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Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent paralysis or death. The majority of spinal cord injuries originate with an auto accident, but some are actually caused by medical malpractice. Quick detection and treatment can often prevent permanent nerve damage and facilitate recovery. Medical negligence can led to permanent disability or death from spinal cord injury, even if the initial injury is caused by something else.
Results of spinal cord injuries
The spinal cord contains the nerves that carry information and signals between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury impairs or completely cuts off this communication.
Depending on what part of the spinal cord is injured and how severe the damage is, a spinal cord injury can cause the loss of use of part of your body, loss of sensation, or even death. Spinal cord injuries can cause:
- Paralysis
- Quadriplegia
- Paraplegia
- Loss of sensation and reflex
- Loss of autonomic functions such as breathing, bowel control, and bladder control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pain
- Hypersensitivity to stimuli
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness poor coordination
- Death
People with spinal cord injuries are also more likely to develop secondary conditions including:
- Bladder infections
- Lung infections
- Bed sores
Types and Causes
While we typically associate spinal cord injuries with accidents, they can also be caused by medical conditions or medical procedures. Causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Trauma
- Herniated disk
- Spinal stenosis
- Spina bifida
- Infections
- Epidural mistake
- Surgical error
- Screws placed improperly in the spine
- Continuous spinal anesthesia
- Spinal tap
Types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Contusion
- Compression
- Lacerations
- Central cord syndrome
How Spinal Injuries are Detected
Injuries to the vertebrae, the bones in the back, can be detected by X-ray, but spinal cord injuries are soft tissue injuries and do not show up on X-rays. A CT (computerized tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or myelogram is necessary to detect a spinal cord injury and should be used if there is any possibility that the spinal cord may be injured. Immediate stabilization and treatment is necessary to minimize damage and prevent permanent disability or death. Emergency treatment can include the use of corticosteroid drugs and/or surgery.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania, please contact the experienced spinal cord injury attorneys at Pomerantz Perlberger & Lewis today to schedule your initial consultation.
