Spinal cord injuries can have a devastating impact on the life of victims and those who care for them in Mississippi. A spinal cord injury is often caused by trauma to the spinal cord that causes a fracture or damage to the nerves in the spinal canal. Different types of spinal cord injuries have different outcomes, ranging from total permanent disability to various degrees of motor limitations. The spinal cord is an 18-inch long bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain down the back. These nerves send impulses to and from the brain and the rest of your body. They are protected by the circular bones of the spine, or vertebrae. When you injure your spinal cord, the extent of the damage depends on what level of the spinal cord was affected.
Mississippi Spinal Cord Injuries can cause Serious Injuries
Spinal Cord Injury Types
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury typically results in a loss of movement and sensation below the injured area.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury may allow the patient to retain some ability to move and feel their extremities below the point of injury.
Spinal Cord Injury Accidents In Mississippi
Cervical (C1-C8) Injury: Injury to C1 – C4 result in complete paralysis of arms, body, and legs. If the diaphragm is affected, the patient will not be able to breathe on their own, and will require a ventilator to keep oxygen flowing throughout the body. There are many challenges with quadriplegia, including the lack of bodily control, and the inability to communication without assistance. Many people with injuries to C1-C4 require 24-hour care. Patients with C5-C8 injuries are usually able to speak and breathe on their own, and may have limited abilities to move their arms and hands.
Thoracic (T1-T12) Injury: T-1 through T-5 nerve injuries affect the hands and fingers, upper chest, mid-back, and abdominal muscles. T6 through T-12 injuries affect the abdominal and back muscles, which affect balance and posture.
Lumbar (L1-L5) Injury: L1 – L5 are in the lower back or lumbar area. The nerves in this area control the lower back, abdomen, and buttocks. Injury to this area of the spine causes decreased movement in hips and legs, but does not affect the functionality of the upper body.
Sacral (S1-S5) Injury: S-1 to S-5 are fused together make up the triangle-shaped sacrum, located just above the tailbone, or coccyx. These nerves affect the hips and groin (S1), the thighs (S2), the buttocks (S3), and the perineal area (S4). People with a sacral spinal cord injury may have some loss of function in the hips and legs, but may be able to walk. This injury may also affect the pelvic organs, including the bladder, bowel, and sex organs, meaning there may be bowel or bladder control issues, but again, people with this injury can manage on their own with special equipment.
People with spinal injuries may also suffer from impaired immunity system that leaves the victim more susceptible to infections and diseases. For instance, pneumonia is a leading cause of death among paraplegic persons. Infections from bedsores, caused by sitting or lying in one position too long, are common in those with quadriplegia and paraplegia.
SPINAL CORD INJURY CAUSES
Don’t Become a Victim of the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies aren’t your friends. They’re in business to make money, and they do this by collecting more money than they pay out. It’s in an insurance company’s best interests to avoid paying out on your claim, and sometimes they may try to avoid paying your legitimate spinal cord injury claim. When they do pay, insurance companies try to low-ball you so they can keep more of their money for themselves. Things can get even more complicated if you’re injured in Mississippi.
We Work For You
If you have received a spinal cord injury, don’t put yourself or your family at financial risk – contact the Mississippi spinal cord injury lawyers at Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A. today to learn more about your rights.
Chhabra & Gibbs, P.A.
Aggressive Workers' Comp & Personal Injury Attorneys