Spinal Injuries

Spinal Cord injuries are among the most severe, and the most frightening of physical injuries. The potential consequences of a spinal cord injury are so severe that every injury to the back or neck, regardless of how mild it may first appear, should be taken very seriously. In fact, one of the things that makes spinal cord injuries tricky is that symptoms may take time to present, and yet in many cases even mild spinal injuries have lifelong repercussions. If you have suffered back or neck injury of any kind, speak with a veteran Wisconsin spinal injury attorney to discuss your options.

While everyone probably knows that the spinal cord is a vital part of the body, many people don’t actually know much about it. The spinal cord itself is a bundle of nerve tissue that originates in the brain, and runs down through the spinal column, radiating out into the body. Damage to that tissue can result in death, paralysis, or various other neurological conditions. The spinal column comprises the 31 vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and end with the tail bone, which is actually two vertebrae fused together. The spinal column protects the spinal cord from damage, and although it is extremely strong, it is also quite susceptible to damage.

There are several distinct types of spinal injury, each with its own issues and complications. As a general rule, the closer the injury is to the brain, the more serious it is likely to be. Some common spinal injuries are:

  • Herniated Discs – Damage to the discs that cushion the individual vertebrae
  • Whiplash – Muscle strain in the neck
  • Cervical Spine Injuries – Injury to the vertebrae in the neck
  • Thoracic Spine Injuries – Injury to the vertebrae in the upper back
  • Lumbar Spine Injuries – Injury to the vertebrae in the lower back

There are a number of factors that contribute to the severity of spinal injuries. Many spinal injuries are fatal, and many non-fatal spinal injuries result in complete or partial paralysis. Even among the injuries that do not result in paralysis, there can be long-term impairments, from chronic pain and stiffness, to neurological complications, urinary conditions, and even psychological effects like anxiety or depression.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Injury Center, nearly all spinal cord injuries fit into only four categories of causes:

On average, the cost of medical care for a spinal injury is between $15,000 and $30,000 every year. This adds up to an average lifetime cost of at least $500,000 running up over $3 million depending on how severe the injury is. It is clear that an injury like this can cause serious financial hardship, and insurance disputes are not uncommon after spinal injuries. If you have suffered a spinal injury due to the negligence of someone else, contact an experienced Wisconsin spinal injury attorney to help understand the options that may be available to you.

The Wisconsin spinal injury attorneys at Jastroch and LaBarge can help you understand all of your options, and to protect your rights after an injury to your spinal cord. The attorneys at Jastroch & LaBarge have helped countless people in Milwaukee and all over the state of Wisconsin to recover compensation after serious accidents. For more information and a FREE CASE EVALUATION contact Jastroch and LaBarge at (877)558-5855.