Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries can result from a range of traumas including car accidents, sports injuries, and slip and fall injuries. The spinal cord serves as a communications system between the brain and the body. The spine is made up of protective vertebrae that run the length of one's spinal cord. In between each vertebra is an intervertebral disk.

These disks act as shock absorbers to protect vertebrae from contact with one another and provide passage for nerves and nerve impulses to travel from the body, through the spinal canal and to the brain for interpretation. When a sudden blow or trauma occurs to the spine, the ability to transmit nerve impulses to and from the brain is impacted.

Spinal cord injuries can be either complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury is when there is no functioning or feeling below the level of injury or trauma. These severe cases include paraplegia and quadriplegia. Paraplegia can result from an injury or trauma to the thoracic (mid) or lumbar (lower) spine and result in impairment in motor skills and sensory functioning of the lower extremities.

Quadriplegia results from an injury in the cervical (upper) spine, or neck, and paralysis affects all four limbs. This can also be known as tetraplegia. An incomplete spinal cord injury is when there is some sensation or motor control of the body below the level of injury. The majority of injuries to the spine are partial or incomplete spinal cord injuries. However, the resulting symptoms may vary dramatically in each person.

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms

• Impairment of the limbs
• Loss or partial loss of bladder/bowel control functioning
• Sexual dysfunction
• Digestion dysfunction
• Respiratory difficulties
• Heart rate and blood pressure regulation issues
• Muscle atrophy
• Osteoporosis
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Chronic pain

Medical expenses and loss of income can be burdensome for spinal cord injury patients. If you or a family member has suffered a life impacting spinal cord injury in Kentucky as the result of an auto accident or the recklessness or negligence of another person, you may be eligible for compensation and monetary damages. A Kentucky attorney can assist you in navigating your way through the legal process so that you can spend your time and energy on your health. Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC, would like to discuss your case with you and help you through this difficult time.

Contact a Kentucky spinal cord injury lawyer to schedule a free consultation.