Spinal Cord Injuries
Kansas City Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Serious Back Injury Lawyers in Missouri, Kansas & Arkansas
At The Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., we understand the devastating impact a spinal cord injury can have on your life. It’s not just about the physical trauma; it’s also about the emotional toll and financial burden that often accompanies such life-changing injuries. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive legal representation for locals who have suffered spinal cord injuries in Kansas City. With a strong track record in handling catastrophic injury claims, our trial lawyers are familiar with all aspects of the legal process, from pre-trial preparations to courtroom procedures and civil trials. We are here to diligently represent your interests and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Talk to our spinal cord injury lawyers, who can help clients in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and beyond. Just call 816-708-0524 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, which is the bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down through the back. This injury can disrupt the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body, potentially resulting in loss of function, sensation, or movement below the level of the injury.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
This type of injury results in a total loss of all sensation and function below the injury site. There is no remaining function below the level of injury.
With this type, some sensation or movement below the injury site remains. The degree of function can vary widely, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
This is when the injury affects the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, leading to partial or total loss of function in the arms, legs, and torso.
This occurs when the injury affects the thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) regions of the spinal cord. It typically results in loss of function in the legs and lower body, while the arms and upper body are usually unaffected.
This type of incomplete injury affects the center of the spinal cord, usually resulting in more severe loss of function in the arms than the legs, with some preservation of sensation and function in the legs.
This occurs when there is damage to one side of the spinal cord, leading to loss of motor function and proprioception (sense of body position) on one side of the body, and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.
This results from damage to the front part of the spinal cord, leading to loss of motor function and pain/temperature sensation below the level of injury, while preserving touch and proprioception.
This is rare and affects the back part of the spinal cord, leading to loss of proprioception and vibration sense, but generally preserving motor function and pain/temperature sensation.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is an integral part of the body’s central nervous system. It is a bundle of nerves that runs the length of the spine and is susceptible to permanent damage because nerves are slow to heal. A spinal cord injury can have serious, life-altering consequences, affecting motor skills, sensation, and bodily functions, regardless of how it happened.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries Include
- Car Accidents: High-speed collisions or even minor car accidents can result in significant trauma to the spinal cord. The force of the impact can cause fracture, dislocation, compression, or contusion of the spinal cord.
- Truck Accidents: Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often lead to severe injuries. Spinal cord damage is common, especially in cases where a smaller vehicle is involved.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Unexpected falls, particularly for older adults, can lead to spinal cord injuries. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or improper footwear can cause someone to slip and fall, leading to potential trauma to the spine.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgical procedures, incorrect administration of epidural injections, or failure to diagnose and treat spinal conditions can result in spinal cord injuries.
Consequences of Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord damage can lead to long-term hardships and disabilities. The extent of these changes often depends on the severity of the injury and its location on the spinal cord. Even partial or temporary paralysis can be devastating, causing loss of movement, sensation, and control in parts of the body, resulting in a loss of mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. If the paralysis is permanent, the consequences will be even more life-changing.
Can Spinal Cord Injuries Be Treated?
Treatment options for spinal cord injuries exist, but it’s important to understand that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary significantly from patient to patient, depending on factors such as the severity and location of the injury. Physical therapy is often a key component of spinal cord injury treatment. It can help patients maintain and improve their physical strength, promote function and mobility, and achieve greater independence in daily activities. Techniques used in physical therapy may include exercises for strengthening and stretching, balance and coordination training, and mobility aid training. Surgery is also used to correct spinal cord damage, especially in cases where the injury is caused by pressure on the spinal cord or where stabilization of the spine is needed. Surgical intervention can help to prevent further damage, alleviate pain, and in some cases, restore some degree of function. It’s important to remember that while physical therapy and surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they typically cannot “cure” a spinal cord injury. The aim is primarily to help people adapt to life with their injuries and maximize day-to-day comfort. For more information about spinal cord injury treatments, you should speak with your medical provider.
Compensation for Lifelong Medical Treatments
Spinal cord injuries often result in high-value claims due to the severity of the injury and the extensive medical costs, long-term care needs, and life-altering consequences associated with it. As a result, defendants and their insurance companies have more incentive to dispute these claims, making the legal battle potentially more challenging for the injured claimant. The types of damages that can be owed to a spinal cord injury claimant include:
Initial medical treatment costs could include immediate medical costs following the accident such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and medical equipment.
Spinal cord injuries often require ongoing care and rehabilitation, such as future surgeries, regular doctor's appointments, physical therapy sessions, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation.
If the injury causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time.
If the spinal cord damage results in long-term or permanent disability that limits your ability to work or reduces your earning potential, you might be able to claim compensation for this type of income loss, too.
This non-economic compensation relates to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by such a life-changing injury. It can also include compensation for loss of enjoyment of life due to new limitations to freedom and mobility.
Call Today for Professional Legal Help
Seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury claim can be a complex and challenging process. It is crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced advocate on your side. Our Kansas City spinal cord injury attorneys are proud to offer you the services of a reputable local team that is always ready to fight for your rights. Let us fight for your rights and progress your case toward the compensation you deserve.
For information about starting a spinal cord injury claim, dial 816-708-0524 at any time.