Back injuries are a common result of car crashes, falls, and other accidents. They are also among the most painful kind of injury. In the worst cases, the damage is done to the spinal cord, the collection of nerves that allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent damage to the body’s nervous system, potentially creating lifelong disabilities.
When spinal cord injuries are caused by one party’s reckless or malicious behavior, victims can be eligible for compensation for their losses. To learn more about the legal process, including types of damages that may be awarded, call the Des Moines personal injury lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. at (515) 705-0233.
Aftereffects of an Injury
The kinds of symptoms caused by spinal cord injury will depend on the location and severity of the harm done. Some of these injuries are partial, meaning that the patient may retain some function or sensation in the affected areas. Others are complete, meaning that function and sensation may be fully lost.
Doctors divide the spine into three basic areas. Damage to each one can cause different kinds of problems for patients. A brief outline is provided below.
- Cervical vertebrae. These vertebrae are at the very top of the spine. When the spinal cord is damaged here, the patient may become quadriplegic and even require a ventilator to breathe. Damage in the lower area of this region can impair the functioning of the arms and hands.
- Thoracic vertebrae. These are located from the top of the ribcage to the general area of the waist. Injury to this part of the spinal cord can affect the function of the legs and abdominal muscles.
- Lumbar and sacral vertebrae. These are at the base of the spine, below the waist. When the spinal cord is injured here, the person may lose some or all control of his or her legs, bladder, and bowels.
Victims of injuries like these can sometimes win compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and more. Our Des Moines spinal cord injury attorneys can explain how.
Contact Us
The Des Moines spinal damage lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. will use our legal knowledge and experience to fight for you. Contact us at (515) 705-0233.
