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    PITTSBURGH SPINAL CORD INJURY ATTORNEY

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    The National Institute of Health states there is approximately 12,000 victims of spinal cord injuries each year. Sometimes the injury leads to chronic pain; in others, it leads to paralysis. The attorneys of Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman fight for what you deserve in and out of the courtroom to get the compensation and care you need.

    COMMON CAUSES OF SPINAL CORD INJURIES:

    CERTAIN TYPES OF INJURIES COULD LEAD TO PERMANENT PARALYSIS OF THE LOWER BODY, AND QUADRIPLEGIA, THE PERMANENT PARALYSIS OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BODY:

    • Contusion: This is the result of a direct blow to the spinal cord, causing swelling and excess pressure that damages the spinal column and nerves.
    • Compression: When the spinal cord compresses in a violent manner, as in an auto accident, the resulting swelling and excess pressure can damage the spinal column and nerves.
    • Direct injury: This occurs when bone or metal cuts the spinal cord, leading to damaged nerves.

    QUESTION & ANSWER FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY

    Spinal cord injuries are amongst the most devastating things that can happen to someone, yet they are poorly understood. Today, the Pittsburgh spinal cord injury attorney at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman wants to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about these types of injuries.

    WHAT IS A SPINAL CORD INJURY?

    Spinal cord injuries vary in severity and are defined by the Mayo Clinic as “damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal.”

    When most people think of spinal cord injuries, they think of complete paralysis of all limbs, know as complete quadriplegia. However, a person can suffer less severe forms of spinal cord injuries that affect just their trunk and lower limbs (paraplegia) or only partially affect their limbs.

    WHO IS AT RISK OF A SPINAL CORD INJURY?

    According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the primary causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States are as follows:

    • Vehicle accidents (38.3%)
    • Falls (31.6%)
    • Violence (13.8%)
    • Sports and recreation incidents (8.2%)
    • Medical or surgical mistakes (4.6%)
    • Other causes (3.5%)

    There are around 290,000 people in the US suffering from disabilities caused by spinal cord injuries.

    WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A SPINAL CORD INJURY?

    Spinal cord injuries have a range of signs and symptoms and can include one or more of the following:

    • Complete or partial loss of movement below the site of the injury
    • Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel temperature or touch
    • Loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Pain or stinging sensations at or below the site of the injury
    • Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing throat and lungs
    • Changes in sexual sensitivity or function
    • Exaggerated reflexes or spasms

    CAN I SUE SOMEONE FOR A SPINAL CORD INJURY?

    As with other personal injury cases, you may be eligible for compensation for your spinal cord injury. If your injuries were caused due to the negligent, careless, or willful acts of another person, company, or entity, then you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to recover damages.

    The first year of medical costs for these injuries can range from $359,000 to more than $1.1 million depending on the severity of the injury. Every subsequent year can lead to costs ranging from $43,000 to $191,000.

    HOW YOUR ATTORNEY WILL HELP?

    If you or a loved one are dealing with a spinal cord injury that was caused by someone else, the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman is ready to help. We will investigate what happened and work to secure compensation for the following:

    • Your medical expenses related to the incident (current and future)
    • Loss of future wages and benefits if you cannot work
    • Pain and suffering damages
    • Loss of enjoyment of life damages
    • Punitive damages against those responsible

    If you need a Pittsburgh spinal cord injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.