California Legal Representation After A Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event for most people. Recovery from an SCI may involve extensive physical therapy as well as occupational therapy and rehabilitation to facilitate adaptation to life with impairment(s). Besides a sudden and drastic lifestyle change, a spinal cord injury typically means high medical costs, extensive time off work and temporary or permanent disability accommodations when the injured person goes home after time in a hospital and/or rehabilitation facility.
At KRA Legal, PC, in Torrance, California, we provide the guidance and support that our clients need after experiencing catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries. We are known for our detailed investigations, our caring ways with clients and, above all, for the results we get for many people whose lives have been turned upside down.
Common Spinal Cord Injuries
To summarize how spinal cord injuries happen, we can look at how an accident happened, such as:
- A car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, golf cart or pedestrian accident
- A fall injury
- A twisting or crush injury, such as when a construction worker gets trapped between large pieces of equipment
We can also talk about the motions that lead to spinal cord injuries, including sudden, severe blunt-force compression (such as in a fall), or twisting or entrapment as in an accident involving heavy machinery, an elevator or a crushed automobile.
Severity Of Spinal Cord Injuries
When the rings of bone around the spine known as vertebra are injured, a sufferer may end up with paraplegia, quadriplegia or a lesser but still devastating loss of function.
Technical terms used to describe spinal cord injuries are cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral injuries. Generally, the higher on the spine that an injury occurs, the more severe the loss of function will be.
Symptoms And Results Of Spinal Cord Injuries And Their Aftermath
Someone with a severe spinal cord injury will typically:
- Be unable to walk right away as well as after time has passed
- Experience numbness
- Experience neurological pain, whether it develops suddenly or over time
- Notice loss of movement and/or bodily functions, such as bladder and bowel control
Even after someone with a spinal cord injury has gone through extensive rehabilitation and gone back home, they often experience secondary difficulties such as urinary tract infections, pain medication management challenges, depression or mood swings, and susceptibility to strokes.
Besides the changes to daily life, someone with a spinal cord injury typically needs durable medical equipment and services such as:
- A power wheelchair
- A Hoyer lift
- A modified van for transportation to and from therapy sessions and otherwise
- Personal care attendant services
- Occupational rehabilitation if there is a chance at retraining for an accessible job
The stresses on a household can seem overwhelming, especially for the first year or two until new routines are incorporated into daily life. At KRA Legal, PC, we involve family members as much as possible while we guide our injured clients through the personal injury claim or lawsuit process.
Get Legal Counsel After Suffering From A Spinal Cord Injury
We are proud of our accomplishments for previous clients who had suffered catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries.
To schedule a free consultation with a spinal cord injury attorney, contact us by email or by phone at 310-774-4260.