Atlanta Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Suffered a Spine Injury in Atlanta, GA?
A spinal cord injury can be a life-altering event, causing long-lasting physical and emotional effects. These injuries often occur as a result of accidents such as car crashes, slip and falls, workplace accidents, and medical malpractice. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can lead to partial or complete loss of motor and sensory functions below the injury site, which can result in paralysis, chronic pain, and a reduced quality of life.
At Cunningham Bounds, we understand the serious nature of these injuries and are committed to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation needed to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and other associated expenses.
Call (404) 609-1081 or fill out our online contact form today to request a free consultation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious medical condition that occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, which is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain down the back. The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, allowing for the control of movement and the perception of sensations. When the spinal cord is injured, it can lead to a range of physical and neurological impairments, which can vary in severity depending on the location and extent of the injury.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injury
Common types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In incomplete SCI, some of the nerve fibers within the spinal cord remain intact, and there may be some degree of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. The severity of impairment can vary widely, from mild weakness or loss of sensation to more significant deficits.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: In a complete SCI, there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This means that no signals can pass through the damaged area of the spinal cord. Complete injuries are often associated with paralysis or loss of sensation in affected body parts.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of SCI occurs when the injury affects the cervical region of the spinal cord (neck area). It typically results in partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs and may also impact the torso, depending on the level and severity of the injury.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia occurs when the spinal cord injury is located in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spine (below the neck). It leads to partial or complete paralysis of the lower limbs and may affect bowel and bladder control.
- Spinal Cord Contusion: This type of injury involves a bruise or swelling of the spinal cord due to a traumatic impact. Contusions can be incomplete or complete and may result in various degrees of impairment.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Compression injuries happen when there is pressure on the spinal cord, often caused by conditions like herniated discs, tumors, or spinal stenosis. These injuries can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
- Penetrating Spinal Cord Injury: This occurs when an object, such as a bullet or knife, penetrates the spinal cord, causing damage. The extent of the injury depends on the location and severity of the penetration.
- Central Cord Syndrome: This type of SCI is characterized by damage to the central part of the spinal cord, often affecting the cervical region. It can result in varying degrees of weakness and sensory loss, typically with more impairment in the arms than the legs.