Spinal Cord, Neck Injuries, and Paralysis Attorneys Mercer and Middlesex County NJ
Personal Injury Attorneys helping clients with spinal cord related injuries in Trenton and Bensalem
The brain sends signals to the body through the spinal cord. The cord is made up of nerves that transmit signals to and from the body that impact motor, sensory, and reflexes. When the connection between the bran and the spinal works properly, we can move properly, our speech is normal, and our reflexes appropriately react to heat, cold, pain or danger. When there is damage to the communication between the brain and the cord, the intended signals do not reach the body as expected. Different parts of our bodies may be impacted depending on the location and the severity of the injury. Spinal cord and neck injuries can be caused by accidents or illnesses and in some cases, someone else can be held legally responsible for your losses. While there is no amount of compensation that can make up for such devastating injuries, the responsible party should still be held accountable.
What happens when a person suffers from a neck, spinal cord injury, or paralysis?
The diagram below helps illustrate the spinal column, which is made up of different sections of the vertebrae. Vertebrae are bones that protect the spinal cord as it runs from the head to the coccyx bone. They look like connected puzzle pieces running down the back and are broken into different sections: 7 cervical vertebrae which make up the neck, 12 thoracic that encompass the trunk, 5 in the lumbar region which make up the lower back, 5 sacral vertebrae located in the pelvic area and lastly, 4 fused vertebrae in the coccyx region.
Types of Spinal Chord and Neck Injuries
The following explains spinal injuries and locations.
Cervical: The most severe spinal cord injuries occur when there is damage to the cervical vertebrae C1-C4. Paralysis of the arms, legs, and trunk occurs when the nerves are so damaged that the brain cannot successfully transmit signals as it relates to the movement of the limbs. In some circumstances, the paralysis impacts breathing and bowl movements. A person suffering from this type of spinal cord injury will likely need assistance for daily living, and living on their own may be impossible.
In C5 through C8, injuries impact the arms, shoulders, hands, and wrists. Depending on the location, the person may be able to move their arms but may not be able to grasp things or their grasp could be weak.
Thoracic T1-T5 injuries usually impact a person’s leg movements. Paralysis in the legs will occur but the injured party still has the ability to move their arms. T6-T12 injuries are similar and involve the trunk area, resulting in paraplegia. There can still be good control over the arms and upper body but the lower body does not function properly.
Lumbar region: An injury to the nerves in this area will impact the hips and legs. Often there will be no control over bladder or bowel movements. The legs may be weak and the person may need the use of a wheelchair or leg braces.
Sacral region: Any serious injury to this area will cause damage to the hips and legs. A person will be able to walk but will lose some function of the legs and hips. It is also likely that there will be no control over the bladder and bowels.
Causes for neck and spinal cord injuries
Accidents and injuries happen every day. For example, car accidents are common causes of neck and spinal injuries. Cars and trucks weigh thousands of pounds and any collision can cause serious damage.
Other common causes of spinal injuries include:
Work-place accidents- Falls
- Sports, such as football
- Swimming/diving accidents
- Violence-physical altercations
Sometimes, these injuries are caused by another person. For instance, if the other driver was at fault for causing a car accident, he or she will be responsible for losses incurred as a result of these injuries. If you have suffered a spinal cord or neck injury involving negligence by another party, contact our firm for a free consultation.
Contact a Mercer and Middlesex County Spinal Chord or Neck Injury Lawyer
Our legal team at The Law Office of Cohen & Riechelson will seek fair compensation by putting together a case to take to court. Our experienced understanding of state law and good results in litigation will ensure you will receive the right financial compensation you need to recover your medical expenses, associated costs, and eventually future payments due to your severe injury.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. Let CR put the experience and access to resources at your service to dream of a brighter future despite the circumstances. We receive no payment for our legal services until after we have successfully resolved your case through a negotiated out-of-court settlement or in a jury trial award.
Call CR at (609) 528-2596, check our online form to speak with a member of our legal team who can begin helping you immediately or visit us in our Hamilton Office at 3500 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 203, Hamilton, NJ 08619.
