Dealing with an injury to your spinal cord can be extremely difficult. Your spine affects almost every aspect of your life. 

Therefore, a spinal cord injury can be devastating.

Our medical malpractice lawyers at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico, LLC are here to help you recover the compensation you need to get your life back.

This can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want a high-caliber attorney who will fight for you.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spine carries messages from your brain to other parts of your body. Thus, if you have damage to your spine, there might be damage throughout your body as well.

It is important to have an understanding of the multiple kinds of spinal cord injuries because each of them has different effects. 

Contact our spinal cord injury lawyers at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico if you are suffering from a spinal cord injury. We are here to advocate for you so that you can focus on your recovery.

Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries

The sacral spine consists of vertebrae from S-1 to S-5. Injuries to the sacral spine are less common than the other injuries listed below. 

Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries

Your lumbar spine is in your lower back, above the sacral spine and below the thoracic spine.

The vertebrae of the lumbar spine are L-1 to L-5. Spinal cord damage to the lumbar spine typically affects the lower body.

Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries

Thoracic spinal impairment is in the middle of your back. The different thoracic levels are T-1 to T-12.

The symptoms and difficulties you may be experiencing depend on which thoracic vertebrae have been injured. Damage to nerves T-1 to T-5 means that you can likely still have use of your hands and arms.

On the other hand, problems with vertebrae T-6 to T-12 can widely affect your quality of life and ability to perform everyday activities. 

Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

Cervical spinal cord injuries can involve trauma to the area around your neck.

Injuries to the cervical spine, like the other injuries stated above, can be extremely painful. 

The cervical spine includes vertebrae C-1 to C-8. A cervical spinal affliction at vertebrae C-1 to C-4 is the most consequential type of spinal ailment because it can cause paralysis throughout the body.

The injured person may require constant care throughout their life for daily activities and tasks.

Incomplete Versus Complete Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be incomplete complete.

An incomplete injury means that you still have sensation and/or are able to move below the area where the damage occurred.

A complete injury is more severe. It means you may not be able to feel anything or move. 

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most typical causes of spinal cord impairments. Injury can occur due to extreme force and the high impact of a car accident.

Spinal cord injuries can also occur as the result of a motorcycle accident since a vehicle’s airbags do not protect you. 

Sports Injuries

Some spinal injuries are due to participating in sports, such as football, hockey, and basketball. 

Like with a car or motorcycle accident, this is often because of the excessive amount of impact involved. 

Medical Malpractice

Spinal cord injuries can also result from medical malpractice including surgical errors and misdiagnosis.

If you believe that you have suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of medical malpractice, speak with an experienced attorney at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico today.

Product Defects

A defective product can also potentially cause injuries to the spinal cord. If this is the case, you might be able to file a product liability lawsuit.

Product defects can be present in vehicles, children’s toys, tools, or other products.

If you believe your ailment is the result of a product defect or any other accident above, consider consulting with one of our spinal cord injury lawyers.

Our attorneys can review your case with diligence and provide you with additional information. 

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

The symptoms you may experience from spinal cord trauma vary.

Indeed, the symptoms can depend on whether the damage is acute or ongoing and can vary depending on the location of the injury.

These symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

  • Pain in your back or neck
  • Trouble walking
  • Tingling or numbness 
  • Burning sensations
  • Painful movements
  • Loss of bladder and/or bowel function

If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention and consider getting in touch with one of the compassionate spinal cord injury attorneys at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico. 

How Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help

If you and your family are undergoing hardship as a result of a spinal cord injury, do not wait to contact the attorneys at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico today.

Our spinal cord injury attorneys have decades of experience with medical malpractice cases and can help you recover compensation. 

We are responsive and accessible, with expertise in claims involving spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and more.

Call us today at 410-421-7777 or email us to discuss your potential case.