South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Over 12,500 spinal cord injuries occur in the U.S. every year, which can cause lifelong pain and disability for the victims. Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, with falls being the second leading cause. Motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents are also among the top causes, along with diving injuries, medical and surgical complications, pedestrian injuries, falling objects, and extreme sports.
Florida is number one in the country for fabulous attractions, water sports, and other pastimes, some of which can lead to injuries. Unfortunately, we also lead the country in car accidents, primarily because we have so many visitors to our Sunshine State who may not know the area or may be distracted as they look for their destination.
If you have been injured in Florida, seek medical help immediately. If you believe the injury was due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before making a statement to any insurer or signing any agreements. As a native Floridian and experienced personal injury attorney, I am committed to helping injured people receive fair compensation for all they have suffered due to the negligence of others.
About the spine
The spine not only holds your skeleton together, but it also houses and protects the nerves that run through your body and to every extremity. Any injury to your spine can cause unexpected complications elsewhere in your body.
The parts of the spine include:
- Cervical region – the upper-most portion where the brain connects to the spine and the neck connects to the back
- Thoracic region – the middle of the back, where the ribcage is attached
- Lumbar region – where the spine bends inward and allows you the most range of movement; essentially, your waist
- Sacral region – the triangular region at the base of the spine where the nerve roots anchor
About spinal injuries
A back injury is never minor. Every part of your spine is critical for your overall health. A complete spinal injury is one that severs the spine’s ability to send the brain’s signals to parts of the body, resulting in paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. Incomplete spinal injuries damage the spine and limit the brain’s transmission of signals. Other back injuries could include muscle injuries and fractures that do not affect the brain’s signals but may be a source of great pain.
The severity of an incomplete spinal injury can vary widely, and symptoms may not present immediately. If you’ve been in an accident of any kind, you should be examined by several doctors who understand accident injuries. Watch for possible signs of spinal injury, which could include:
- Chronic pain, stabbing pain, or any unexplained pain anywhere in the body
- Weakness or decrease in range of movement or function in extremities or any part of the body
- Tingling or numbness anywhere in the body
- Difficulty breathing
- Change in bladder or bowel function
- Headaches/migraines
- Stiff neck/whiplash
- Difficulty in coordination or balance
Secondary complications to complete or incomplete spinal injury, which may develop over time, may include:
- Pressure ulcers (bed sores)
- Muscle spasms
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections/pneumonia
- Chronic pain
- Blood clots
- Sexual dysfunction/infertility
- Loss of muscle tone
- Heart attack/stroke
- Depression/mental health issues
- Obesity
Get help
Do not hesitate to seek medical help right away after an accident, especially if you experience any of the symptoms listed. However, your symptoms may not appear right away, so visiting an experienced medical practitioner is important regardless.
If you are experiencing a new health issue, tell your doctor about your accident. If the doctor casually replies that there is no connection, find another doctor. Because the spine is so critical, back injury can theoretically be connected to almost any health problem and should be investigated as a possible cause.
In the meantime, talk to a personal injury lawyer in order to begin collecting the right documentation for your case. Memories fade and eyewitnesses forget. Time is of the essence. If you are in Florida, reach out to me at (954) 448-7288 to begin helping you collect evidence and build your case. If your injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for your pain and any long-term rehabilitation costs associated with spinal injury.
Every case I take on becomes personal to me, as if one of my own friends or loved ones had been injured. I work vigorously to uncover every possible expense or complication for my clients to help them get the maximum settlement for their injuries. I’m not afraid to go to court if necessary, and I have a track record of winning significant awards. Contact me today, 24/7, to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.