The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of the human nervous system, because it connects the brain to the rest of the body. In fact, it can handle some neurological duties, such as forcing hands to let go of a burning object, without involving the brain. When the spinal cord is damaged by some physical trauma (a sudden and serious physical injury), the victim almost always loses at least a little bit of feeling or physical function in the body. A serious spinal cord injury can result in partial or full paralysis and loss of bodily functions in the affected area. Generally, the higher the injury on the spine, the more parts of the body that it will affect.

Partial and full paralysis are most likely to come from tearing or complete severing of the spinal cord, but bruising and pressure on the cord can also cause damage. Among Americans under the age of 65, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Among older people, falls are the most common cause. Other causes of spinal damage include:

• Diving accidents
• Workplace accidents (especially in construction, industry or military service)
• Extreme twisting of the trunk
• Electric shock
• Sports injuries (landing on head)
• Bullet or stab wounds

Spinal cord injuries are truly catastrophic injuries. Victims typically must live with permanent disability as well as a substantially heightened risk of medical complications later in life. In addition to the physical and mental agony this causes, it is likely to cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to treat over a lifetime. At Mesirow & Stravitz, we take spinal cord injury cases with the understanding that our clients are injured in a way that affects every part of their lives. In order to fully calculate these injuries' -- physical, emotional, personal and financial toll -- and get the fairest possible resolution, we will put together a multi-disciplinary team of experts to thoroughly investigate and testify to a client's individual needs. Our goal is not only to win you compensation for your injuries, but to ensure that you will be able to pay for a lifetime of medical care, your financial needs are met, and the burden of arguing with insurance companies, defendants and others is off your shoulders.

Mesirow & Stravitz serves clients in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., including all counties in the D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas. If you or someone you love suffered a spinal injury because of another person's careless or reckless behavior, we want to help you. You can reach us for a free consultation through our Web site or by telephone at 866-463-0303 (toll-free) or 202-463-0303.