Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) are usually caused by severe trauma to the spine (spinal injury) from an auto accident, major fall, gunshot, or other high-velocity accident, or by degenerative disease.
The spine consists of a series of bones, called vertebrae, that stack on top of one another. Between each bone is a gel-like disc (inter vertebral disc) that serves as a cushion for the bones to absorb pressure and keep the bones from rubbing. They are held together by groups of ligaments connecting the bones, and tendons connecting the bones to the back muscles. All of these bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles surround the spinal cord, and they work together to stabilize the spine, guard against excessive movement in any direction and protect the spinal cord. Injury to any of these protective mechanisms can cause a great deal of pain that can become chronic and persistent when left untreated.
The nerve center that runs through the center of the spine is called the spinal cord. It relays messages from the brain to the rest of the body. When 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. Not only can spinal cord injuries cause paralysis or partial paralysis, spinal cord damage can cause a great deal of dysfunction to the entire body. Depending on the place and level of spinal injury, it can even affect basic functions such as breathing, eating and sleeping.
Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
The experienced spinal cord injury attorneys of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff have served thousands of individuals with serious injuries. We understand that when a serious accident happens, the injured victims must concentrate on healing — and rely on their attorneys to handle the complex legal issues.
If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else's carelessness, you may be entitled to money damages such as:
- Payment for past and future medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- Loss of past and future income and earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Other expenses related to the incident
For spinal cord injury rehabilitation resources, please visit our Treatment & Support page.
Read about our recent proven results: KCR's Brooks Cutter and Eric Ratinoff win $7.6 million dollar spinal cord injury medical malpractice case
If you or a loved one have been injured due to another party’s negligent, careless, or intentional acts, that person or company should be held accountable. The medical attorneys at Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff have the experience and resources needed to evaluate and handle your personal injury lawsuit. Fill out and submit the contact form on this page for a free and confidential case evaluation or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.