Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are defined as types of injuriesresulting from damage sustained by any of the anatomical components of the spinal cord, including the spinal cord, vertebrae, spinal column, spinal nerves, or intervertebral disks. There is a common misconception that the spinal cord and the back are analogous; however, this is untrue – while the human back consists of bones and skeletal structures, the spinal cord is comprised of a multitude of components ranging from complex neurological structures, nerve bundles, and delicate muscular-skeletal systems.

The Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

A human spinal cord is comprised of cells, nerves, tissue, and vertebral disks. The spinal cord and the human brain exist in concert, forming the human nervous system. Neural circuitry housed in the spinal column – the casing of the spinal cord - is primarily responsible for the direction of motor movement, sensation, and fundamental commands that take place in and by the human body.

Types of Spinal Cord Injury

A Spinal cord injurycan be amongst the most mentally, emotionally, and physical excruciatingtypes of injury that can befall a human being. The construct of the spinal cord exists in a highly-delicate fashion, allowingfor the prospect of vulnerability. The following are the two primary types of spinal cord injury:
1.    Degenerative spinal cord injuriesare defined as neurological diseases, deficiencies, and syndromesthat are contributory to a variety of injury and in certain cases - death. Examples of degenerative spinal cord injury include Meningitis, Polio, Muscular Dystrophy, and Muscular Atrophy
2.    Spinal Cord injury resulting from physical trauma can have similar results shared by degenerative spinal cord injuries, yet liability is typically easier to determine in these cases. Physical spinal cord injuries can result in spasms, paralysis, the detriment and degradation of motor skills, muscle memory, quadriplegia, compromised quality of life, medical bills, and in certain cases – death.

Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

The procedures utilized to files claims with regard to spinal cord injury, which include the determination of liability and establish faultdiffer on a case by case basis:
•    Medical recourse taking place within the treatment of spinal cord injuries can include months – and sometimes a lifetime – of therapy and medical care necessary to ensure the survival and stasis of the victim.
•    The satisfaction of all required documentation prior to filing a spinal cord injuryclaim should be completed to the fullest extent - in a detailed fashion. In the event that an individual experiences difficulty understanding the circumstances and procedures involved, they are encouraged to consult an attorney specializing in personal injury, accidents, liability, recovery, and insurance.
•    Although there have been momentous advances in spinal cord research, there still exist complexities due to spinal cord injuries that modern science has yet to master. As a result, the determination of fault and liability, as well as the recovery process can be a complex one.