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Spinal Injury Lawyers in Colorado Springs

Handling Cases of Spinal Cord Trauma

Spinal injuries can be among the most devastating injuries. Damage to your spine can easily result in a lifelong disability, from muscle spasms to complete paralysis. Whether your wound was major or minor, deep or shallow, any injury to the spine can impact you for years to come. That is why if you suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s actions, you should seek legal help immediately, so that you can recover as much compensation as possible.

It is hard enough to recover from a spinal injury without having to worry about finances. Most spinal injuries require surgeries, weeks of physical therapy, and a wide variety of medications in order to be properly treated. Sadly, all of that costs a pretty penny, and it can be difficult to know who to turn to when your medical costs have gotten too high to pay. Thankfully, if your injury was caused by negligence, The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. may be able to help. The person responsible for your injury should be the one paying for your bills. In order to speak with an experienced Colorado Springs spinal cord injury attorney, call our firm at (719) 475-2555 today. We can answer all your questions.

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What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Injury?

Knowing what a spinal injury looks and feels like can be the difference between an irreversible disability and minor damage that can heal with time and proper care. Because the spine is so delicate, not receiving immediate and appropriate medical attention can cause the injury to become worse over time, potentially leading to serious complications, such as paralysis. If you have been involved in an accident recently, you should keep your eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Numbness in one of your limbs, such as an arm or leg
  • An intense and non-stop tingling sensation
  • Difficulties breathing
  • Lack of control over your bowels or urinary tract
  • Pain or weakness in the limbs or back
  • Difficulties staying coordinated
  • Crippling muscle strain or spasms
  • Moderate to severe spinal pain
  • Partial or complete paralysis

While some of these symptoms may seem obvious, if you have other injuries as a result of your accident, such as fractured or broken bones, brain trauma, or nerve damage, you may instinctually chalk your pain up to those injuries. Doing so can be incredibly dangerous. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should speak with your doctor. They can run the proper tests and determine if you are truly suffering from a spinal injury, or if the symptoms are caused by a different injury.

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Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis

The spine is an incredibly delicate and important part of the body. Within it are nerves that travel throughout the body and connect to the brain. These nerves send commands from our brain to our fingers, hands, legs, organs, and so on. This allows us to move, to breathe, and even to go to the bathroom. When the spine is damaged, the nerves can be damaged as well, leading to serious, and potentially long-lasting, consequences. One of the most serious, and best known, consequences of spinal damage is paralysis.

There are different kinds of paralysis, all depending on where your spine was damaged. A high injury, such as at the base of the neck, will impact more of your body than a lower injury, such as where your spine meets your hips. The severity of the injury will also have an impact. If the spine was completely severed, then it is likely you will lose all motor control; however, if the spine was fractured, but not broken, you may still maintain most functions.

When it comes to spine injuries, there are two main kinds of paralysis you may suffer from:

Paraplegia: This kind of paralysis usually happens due to a spinal injury that was lower down on the spinal cord. The nerves leading to the legs were damaged, meaning that the brain is no longer able to send signals. This causes you to lose all control over your legs, meaning that a wheelchair may be necessary in order to move around. You may also lose control of bowel movements and your urinary tract, meaning that you need special equipment, such as a stoma, to keep yourself clean and healthy.

Quadriplegia/tetraplegia: A spinal injury that results in quadriplegia is usually high up, often in the neck. Damage to the neck can interrupt the nerves before they can reach almost any other part of the body. Essentially, you may lose control over your body completely and may not be able to move your legs, arms, or even breathe on your own. Those suffering from quadriplegia may need round-the-clock care in order to stay as healthy as possible.

What ever kind of paralysis you are suffering from, what ever part of your spine is impacted, you are likely feeling incredibly lost. Paralysis means you must adjust to a completely new way of life. You may need more help than you did previously, you may need special equipment to move around, and you may even need to remodel your home or move to a new home altogether in order to have an easier time moving around it. All of that costs a great deal of money. However, if your paralysis was the direct result of someone else’s action, you may be able to get the financial compensation from a personal injury claim.

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How Spinal Injuries Occur

Despite the spine being incredibly important to the way the body functions, it is just as delicate and vulnerable as any other bone. This means that the spine can be damaged in any number of accidents. Something as seemingly innocent as a slip on a wet floor can have disastrous results if the spine becomes even slightly damaged. Oftentimes, these injuries are caused by someone else’s careless or reckless actions.

Some of the more common forms of negligence that result in spinal problems often include:

In these cases, another party likely holds at least some responsibility for your injury. Whether it is a property owner who didn’t check that their pool was functioning correctly or a grocery store manager who didn’t put down a “wet floor” sign, the person responsible for your accident and injuries can be held liable in a personal injury claim.

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What Kind of Compensation Could I Receive?

In any personal injury case, the goal is to financially compensate the injured party in the most adequate way possible. Of course, in most situations, it is impossible to completely undo the damage that has been done. This is especially true of spinal injuries, which more often than not result in permanent and life-altering damage. However, depending on the severity of the wounds, the nature of the negligence involved, and the extent in which it has affected your family, you could be entitled to significant awards. The following are just some of the potential damages you could be eligible for:

  • Emergency medical transportation and treatment
  • Hospital arrangements and accommodations
  • Long-term rehabilitative services
  • Doctor and specialist care
  • Medical equipment
  • Lost wages

Receiving proper compensation, however, can be an uphill battle. Insurance companies rarely want to give out what you actually deserve, as they care more about their own profits than they do about your wellbeing. Due to that, they will try underhanded tactics to get you to take as low a settlement as possible. Never allow yourself to fall for these tricks. Instead, consult an experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorney who can give you the guidance you need to get the highest settlement possible.

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When Should I Contact a Colorado Springs Spinal Cord Injury Attorney?

When it comes to personal injury claims, the sooner you are able to establish contact with your legal representative, the better. First, this will grant your counsel time in which to build a formidable case against the at-fault party. Second, this prevents the statute of limitations from expiring. In both instances, time is of the essence and can make all the difference. Don't let this opportunity pass you or your family by. Call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. today and get the help you need without delay. Dial (719) 475-2555 or submit your information online and we will be in touch shortly.

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Additional Information

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