Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury can upend your life in the blink of an eye. One second, you’re moving around normally, and the next, you’re having trouble doing the simplest tasks. The spine controls how your brain talks to the rest of your body, so when it’s damaged, that connection gets interrupted or lost.

Everyone experiences a spinal injury differently. Some lose the ability to move, while others can’t feel certain parts of their body. Often, a person might end up dealing with both. Some people even find they can’t breathe without help. It all depends on where the injury hits and how bad the damage is.

Most spinal trauma in Georgia is caused by a sudden event, such as a car crash, a fall, a sports accident, or an assault. Recovery can take a long time and involve significant medical costs. It’s important to understand the widespread effects these injuries can have and what steps to take if you have suffered one.

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The Immediate and Long-Term Effects

Immediately after the injury, doctors typically focus on the patient’s survival. That means keeping the spine from sustaining further injury, stabilizing blood pressure, and watching for signs of swelling or shock.

In the weeks and months that follow, different types of issues may arise. Pressure sores, muscle spasms, constant pain, lack of motor function, and even depression and anxiety are all common issues faced by those with spinal trauma.

People often lose their jobs, relationships, and independence in the aftermath. They might have to make changes to their home and need support around the clock. The medical bills quickly pile up and can add up to millions of dollars over a lifetime.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Are Classified in Georgia

Doctors usually classify spinal injuries as either complete or incomplete. Complete means the person has no sensation or movement below the injury site, while incomplete injuries might still allow for some movement or feeling.

Where the injury occurs matters. Damage higher up the spine, like in the neck, can affect the arms, chest, and legs. Lower injuries might only impact the legs. That’s why you’ll hear terms like tetraplegia or paraplegia. The first, also called quadriplegia, means all four limbs are affected, and the latter affects just the lower half of the body.

Daily Life After Spinal Trauma

A person’s day-to-day routine can change drastically after a spinal injury. Tasks that used to take seconds can now take hours or require help from a caretaker.

It’s not just the person with the injury who’s affected, either. Family members may have to quit their jobs or cut back hours to help, often without warning or training. Relationships get tested and strained, which can lead to stress and mental health issues for everyone involved.

Why These Injuries Lead to Legal Action

In many cases, spinal trauma is avoidable. For example, in situations where a distracted driver runs a red light, a faulty product slips through, or a business ignores a safety hazard, someone’s negligence or carelessness may be to blame.

Accident victims deserve accountability. When their medical bills add up and their income disappears, they’re left to deal with the fallout of someone else’s mistake. Insurance rarely covers everything, and all too often, these companies do everything they can to avoid paying out the full worth of the claimant’s case.

When that happens, legal action may be the best way for victims to get the compensation they deserve. A personal injury lawsuit can help make sure you or your loved one has what’s needed to move forward with access to the necessary care.

The Legal Landscape in Kennesaw, GA

In Georgia, you have a limited window to take action, two years from the day of the accident. That might sound like a long time, but it takes a while to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. Additionally, if you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to file for compensation.

There are also caps and fault rules that apply in Georgia. If the injured person is found partly at fault for the accident, their compensation could be reduced. A smart legal strategy and solid evidence are critical to getting the best payout possible.

Consulting a Skilled Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Is Key

A spinal cord injury in Georgia can lead to long-term challenges and substantial financial costs. Fortunately, state law allows victims to pursue compensation for their losses through a legal claim against the responsible party.

If you or someone you love is dealing with a spinal cord injury after an accident in Kennesaw, don’t wait to act. At Starks Byron, P.C., we know what’s at stake for you. Our top-rated legal team has recovered millions for injured clients, and we take pride in providing exceptional, personalized service with open communication.