Spinal Cord Injury
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, the significance of the injury to the spinal cord depends on many factors. If you were injured in the “cervical” vertebrae—the 7 vertebrae at the top of the spinal cord—you could be paralyzed from the point of injury downward.
A person whose spinal cord is severed or compressed at the cervical level is known as a “quadriplegic.” If the break is at the third cervical vertebrae (C-3) or higher, the victim will usually require artificial means of breathing for the rest of his or her life. If the break is at the C-4 level or below, the person will be able to breathe on his or her own. If the break is at C-7 (the lowest of the cervical vertebrae), the injured victim is considered to be functionally independent, even though he or she cannot fully move his or her fingers.
Below the seven cervical vertebrae are the 12 “thoracic” vertebrae and five “lumbar” vertebrae. A spinal cord injury at a thoracic or lumbar vertebrae results in paralysis below the point of injury. A person who is paralyzed from the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae down is known as a paraplegic.
Spinal cord injury at any level of the spinal cord is a devastating injury having a major impact on the person’s physical abilities and enjoyment of life. The victim of a spinal cord injury must also face the increased risk of developing bedsores (decubitus ulcers) that can become infected and life threatening. Spinal cord injury victims—especially quadriplegics—are also at increased risk of developing pneumonia, which can be fatal.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Chicago. We understand the complexities of spinal cord injuries and their associated problems. Let us help you or your loved one get the maximum monetary compensation you are entitled to. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our office at 1-312-384-1920 or 1-800-693-1LAW.
