Alton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Legal advocacy after paralysis and spinal injuries in Illinois
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic injury to the spinal cord that can result in a loss of sensation, movement, and other bodily functions below the site of the injury. SCIs can be caused by a variety of factors, including falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and acts of violence. When a spinal cord injury happens to you or someone you love because of negligence, the law provides you eligibility for financial compensation.
A successful spinal cord injury claim can provide you and your family crucial financial support for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and other costs. In addition, it can hold the responsible parties accountable and provide justice for those who suffered as a result of their actions. At Glisson Law, our personal injury attorneys have been helping people just like you for more than 25 years. For answers to your questions, schedule a free consultation today.
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is physical trauma affecting the spinal cord, a delicate part of the central nervous system. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body, and an injury can result in a loss of function – including mobility, feeling, or control of other bodily functions.
Spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage and the location of the injury on the spinal cord. They can be caused by a variety of factors. The consequences of a spinal cord injury can be life-changing and may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
The Mayo Clinic notes the more common signs and symptoms of moderate and severe spinal cord injuries, the most common of which include:
- Loss of movement or sensation: The patient may experience a loss of control over their limbs, muscles, or other body functions.
- Numbness or tingling: This can occur in the areas of the body below the level of the injury.
- Pain or stinging sensations: This can occur in the affected area, and may be accompanied by muscle spasms or contractions.
- Muscle weakness or paralysis: The individual may experience a loss of strength in their limbs, which can make it difficult to move or support their own weight.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: The patient may experience an inability to control bladder or bowel movements.
- Sexual dysfunction: This can include a loss of sexual feelings or function.
- Breathing difficulties: The individual may have respiratory issues, which can be due to a loss of control over the muscles used for breathing.
If you suspect you have a spinal cord injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
Good To Know: The lifetime healthcare and living expenses of a spinal cord injury for a patient injured at age 25 is over $5.4 million. [NSCISC]
How do SCIs most commonly happen?
Spinal cord injuries can result from a wide range of accidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents are common causes of SCIs. These types of accidents can result in blunt force trauma or fractures to the spinal column, causing damage to the spinal cord.
- Falls. Falls from heights, such as from a ladder or roof, can result in spinal cord damage. Falls can also occur as a result of slippery surfaces, uneven sidewalks, or other hazardous premises.
- Swimming pool accidents. Diving into shallow water can result in spinal cord damage, particularly if water depth isn’t marked properly or lifeguards aren’t on duty.
- Sports injuries. Certain high-impact sports, such as football, rugby, and cheerleading, can put individuals at risk of SCIs. In some cases, these injuries may be caused by impact with other players or equipment.
- Acts of violence. Gunshots, stabbings, and other acts of violence can result in SCIs. These types of injuries can cause significant damage to the spinal cord and may result in permanent loss of function.
- Medical malpractice. An act of medical negligence can lead to an SCI. Surgical errors, epidural errors, untreated infections, and more can all cause permanent damage to the spinal cord.
The SCI attorneys at Glisson Law can investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine who is liable for your injuries, and then hold them responsible.
What is the prognosis of a spinal cord injury?
The prognosis for an individual with an SCI can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the location of the injury on the spinal cord, and the patient’s age, overall health, and medical history. In general, the prognosis for someone with an SCI depends on whether their injury falls into one of two categories.
- Complete injuries: In complete injuries, the individual has lost all feeling, mobility, and control below the level of the injury. These types of injuries typically result in permanent paralysis.
- Incomplete injuries: In incomplete injuries, the individual retains some degree of function below the level of the injury. These types of injuries may result in partial paralysis, but the individual may regain some movement or feeling over time.
It is important to note that the prognosis for an individual with an SCI can also be influenced by factors such as access to quality medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive technology. With proper care and rehabilitation, many individuals with SCIs are able to lead productive and fulfilling lives. However, it is important for individuals with SCIs and their families to understand that recovery can be a long and challenging process, and that the prognosis can vary greatly from person to person.
This is why it’s so important to secure proper financial compensation for your injury – to ensure you have the resources and the means to live with your injury as best you can.
What’s the value of my Alton spinal cord injury claim?
The value of a spinal cord injury (SCI) case can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the individual's age, overall health, and medical history, and the extent of the individual's future medical expenses and lost wages. In general, the value of an SCI case will be based on the extent of the individual's damages, which can include the following:
- Medical expenses. Your past, current, and future medical expenses, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost wages. If you can’t return to work as a result of your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. You also may be entitled to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages resulting from your SCI.
Our experienced spinal cord injury attorneys will evaluate the potential value of your case, taking into account all of the relevant factors, and fight for everything to which you’re entitled.
Do you have a spinal cord injury lawyer near me?
Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re a block away from City Hall, and you can find plenty of parking across the street. There’s also a bus stop right outside our office. Glisson Law conducts phone and video conferences when applicable, and makes home and hospital visits if you cannot travel to us.
Spinal cord injury lawyers serving Alton and beyond
If you or a loved one has suffered an SCI as a result of an accident, it is important to understand your rights and to seek the help of an experienced spinal cord injury attorney. At Glisson Law, we can help you navigate the often-complex legal system and can help you pursue the compensation that you deserve for your losses. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices or fill out our contact form today. We serve individuals and families throughout Belleville, Edwardsville, St. Clair and Madison County, and all of Southwestern Illinois.