The cervical section of the spine connects the base of the head to the trunk and shoulders (or thorax), and, in conjunction with muscle and tissue, supports the head. When the bones in this region are fractured, it is commonly referred to as a "broken neck."

Once the spinal cord is injured, all nerves above the level of injury may continue functioning properly. The nerves below the area of injury, however, lose their ability to send messages back and forth from the brain to the rest of the body as efficiently as they did prior to being injured. Because of this, the higher up on the spinal cord the injury occurs, the more areas of the body are affected. When the spinal cord is damaged at the cervical spine region, the result may be partial or complete paralysis (tetraplegia or quadriplegia), or even death.

Cervical spine injuries commonly occur as a result of an automobile accident or other violent collision. They may also occur as a result of a degenerative disease.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to another party’s negligent, careless, or intentional acts, that person or company should be held accountable. The attorneys at Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff have the experience and resources needed to evaluate and handle your case. Fill out and submit the contact form on this page for a free case evaluation or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.