Motor vehicle accidents can result injuries to the neck and spine, which can be very serious and long-lasting. From fractured vertebrae and herniated discs to more severe spinal cord injuries that may lead to paralysis, injuries sustained in an accident can change someone’s life in a second.
While some injuries to the neck and spine may be helped through surgery or other treatments, the damage to the spinal cord are often irreversible, and can affect many other areas of the body depending on where ether injury occurred.
- Damage to the spinal cord at the cervical vertebrae (C1 to C7) located in the neck can result in quadriplegia, where a victim is unable to control movement below the neck and in some cases may no longer be able to breath independently.
- Thoracic (T1 through T12 vertebrae) spinal cord injuries are located in the chest and rib cage area can result in paralysis to the legs and lower body called paraplegia.
- Injuries to the lower back or lumbar area (L1 to L5 vertebrae) can are result in loss of function to the lower limbs as well as an inability to control bladder and bowel function.
- The sacral vertebrae is the lowest level of the spine (S1 to S5) and can also involve the bowel and bladder as well as loss or reduced function of the groan, hips and legs.
Individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries often require expensive long term medical care and some may not be able to return to work in the same capacity as they were able to prior to the injury. It is important to seek experienced legal representation to ensure that you or a family member is fully compensated for damages that may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and more. We are not a high-volume settlement practice. We have taken hundreds of cases to trial, demonstrating a commitment to working assiduously to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients and we welcome the opportunity to be able to serve you. Contact McDonald & Woodward, P.C. at 563-355-6478 to schedule your consultation.