Experiencing any kind of blow to your back can result in serious, devastating spine injuries that can change the course of your life.
The bones and cartilage of the spinal column protect and insulate the spinal cord from bumps and blows. When that protection is breached by dislocation or a break, the spinal cord can be injured at any level, causing a number of physical problems.
Along with the brain, the spinal cord is the center of the central nervous system and is the conduit that transmits information from the brain to the rest of the body. An injury to the cord can leave a person with significant physical pain and damage that can include paralysis in different areas, leading to disability.
Experiencing any kind of blow to your back can result in serious, devastating spine injuries that can change the course of your life.
The bones and cartilage of the spinal column protect and insulate the spinal cord from bumps and blows. When that protection is breached by dislocation or a break, the spinal cord can be injured at any level, causing a number of physical problems.
Along with the brain, the spinal cord is the center of the central nervous system and is the conduit that transmits information from the brain to the rest of the body. An injury to the cord can leave a person with significant physical pain and damage that can include paralysis in different areas, leading to disability.
Facts About Spine Injuries
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that as of 2018 in the US, there are nearly 18,000 new spine injuries every year, with about 288,000 people living with a spine injury yearly. After an injury, 30% of the patients are re-hospitalized, for about 22 days on average, and frequently for related infections.
Depending on the region of the accident, spinal injuries can lead to complications such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic pain
- Blood clots
- High blood pressure
- Pressure sores
- Infections
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Mental health issues including depression and anxiety
Car accidents are the leading cause of spine injuries, followed by falls, acts of violence, and sports/recreation activities.
What Does A Spine Injury Cost To Treat?
Research shows that individuals who suffer a spine injury cost an average of $1 million in medical care in their first year, and $200,000 per year afterward. Yearly, the cost is upwards of $4 billion to manage care for spinal cord injury victims.
Whether you’ve suffered damaged vertebrae, a slipped disk, or another form of a spinal injury, you may experience debilitating pain, and even become disabled and unable to work.
This kind of care is out of reach for most individuals and can have a significant financial impact from which they will never recuperate. The complex nature of treatment may be the difference between getting back to your life and spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair.
Treatment for a spinal injury may include:
- Emergency treatment, including X-Rays and MRIs to determine the extent of damage
- Surgeries and medications
- Long term hospitalization and rehabilitation
- Physical therapy, which can help regain mobility
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices
- Home health or assisted living care
- Mental health counseling
Additionally, family members caring for a loved one with a spinal injury are also tasked with giving care as well as making up financial shortfalls.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation supports a wide range of cutting-edge treatments for people living with spinal injuries, and their website also offers resources searchable by area.
How Can A Spinal Injury Attorney Help?
Goldstein Injury Law will conduct a thorough investigation into the facts surrounding your Atlanta accident. We’ll work to determine the extent of your injuries, your financial losses, and identify the party to hold responsible. Then we can begin to pursue the compensation you need by searching for all sources of funds available.
Our goal is to recover all the medical expenses you incurred as a result of your accident, as well as future expenses you’ll have from the injuries suffered in the accident. We review your medical records as well as consult with experts to determine the lifetime costs of your injuries. Additionally, we will seek compensation for:
- Lost income, including salary and benefits
- Loss of ability to earn future income
- Loss of consortium and services
- Pain & suffering
- Mental/emotional distress
We will negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to get the maximum available settlement for your injuries. Many cases are settled out of court, but there are occasions when an insurer refuses to negotiate and settle for our client. If this happens, we will be ready to take your case to court.
Work With An Atlanta Spine Injury Attorney To Help Rebuild Your Life
Anyone who has suffered this kind of trauma or is helping a loved one recover from it understands that they will face difficult choices during an extremely emotional time. Both patients and their family members are required to make quick decisions that affect their prognosis while they work through a challenging situation.
Additionally, you only have two years to file a claim to recover compensation. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will be able to move forward from your accident and injury. If you or a loved one suffered this kind of injury through the negligence of another, you need help from an Atlanta personal injury attorney who understands how trying a spinal injury can be. Call Atlanta Attorney Sean Goldstein for a free consultation at 770-800-GOLD (4653) or use our website to Contact Goldstein Law Group online.
