Legal Advocacy for Spinal Injuries Matters.

The spinal cord injury lawyers at McLeish Orlando Lawyers LLP will help guide you to ensure we provide you with sufficient support and care for as long as possible.

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Being involved in a motor vehicle collision or an accident of another kind may result in an injury to the spinal cord. The lawyers at McLeish Orlando have represented numerous people who have suffered spinal cord injuries and have been instrumental in obtaining compensation for the health care costs associated with our client’s long-term needs for medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive aids and devices. Our only priority is obtaining a settlement or judgment that adequately compensates you and allows you to live the remainder of your life with dignity.

Have You Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury?

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Spinal cord injuries can drastically impact a person’s strength, sensation, and other bodily functions below the level of injury.  A spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to partial or complete paralysis of the legs and/or arms, as well as loss of sensation in certain areas of the body, muscle spasms, pain, and loss of bowel and bladder control. The degree of paralysis depends upon the level of the injury and the extent of injury to the spinal cord.

If you or a loved one has suffered such a critical injury, you need top medical care, rehabilitation, and therapy. When you retain our firm, we will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve.

Our Firm Has a Track Record of Achieving Outstanding Results for Our Clients.

Our lawyers have had extensive experience working with clients who have sustained severe spinal cord injuries since the founding of our practice in 1999.

We have been instrumental in obtaining compensation for the health care costs associated with our client’s long-term needs for medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive aids and devices.

Our passion is standing up for the rights of the people who have suffered from severe spinal cord injury in Ontario. We take great pride in helping these individuals seek justice.

Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are several ways the spinal cord can be injured. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Car Accidents
  • Bike Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Sports & Recreational Accidents
  • Slips and Falls

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are categorized as complete or incomplete.

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury results in paralysis below the site of the injury. There is no feeling or voluntary movement and both sides of the body are affected equally. In other words, sensory and motor function is completely lost below the point of the injury.

Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)

Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, means that your arms, hands, trunk, legs, bowel, and bladder are all affected by your spinal cord injury. Damage to the spinal cord in the neck between the first and fourth cervical vertebrae are associated with the most severe functional limitations including, paralysis of the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and may inhibit breathing. Those with injuries to the cord at C5-C8 are able to raise their arms and bend their elbows and may be able to bend their wrists back.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia. This paralysis affects all or part of the trunk, legs and pelvic organs.  Arm and hand functions are typically preserved with this level of injury.  Paraplegia can result from damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic region (mid-back) and lumbar/sacral region (low-back).

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

These injuries are the most common of all spinal cord injuries – accounting for over 60% of SCIs.

An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when only part of the cord is damaged through a tear, spinal cord compression, or other injuries. People with incomplete injuries may experience partial paralysis but may retain some feeling and voluntary movement on one or both sides of the body. Our personal injury lawyers understand that incomplete SCIs present their own set of challenges and complications and can be as debilitating as a complete SCI.

The Most Common Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Anterior Cord Syndrome

Anterior Cord Syndrome results when the injury is to the front of the spinal cord. Predominantly, the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord. This type of injury usually results in “motor paralysis below the level of the lesion as well as [a] loss of pain and temperature at and below the level of the lesion.” Symptoms will vary depending on what portion of the spinal cord is injured.

Central Cord Syndrome

Central Cord Syndrome is the most common type of spinal cord injury. In this case, the injury is to the center of the spinal cord. This condition leads to “motor deficits that are worse in the upper extremities as compared to the lower extremities. It may also cause bladder dysfunction (retention) and variable sensory deficits below the level of injury.” Recovery of some movement in the legs is possible; recovery of movement in the arms is rare.

Brown-Sequard Syndrome

Brown-Sequard Syndrome is when the injury is on one side of the spinal cord – either the left or right side. The side of the body where the injury is located is affected the most.

Other Incomplete Injuries

Other incomplete injuries include Cauda Equina Syndrome, Conus Medullaris Syndrome, and Posterior Cord Syndrome.

Cauda Equina Syndrome results when there is damage to the “bundle of nerve roots around the lumbar level of the spinal cord.” The cause of CES is spinal compression. This injury weakens the affected muscles and creates a loss of sensation, but the movement is not necessarily affected.

Conus Medullaris Syndrome affects the sacral cord and lumbar nerve roots. CMS has similar symptoms to CES.

Posterior Cord Syndrome results from damage to the back of the spinal cord and causes poor coordination skills.

Dealing with Spinal Cord Injury and Legal Assistance

Depending on the level of injury and corresponding functional limitations, those suffering from spinal cord injury may have extensive medical and rehabilitation needs such as:

  • Complete assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, and getting in or out of bed.
  • Mobility aids and devices such as a powered wheelchair
  • Bowel and bladder supplies
  • Home and vehicle modifications
  • Services of rehab professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists

Our spinal cord injury lawyers have experience in obtaining compensation for the health care costs associated with our client’s long-term needs. We work with a team of medical specialists and certified life care planners to project the injured person’s future needs and ensure that they receive a damages award that compensates them for these extraordinary costs.

We have obtained awards and settlements for clients who sustained complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries, including those resulting in hemiplegia, paraplegia, and quadriplegia arising from automobile accidents, gymnastics accidents, diving, and cycling accidents.  In each case, our goal is to obtain compensation for our clients that will allow them to access modern treatments and rehabilitation so that they can  lead productive and  independent lives.

Have You Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of the negligence of another person, please contact one of the personal injury lawyers at McLeish Orlando Lawyers for a free consultation and case review.

We are knowledgeable about emerging medical technologies and assistive devices that can assist injured people to remain as independent as possible. Our goal is to obtain our clients’ compensation that will allow them access to modern treatments and rehabilitation in order to lead productive and independent lives.

 

 

Spinal Cord Injury FAQs

When should I hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?

If you or a loved one have suffered a spinal cord injury, you should speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your next steps. Spinal cord injuries can be devastating and life-altering. A good personal injury lawyer will assist you in finding a rehabilitation team that is right for you and make the process of obtaining adequate compensation as easy as possible.

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are motor vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence, and sports and recreation incidents. If you or a loved one have suffered a spinal cord injury, we are here to help. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

 

 

What is the difference between a complete and incomplete spinal cord injury?

Incomplete spinal cord injuries are the most common form of spinal cord injury. With an incomplete spinal cord injury, an individual will likely have some degree of sensory and motor function below the site of the injury. The specific symptoms an individual will experience with an incomplete spinal cord injury depends on both the individual, and the area where the spinal cord is injured. Individuals with incomplete SCIs may experience chronic pain, weakness, and numbness. They may also recover some of their movement and function.

 

Complete spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is fully compressed or severed. A complete spinal cord injury results in full paralysis on both sides of the body below the site of the injury. The individual will suffer a total loss of sensory and motor function below the site of injury.

Do you have a network of rehabilitation facilities for Spinal Cord Injury?

For over two decades, our firm has worked side by side with the best rehabilitation facilities and individual providers in Ontario. We have amassed an extensive network of rehabilitation and medical professionals that have specific training and experience in the field of spinal cord injury. We will work with you to find the rehabilitation team that is best suited to your individual injuries and location.

What damages can I claim for my spinal cord injury?

The impact of a spinal cord injury can be tremendous and life altering, not only for the individual, but for their family as well. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, you are entitled to claim compensation for your past and future medical expenses – including future attendant care if needed, your past and future income loss, as well as other expenses directly related to the injury.  Additionally, you can advance a claim for your pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of amenities.  You may be entitled to claim additional damages depending on your circumstances. The quantum of damages involved in spinal cord injuries can be very significant.  Insurance companies will do their best to minimize how much they have to pay for damages. It is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer that has experience obtaining adequate compensation for individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury. Contact our office for a free consultation today to get started.

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