Spinal Injuries

February 20, 2011 (Press-News.org) Spinal injuries are often permanent, life-altering and have a devastating impact on the life of the victim as well as those close to him or her. Trauma to the spine may cause injury to the spinal cord, vertebrae (the bones around the spinal cord) or both.

Spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Each year, there are about 11,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries in the United States. In most cases, the injury occurs due to someone else's negligence or recklessness, whether it be the driver of another vehicle, the maker of a defective product or the owner/operator of hazardous property. Motor vehicle collisions continue to be the leading cause of spinal cord injuries (approximately 37%), followed by violence (28%), falls (21%), sports related trauma, including diving accidents (6%), and work-related accidents. The level of function affected depends on the area along the spine where the damage occurred, as well as the severity of the injury. The two types of spinal cord injuries are (1) complete, which results in a total loss of movement and sensation below the point of impact and (2) incomplete, which results in some degree of loss of movement and sensation below the point of impact. Spinal cord injuries range from quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs and the torso) to paraplegia (in which the arms are not affected) to varying degrees of paralysis. In addition to the loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury, individuals with spinal cord injuries may also experience other disabling symptoms such as loss of bowel or bladder control, loss of sexual function and impaired breathing. Without adequate care, further complications can develop including infections, osteoporosis, fractures and pressure sores.

Regardless of the type, spinal cord injuries are bound to have a life-altering effect on its victim and those close to him or her. Paralysis is a devastating experience, often leaving victims unable to care for themselves or their families and resulting in enormous financial costs for ongoing medical care and assistance. At Keefe Bartels, LLC, our NJ spinal cord lawyers are experienced in representing the victims and families of spinal cord injuries. Over the years, we have helped countless clients with spinal cord injuries and recognize that each client is unique and requires personal, individualized attention. We strive to truly understand every aspect of the injury and its impact on your life. Our attorneys consistently take a comprehensive approach to handling your case by working directly with your treating doctors and other specialists to help you get the care that you deserve as well as just compensation for your damages. We are dedicated to serving people and families in New Jersey who have suffered the painful devastation of spinal cord injuries.

In addition, countless individuals suffer injury to the bones or vertebrae surrounding the spinal cord. Temporary or permanent injuries to the neck and back are often caused by motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, falls, and work-related accidents. There are a variety of painful and disabling neck and back injuries including the following:

- herniated, ruptured or slipped discs
- bulging discs
- compression fractures
- whiplash or muscle sprain/strain
- nerve impingement causing shooting pain down the arms or legs
- torn ligaments
- sciatica

Trauma to the vertebrae can have a devastating impact on one's life, causing chronic or acute pain, as well as muscle weakness, lack of muscle coordination, tightness, numbness and/or tingling in the extremities. These traumatic injuries to the neck and back often have a tragic impact on the ability to work and perform routine daily activities including household chores, social or recreational activities, and/or the ability to care for one's children.

At Keefe Bartels, our New Jersey spinal cord injury attorneys recognize that victims of spinal injuries will require a lifetime of care. From needing assistance with daily activities, such as eating and bathing, to requiring specialized treatment, such as physical, occupational and/or respiratory therapy, the bills can quickly add up leaving the victim and his or her family to face enormous economic challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced attorney at Keefe Bartels, LLC as soon as possible about your rights. Let our qualified team of attorneys work for you to achieve just compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, future and long-term medical care and pain and suffering.

Keefe Bartels, LLC headquarters is located at 170 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701 with additional offices located at 127 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 and 56 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ 07105. For more information about our New Jersey personal injury law firm, please visit the firm's website at http://www.keefebartels.com