the spinal column, or the spinal cord itself. In the simplest of terms, a spinal cord injury refers to:
“Damage to the spinal cord that can interfere with how messages travel back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. An injury to the spinal cord can result in complete or partial loss of movement (paralysis) and feeling and complete or partial loss of bladder and bowel function.” (Source)
The severity and longevity of an SCI will depend on the specifics of your accident, with more minor injuries potentially manifesting as whiplash which may clear in a matter of weeks, up to more major impairments like paralysis, chronic pain, incontinence, and more. Spinal cord injuries can be incredibly disruptive to your quality of life and can be expensive to treat in the long term.
Is someone you love dealing with a spinal cord injury? Wondering how you can help them on the path to recovery?
Read More: How Can I Help My Loved One With an SCI?
Identifying Signs and Symptoms of an SCI?
Major accidents and collisions are traumatic experiences, and in the immediate aftermath, it’s not uncommon for victims to be unsure of what to do next. Your number one priority following an accident should always be to get medical help as soon as possible, even if you feel “fine”. Many severe injuries, including SCIs, can take days, weeks, or even months to fully manifest. Getting treatment right away helps you identify early signs of a serious issue and can drastically help your expected recovery threshold. Even once you leave the doctor, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and look for signs of a more severe injury, including:
- Diminished mobility
- 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/Vertigo*
- You notice your neck and/or back seem to be positioned oddly
- Numbness, tingling, or the sudden loss of sensation in your fingers, feet or toes*
- Paralysis or significant muscle weakness in any area of the body*
* These symptoms can be an indicator of a severe injury and should address immediately. If you or someone you love experience any of the above, call 9-1-1 right away and/or proceed to your nearest emergency room if safe to do so.
Handling Spinal Cord Injuries with the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Being diagnosed with a spinal cord injury is a scary experience, as is the prospect of facing a potentially life-long road to recovery. To make sure you have access to the resources and support you need, contact a trusted legal team like James H. Brown and Associates as soon as possible. Our team of injury lawyers is proud to partner with Albertans and to help you build a safe way forward with peace of mind and representation you can depend on. Since 1993, we’ve helped Albertans face the challenges of personal injuries like SCI, traumatic brain injuries and more, all while obtaining record-setting settlements for clients.
Learn more about how we can help YOU with a spinal cord injury lawsuit by contacting our team today.
