A Spinal cord injury often has lasting repercussions. Victims of such catastrophic injuries are usually unable to return to work and require lifelong medical care and assistance, which can be a physical, emotional and financial burden. When a spinal cord injury is the result of an accident caused by a negligent motorist in Michigan, it takes a highly skilled no-fault insurance attorney to protect the rights of the injured.
Miller & Tischler, P.C. is a premier no-fault law injury firm representing clients throughout the State of Michigan. If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury in an accident, you have rights. Our legal team is well-versed in the applicable law and has a proven history of being dedicated advocates of injury victims. Knowing that suffering a spinal cord injury can be an overwhelming experience, we will see to it that you receive the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve.
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord and nerves in the spinal canal, as well as vertebrae, ligaments, and disks. These injuries can be the result of a traumatic blow to the spine during a high-impact car collision, motorcycle accident or truck accident. If the wound severs the spinal cord, bleeding, swelling and fluid buildup in the spinal cord can occur. When nerve fibers in the spinal column are damaged, nerves and muscles below the injury will likely be impaired.
A less serious injury may result in partial loss of movement and sensation to the extremities, while a severe injury can lead to paralysis. If the injury occurs in the neck area, arm mobility and the ability to breathe may be impacted, while an injury to the chest or lower back can affect the torso, legs, bladder, bowel function and sexual capacity.
Although spinal cord injuries are typically life-altering and irreparable, advances are being made in experimental treatments, medicine, and assistive devices that have the potential to allow victims to function more independently. Currently, however, spinal cord injuries have traumatic consequences for injury victims and their loved ones.
Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified by the degree to which the ability to control the limbs is affected. In a complete spinal cord injury, all feeling and ability to control movement below the injury may be lost, while in an incomplete spinal cord injury some motor or sensory function may remain.
Spinal cord injuries can also result in paralysis, referred to as paraplegia and quadriplegia:
- Paraplegia — affected areas include part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs
- Quadriplegia — affected areas include the arms, hands, legs, trunk, and pelvic organs
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of spinal cord injury are as follows:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Pain or intense stinging sensations
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Changes in sexual function
- Extreme back pain
- Pressure in the neck, head or back
- Weakness, lack of coordination or paralysis in any part of the body
- Difficulty balancing and walking
- Twisting of the neck or back
Given the life-altering consequences of spinal cord injuries, it is crucial for victims to have access to necessary medical care as well as proper legal representation.
Contact Our Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Our legal team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of spinal cord injury victims and will work to help you obtain compensation that considers all of your future medical and financial needs. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was not your fault, we will fight for you.
While each case is unique, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering as well as economic damages for losses that exceed the no-fault threshold. When you consult us, we will handle all the details of your claim against an at-fault party, so that you can focus on recovering. More than 30 years in practice, Miller & Tischler, has earned a reputation for being dedicated advocates of injury victims.
We have negotiated settlements and won jury verdicts against all the major insurance carriers. We have the knowledge and skill to show how the other driver was liable, and a proven ability to achieve successful outcomes in spinal cord injury claims. We handle claims on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any attorneys’ fees to us until we recover damages for you. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.