What Are Different Kinds of Spinal Injuries?

Broadly speaking, SCIs are divided into two types: complete and incomplete. Complete SCI occurs when the spinal cord is severed or fully damaged, leading to total loss of function below the level of the injury. The patient may experience paralysis, including paraplegia (which is the loss of mobility and sensation in the lower body) or quadriplegia (which affects all four limbs).

With an incomplete SCI, the spinal cord is partially damaged, and some function remains below the site of injury. There may be limited movement or sensation.

What Are the Causes of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injuries usually happen with traumatic events that cause direct damage to the spinal cord. Specifically, the following are the most common causes for SCIs:

• Vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Collisions can lead to fractures, dislocations, or compression of the spinal cord.
• Slips, trips, and falls from heights can lead to significant trauma to the spinal cord when an individual hits a sidewalk or other surface with force.
• Sports injuries. Sports, particularly those involving contact or speed (such as football, skiing, and gymnastics), can lead to impacts, falls, or sudden movements that damage the vertebrae or the spinal cord itself.
• Workplace accidents. On the job, spinal cord injuries can occur due to heavy lifting, falling from ladders or scaffolding, or accidents involving machinery. Workers who suffer from these injuries may be entitled to workers’ compensation or may have a legal claim against third parties.
• Diving injuries. If you dive into a body of water that proves to be too shallow, you can sustain serious and even fatal injuries, including SCI.
• A gunshot wound or a stabbing can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, as can any physical assault.
• Medical conditions. While less common, spinal cord injuries can sometimes be caused by tumors, infections, or diseases such as arthritis or osteoporosis, which weaken the vertebrae. These conditions can be made worse by medical malpractice or delayed diagnosis.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, consult with a Colorado attorney who has experience with spinal cord injuries. Prompt legal action may help recover compensation you need to pay for care.

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injury symptoms depend on the severity of the injury and the specific location of damage. Common symptoms include:

• Loss of sensation. One of the most common symptoms of a SCI is numbness below the level of the injury. This can range from a partial reduction in sensation to a complete loss of sensation.
• Paralysis. If the injury is located higher up on the spinal cord, it may cause paralysis in all four limbs. Injuries to the lower spinal regions may result in paralysis of the legs. In less severe cases, individuals may experience weakness or difficulty moving certain parts of their body.
• Incontinence. Injuries to the spinal cord can disrupt the body’s ability to control bladder and bowel functions.
• Respiratory problems. Spinal cord injuries involving the upper spine can impair the muscles responsible for breathing. This can make it difficult for individuals to breathe on their own, leading to the need for mechanical ventilation. In addition, SCI patients who use a wheelchair and have extensive paralysis may be more at risk of pneumonia and conditions that impact the lungs.
• Loss of reflexes. In some cases, patients may also experience hyperactive reflexes, leading to exaggerated movements or spasms. These changes can be a result of the disruption of normal communication between the brain and spinal cord.
• Pain. Though the ability to feel sensation may be compromised, individuals with spinal cord injuries may still experience severe pain, particularly neuropathic pain. This type of pain can include burning, tingling, or shooting sensations that occur below the level of the injury. Pain can also arise from muscle spasms or trauma to the spine.
• Damage to the body’s autonomic functions. This includes the regulation of blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate. SCIs can therefore lead to low blood pressure, blood pressure spikes, abnormal sweating, or temperature regulation problems.
• Mental health symptoms. The psychological impact of a spinal cord injury can be profound. Individuals may experience emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or difficulty adjusting to their new limitations.

If you or someone else may have hurt their back or spine, seek immediate medical attention, whether any symptoms are present or not. Early diagnosis and intervention can help minimize long-term damage and improve the chances of recovery.

In a situation where you witness someone sustain a SCI, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not try to move the victim unless doing so is the only way to save their life or unless a 911 emergency responder tells you to. Moving someone with a spinal cord injury can make the injuries worse, so it’s best to wait until EMTs arrive. They can stabilize the spine first, to prevent additional harm.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

When someone sustains a spinal cord injury due to an accident or another person’s negligence, they may have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. However, there is a time limit, known as the “statute of limitations,” for filing a lawsuit.

In Colorado, this time limit is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury. There are some exceptions, however. If you were injured at work, you need to report your injury within four days to file a workers’ compensation claim. If your injuries were caused by a government entity, you need to start to take action within 180 days. There are other exceptions as well, which is why consulting with Colorado spinal cord injury lawyers quickly is essential. An attorney can make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. Missing a deadline can mean you lose out on the chance to get compensation, so don’t delay.