Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Parkville, MO
Representing victims of spinal cord injuries throughout Missouri
A spinal cord injury is one of the worst injuries a person can experience after an accident. Often, victims will suffer full or partial paralysis. This often results in permanent impairment or disability. A spinal cord victim will often be unable to return to daily functions including working or going to school. Victims will also be faced with lifelong medical care and treatments to reach some semblance of physical function. Keep in mind that a spinal cord injury is far different than a spine injury. Paralysis only results if there is damage to the spinal cord or nerves, not the column.
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys has been working on these kinds of cases for decades and we understand how difficult it can be for the victims and their families. Your entire lives have changed because of a negligent party's actions. Our Parkville spinal cord injury attorneys will work to show how the extent of your injuries has changed your life and that of your loved ones. SCI victims are often severely restricted in the daily activities and functions they can participate in. The courts must see this so that a fair award can be obtained and justice be served.
What accidents cause spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries can be sustained in many ways but the most common include:
- Truck accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Acts of violence
- Construction site accidents
- Recreational accidents
Even if you do not see your accident listed here you should still reach out to our Parkville spinal cord injury attorney to discuss your case.
How are spinal cord injuries classified?
Spinal cord injuries are generally classified as complete (meaning you lose all sensory and motor function at and below the point of the injury) and incomplete (meaning you retain some mobility and sensation).
Complete and incomplete injuries can lead to paralysis. Per Healthline, paralysis can generally be categorized in four ways:
- Monoplegia, which affects only one arm or leg
- Hemiplegia, which affects one arm and one leg on the same side of your body
- Paraplegia, which affects both of your legs
- Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, which affects both of your arms and both of your legs
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How is a Parkville spinal cord injury diagnosed?
There are several ways to identify a spinal cord injury according to the Mayo Clinic. The first step is to conduct an imaging test and the second step is to have a physician conduct a hands-on examination of the patient. The imaging scans you may need to undergo include:
- X-rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
During a hands-on exam, the patient will be tested to see how well they respond to certain stimuli and how much the injury has affected their responses.
Is there treatment for spinal cord injuries?
First, the spine must be immobilized with the use of a neck collar and carrying board. Upon arrival at the hospital, patients should be examined and undergo the imaging tests we previously mentioned. Your spine should still be kept in place as much as possible.
In some cases, surgery will be necessary to remove anything that is pinching or compressing your spine. This can help to ease much of the acute pain, but you may still suffer lifelong chronic pain. It is important to prevent any infections or other complications after a spinal cord injury.
After a spinal cord injury has been diagnosed and initially treated there will be ongoing treatment needed. Much of this will be therapy to help you gain strength and some semblance of independence. While some SCI victims will be able to return to work, school, and other social activities many others cannot. Treatment and therapy may involve the following:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Nutritional help
- Recreational therapy
- Vocational therapy
- Psychological therapy
A SCI victim will often have to work with therapists on a daily or weekly basis just to regain a bit of motion. These therapies and treatments can be costly, and it can be difficult to get insurance companies to pay for such extensive care. A Parkville spinal cord injury lawyer from our firm can help.
What technology helps spinal cord injury victims?
In conjunction with the various therapies and treatments, we discussed there are also medical technologies to help with an SCI condition. Some of these modern technologies include:
- Computer adaptations
- Modern wheelchairs
- Electrical stimulation devices
- Electronic daily living aids
- Robotic gait training
New technologies are being discovered each day to help spinal cord injury victims and their families through these difficulties. It is also important to find pain management solutions as chronic pain can become normal for many SCI victims.
What damages can I seek for an SCI?
Due to the catastrophic nature of these injuries, it is important that accident victims obtain compensation with the help of a Parkville spinal cord injury attorney. Living with a SCI alters the course of the victim's lives and negligent parties should be held liable for the pain they have caused. Our attorneys will seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Property damages
In cases where there was reckless or careless behavior present, we may be able to seek punitive damages. You should discuss your options with a Parkville spinal cord injury attorney immediately after an accident.
Do you have an SCI attorney near me?
Our Parkville office is located at 8600 NW 64th Street Suite 945. Please call for an appointment. Our lawyers have offices throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Contact a Parkville spinal cord injury attorney today
Having your entire life course change due to the negligence of another party is a difficult situation to be in. Victims often feel helpless and without the will to go on. It is important that negligent parties be held responsible for their actions as you will likely require lifelong medical care. They must pay for their wrongdoings. Call Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 816-290-7621 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
Parkville Office
8600 NW 64th St., #945,
Parkville, MO 64152