Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers | Truitt Law Offices Blog

An estimated 11,000 individuals suffer from a spinal cord injury every year. Automobile accidents account for over 40% of all spinal cord injuries, followed closely by falls, gunshots, and diving accidents. Sports related accidents account for a number of injuries each year as well. 53% of injuries occur in people aged 16 to 31, a group young enough to suffer the long term impacts of spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries can negatively impact your quality of life; almost certainly in the immediate aftermath, but often for years to come as well. Medical costs associated with the initial treatment and long term rehabilitation is never inexpensive, and the result of these costs can be devastating. In addition, symptoms that include loss of basic motor function or even breathing on your own can permanently impair your ability to enjoy their life.

An experienced lawyer, one with sufficient expertise and a proven record in dealing with spinal cord injuries, is incredibly important to have in your corner. Insurance companies, workers compensation, and liability companies do best when they remain unchallenged; but your quality of life depends on your ability to obtain a settlement that covers your continued medical expenses, and provides you with the peace of mind that you can provide for yourself and your family.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the experienced, professional lawyers at Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

The symptoms of spinal cord injuries depend on the location and severity of the injury. An injury to your cervical or upper thoracic area may result in loss of functionality in arms, neck, head, and breathing muscles. Injuries to the lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral area can result in loss of functionality in the abdomen, legs, genitals, bowel, and bladder. The severity of the symptoms will rely on how much damage has been done. For example, if your spine is only partially injured, your spine will still be able to transmit some messages to your brain, a function completely disrupted by complete injury will result in the message never being received.

Typical symptoms of all types of spinal injuries include:

• Pain
• Loss of sensation
• Limited or impaired movement
• Difficulty breathing, or painful breathing
• Decreased sexual functionality
• Decreases in bowel and bladder control

Again, the symptoms are reliant on the location and severity of the injury, but all spinal cord injuries will result in one or more of these symptoms to varying degrees.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe you are suffering from spinal cord injury, no matter the severity, please contact your physician immediately for a physical examination to determine if treatment is necessary.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.