Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord or severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord. The most common types of SCI include contusion (bruising of the spinal cord) and compression (caused by pressure on the spinal cord). Other types of injuries include lacerations (severing or tearing of some nerve fibers, such as damage caused by a gun shot wound), and central cord syndrome (specific damage to the corticospinal tracts of the cervical region of the spinal cord). Severe SCI often causes paralysis (loss of control over voluntary movement and muscles of the body) and loss of sensation and reflex function below the point of injury, including autonomic activity such as breathing and other activities such as bowel and bladder control. Other symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, and sexual dysfunction may develop over time. SCI patients are also prone to develop secondary medical problems, such as bladder infections, lung infections, and bed sores.

The leading causes of SCI vary by age. Among persons under age 65, automobile and other motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause. Among persons over 65, falls cause most SCIs. Other causes include:

• Diving accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Extreme twisting of the trunk
• Electric shock
• Sports injuries (landing on head)
• Bullet or stab wounds

Spinal cord injuries can be severe and life-altering. Our firm understands that after going through such trauma, you will seek: (1) to get your medical bills paid and covered, (2) to get your lost wages paid; (3) to make sure your insurance company will pay for future treatment relating to your injuries, and (4) to receive money for your pain and suffering and other human losses. These injuries often require that a "life care plan" be developed for you so that your medical and personal needs can be met throughout your life. Our attorneys are experienced at putting teams of experts together to best address the negligence that caused the traumatic event and the resulting injuries, damages, and human losses. They will discuss your situation and go over the options available to you, as well as work with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case to make sure all your needs are handled quickly and appropriately.

If you live in Metropolitan Washington (including the Maryland suburbs and Northern Virginia) or Baltimore (including its surrounding counties) and would like to discuss your legal options, contact us online, or call us at 866-463-0303 (toll-free) or 202-463-0303 to set up a free consultation.