St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain past the waist. Made up of long nerve fibers, the spinal cord carries messages to and from the brain. When the spinal cord is injured, a person may experience complete or partial paralysis or other problems.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States are:
- Motor vehicle accidents - Almost half of all new spinal cord injuries each year are the result of car and motorcycle accidents.
- Violence - Approximately 15 percent of all new spinal cord injuries are the consequence of violence, including gunshots and knifings.
- Falls - About 22 percent of all new spinal cord injuries are sustained in falls. Among people older than 65 who suffer a spinal cord injury, a fall is most often to blame.
- Sports and recreation injuries - Athletic activities are linked to approximately 8 percent of spinal cord injuries each year.
- Diseases - Cancer, infections, arthritis and inflammation are also linked to spinal cord injuries.
Certain populations are at increased risk for spinal cord injuries:
- Men
- Young adults
- Seniors
- Athletes
A spinal cord injury can be devastating to both the victim and the victim's family. Whether a person experiences quadriplegia, in which all four limbs are paralyzed, or paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower body, the effects are long lasting, both physically and psychologically. People with spinal cord injuries are at greater risk for suicide, especially in the first decade after the injury. A paralyzed person may also experience urinary tract problems, difficulties with bowel management, pressure sores, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolisms, lung and breathing problems and sexual dysfunction.
When a spinal cord injury is the result of the carelessness or recklessness of another, the victim may be entitled to compensation for past medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and future medical bills.
If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of the negligence of another person, please contact the spinal cord injury lawyers of Kolker & Germeroth by calling 866-770-8691 toll free or by visiting our contact page. You may also fill out our special personal injury intake form. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
