Mobile Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Representation Backed by Decades of Experience

Spinal cord injury victims face many costs. Not only must they undergo surgery, rehabilitation and other medical treatments, they often need wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Sometimes people have to renovate their homes or modify their vehicle in order to accommodate these devices. Even if someone has insurance, it may not be enough, particularly if their insurance company challenges a doctor’s decision about what the victim needs.

For this reason, it’s important to enlist the help of a dedicated personal injury firm. At Cunningham Bounds, our top-rated Alabama spinal cord injury lawyers can fight for the compensation you need in order to cover expenses incurred by your injuries. We work so that you can move forward from your injury-causing incident with confidence, knowing that our firm has your best interests in mind. Since 1958, we have handled cases for thousands of clients and recovered billions on their behalf.

Call (251) 299-0101 today. Cunningham Bounds offers free case evaluations.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, disrupting its ability to transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body. These injuries can result in temporary or permanent changes in sensation, strength, and other bodily functions below the site of the injury. SCI can be caused by various factors, including trauma (such as accidents or falls), disease, or degeneration.

There are two main types of spinal cord injury:

Complete SCI: In a complete SCI, there is a total loss of sensation and muscle function below the level of the injury. This means that the individual has no feeling or voluntary movement in the affected areas. Complete SCI often results in paralysis of the body below the injury site.
Incomplete SCI: In an incomplete SCI, some function and sensation remain below the level of the injury. The extent of impairment can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. Incomplete SCI can result in partial paralysis or other impairments, such as difficulty with movement or sensation.

Within these two main categories, spinal cord injuries can be further classified based on the specific location and severity of the damage.

Some common types of SCI include:

Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): This type of injury affects the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of all four limbs and typically affecting the torso as well.
Paraplegia: Paraplegia involves an injury to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral region of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of the lower half of the body, including the legs.
Brown-Sequard Syndrome: This is a type of incomplete SCI characterized by damage to one side of the spinal cord, leading to weakness or paralysis on that side of the body and loss of sensation on the opposite side.
Central Cord Syndrome: This type of injury typically affects the cervical region of the spinal cord and often results in greater weakness and impairment in the arms compared to the legs.
Anterior Cord Syndrome: Anterior cord syndrome occurs when the front portion of the spinal cord is damaged, leading to loss of motor function, pain, and temperature sensation below the level of injury while preserving some sensation of touch, position, and vibration.
Posterior Cord Syndrome: This is a rare type of SCI characterized by damage to the back portion of the spinal cord, resulting in impaired sensation of touch, position, and vibration while preserving motor function and pain sensation.

Top Spinal Cord Injury Causes

According to a report by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are an estimated 288,000 people in the United States currently living with a spinal cord injury or SCI – and this number does not include those who die at the location where their spinal cord injury occurred. There are also about 17,700 new cases every year.

Caused when any part of the spine or nerves along the spinal canal becomes damaged, spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating physical injuries anyone can suffer, causing loss of body function and leaving victims permanently reliant on life-long care. Due to their effect on the body’s central nervous system, these injuries can turn a healthy individual into someone who requires constant assistance with even the most basic activities of daily living.

Spinal cord injuries are commonly caused by the following, and more:

Spinal Cord Injury Complications

Depending on the severity of the spinal cord injury, victims may suffer from either temporary or permanent paralysis. The extent of the paralysis will also depend on the location of the spinal cord injury on the spinal column. As we mentioned earlier, when an SCI is considered “complete,” nearly all motor and sensory functions in the affected area will be lost. However, “incomplete” paralysis may allow for some limited bodily functions.

Spinal cord injuries are also associated with the following symptoms and complications:

Poor reflexes and muscle spasms
Reduced mobility and flexibility
Pain and nerve damage
Loss of bladder and bowel control
Loss of sensation
Sexual dysfunction and loss of fertility

In the past, a spinal cord injury almost always meant lifelong paralysis and other serious complications. Thanks to recent advances in medical research and technology, it is possible for certain kinds of SCIs and paralysis to improve with physical therapy and ongoing medical assistance. Because these injuries require significant resources to treat, it’s vital to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer if you believe negligence played a role in your SCI.

Recovery Process of a Spinal Cord Injury

The recovery process from a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can be complex and challenging, involving various stages and multidisciplinary interventions. The specific recovery trajectory can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity and level of the injury, the individual's overall health, access to medical care, and personal factors such as motivation and support network.

Here is an overview of the general stages and components of the recovery process:

Acute Care Phase: Immediately following a traumatic SCI, the focus is on stabilizing the individual's condition, preventing further injury, and addressing any life-threatening complications. This typically occurs in the acute care setting, such as an emergency department or trauma center. Medical interventions may include immobilization of the spine, surgical procedures to decompress the spinal cord or stabilize the spine, and management of respiratory function, blood pressure, and other vital signs.
Rehabilitation Phase: Once the individual's condition has stabilized, they typically transition to a rehabilitation facility specializing in spinal cord injury care. The rehabilitation phase focuses on maximizing functional independence, improving mobility, managing complications, and enhancing overall quality of life. Rehabilitation programs are highly individualized and may include a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other interventions tailored to the specific needs and goals of the individual.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, helping individuals with SCI to regain strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Therapeutic exercises, gait training, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs or walkers may be used to promote mobility and independence. Physical therapists also work on preventing secondary complications such as muscle atrophy, contractures, and pressure ulcers.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals with SCI develop the skills and strategies needed to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently and safely. This may include training in self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating, as well as adaptations and assistive devices to overcome physical limitations and environmental barriers.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): FES is a rehabilitation technique that uses electrical stimulation to activate paralyzed muscles and improve functional movement. FES can be used to facilitate muscle contractions, improve circulation, prevent muscle atrophy, and enhance mobility in individuals with SCI.
Psychological and Emotional Support: Coping with the physical, emotional, and social challenges of SCI can be overwhelming, and psychological support is an essential component of the recovery process. Counseling, psychotherapy, and support groups can help individuals and their families adjust to life with SCI, cope with grief and loss, manage stress and anxiety, and develop resilience and coping skills.
Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment: Assistive devices and technologies play a crucial role in enhancing independence and quality of life for individuals with SCI. This may include mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches; adaptive equipment for activities of daily living; communication devices; and environmental modifications to promote accessibility and safety.
Community Reintegration and Long-Term Management: As individuals with SCI progress through the recovery process, the focus shifts toward community reintegration and long-term management of the condition. This may involve vocational rehabilitation, education and training programs, social support services, and ongoing medical care to monitor for complications, manage secondary health issues, and optimize overall health and well-being.
Lifelong Adaptation and Adjustment: Living with SCI often requires ongoing adaptation, adjustment, and self-management to navigate the physical, emotional, and social challenges associated with the injury. This may involve learning new skills, finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles, advocating for one's needs, and seeking support from healthcare providers, family members, and peers within the SCI community.

Pursue Compensation with an Award-Winning Alabama Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is crucial that you work with a personal injury lawyer who is experienced, tough and determined to see things through. Your quality of life and your family’s quality of life depend on it. Begin a free case evaluation with our firm to determine your legal options. We have the knowledge and experience you need to hold the parties responsible for your injuries accountable for their negligent actions.

Contact Cunningham Bounds. We're here to discuss your legal options.

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