Atlanta Spinal Cord Injuries and Workers’ Comp
Spinal cord injuries are one of the most painful and debilitating injuries you can face. Often they lead to workers being unable to walk – or work – ever again.
The spinal cord is a key part of your central nervous system responsible for relaying messages from the brain to other areas of the body, and between separate areas of the body.
Because of this, a spinal cord injury can result in serious damage to your motor skills and can leave you with permanent paralysis or loss of sensation in specific areas of the body.
Spinal cord injuries can also have long-term effects, such as depression or mental health complications. And, in some cases, spinal cord injuries are fatal.
They can result in an overwhelming number of medical bills, the inability to work, and possible long-term treatment that further puts financial burden on you and your family.
It’s important to understand that not all spinal cord injuries are immediately obvious. If you think you have damaged your spinal cord at work, seek medical attention and alert your employer immediately. Delaying can cause serious health problems later on.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a workplace accident, you could be entitled to access certain benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. At DeMedeiros Injury Law, we’ve helped thousands of clients fight to secure monetary benefits through workmens’ comp and alleviate the financial burden caused by workplace accidents.
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Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries at Work
Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of circumstances:
- Construction accidents
- Falling objects
- Vehicle collisions
- Slip and falls
- Repeatedly lifting heavy objects
- Whiplash
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries fall into two categories: incomplete spinal cord injuries and complete spinal cord injuries.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: This occurs when the cord’s nerves are only partially severed or compressed. Depending on the severity of the injury, the victim can lose some function in their body.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This occurs when the spinal cord is totally severed, eliminating all function below the injured area. With this type of injury, it can be possible to regain some function through prompt treatment and physical therapy.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
Sometimes, it is not immediately obvious that you have suffered a spinal cord injury.
Symptoms of a relatively minor spinal cord injury include:
- Numbness / Tingling
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements
- Weakness in a specific area of the body
- Muscle spasms
- Pain or burning near the spine
Never assume that a “relatively minor” spinal cord injury is not a big deal. Every spinal cord injury is a serious injury.
To ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment for every injury you sustain, seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident.
Long-term Complications of a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can lead to many long-term complications for a victim. These include:
- Paralysis
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots
- Loss of sensation in the limbs and extremities
- Neurogenic pain
Additionally, individuals living with spinal cord injuries can suffer from depression and other mental health conditions linked to the injury and the losses that it caused.
Your Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can change your life. If you suffer this type of injury in a workplace accident, you could be entitled to access certain benefits through a workers’ compensation claim.
At DeMedeiros Injury Law, we understand the struggle you’re facing and will work on your behalf to secure the benefits you’re entitled to under law.
To learn more, schedule a free legal consultation where we will examine your case and work with you to pursue the benefits you are entitled to receive.