The spinal cord is a long network of nerves protected by the vertebrae of the backbone. It serves as a kind of highway for electrochemical messages, allowing the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, a variety of bodily functions can be interrupted, sometimes permanently. Sadly, almost a quarter-million spinal cord injuries happen every year in the US.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial and physiological losses. For knowledgeable advice and effective legal representation, call Your Iowa Lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. at (515) 705-0233.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Damage
The lasting effects of a spinal cord injury will depend on two basic factors: the extent of damage done and its location along the spine. Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete (the cord is completely severed) or incomplete (the nerves are only bruised or partially torn). Complete injuries are associated with a full loss of sensation and functioning, while incomplete injuries are less severe.
As for location, the spine’s vertebrae are numbered and divided into different categories. Damage in each category is associated with different symptoms, as outlined below:
- Cervical (neck): Paralysis below the neck, which may interfere with basic bodily functions
- Thoracic (roughly, the abdomen): Impaired arm function, loss of abdominal muscle control
- Lumbar/Sacral (the waist and tailbone): Paralysis below the waist, loss of bowel and bladder control
People living with such injuries may require life-long therapy and assistance. Our Iowa spinal cord injury attorneys work hard to help victims of such injuries win the compensation they need to cover these expenses.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a preventable spinal cord injury, the law office of LaMarca Law Group, P.C. can help you seek justice. Contact our Iowa spinal cord injury lawyers at (515) 705-0233.
