Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Serving New Hampshire And Vermont
Spinal cord damage can cause serious, long-lasting disability. Our New Hampshire and Vermont injury attorneys at Rousseau & Ross have the experience to help you fight for compensation when the damage was sustained in an accident.
The most common causes of traumatic spinal cord damage include:
- Auto accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents
- Snowmobile accidents
- Falls
- Acts of violence (gunshots, knife wounds, and physical abuse)
- Sport and recreational injuries
Types Of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified as either partial or complete.
- A partial spinal cord injury, or incomplete injury, occurs when the spinal cord retains its ability to send and receive messages from the brain. People with a partial spinal cord injury may be able to feel sensations and retain some motor function below the site of the injury.
- A complete spinal cord injury causes complete loss of motor function and ability to feel below the area of the injury. While this does not mean that the spinal cord is completely cut in half, it does mean that there has been a large amount of damage to the spinal cord. In this type of injury, recovery of motor function or sensation is not expected.
Treatment Of Spinal Cord Injuries
The treatments for spinal cord damage are completely dependent on the location and severity of the injury. While modern medicine has not found a way to restore full function lost to damage done to the spinal cord, there are ways to minimize the damage and reduce the amount of time in the hospital.
These treatments include:
- Medications: A corticosteroid can cause some recovery in the injured person if it is given soon after the injury occurs. Long-term medications include those that control pain and muscle spasticity and improve bladder control, bowel control, and sexual function.
- Immobilization: Traction can help stabilize the spine and prevent further damage as the body heals itself.
- Surgery: This may be necessary to repair bones, herniated discs, stabilize the spine, or remove foreign objects.
- Rehabilitation: Therapy will begin as soon as the patient is stable. The goal is to give the injured person the greatest possible mobility and independence.
- Assistive devices: These are used to improve the quality of life and help the injured person become more independent. They include modern wheelchairs, voice-activated computer devices, electrical stimulation devices, and neural prostheses.
If you or a loved one has been injured, please contact the attorneys at Rousseau & Ross at 603-212-1176 today for your free consultation. You may also reach us by completing our online form. Our injury attorneys serve clients throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.