Spinal cord injury (SCI) is caused by damage to the spinal cord cells or the nerves that pass information along the spinal column. Trauma to the spine may cause contusions, or bruising, and compression, or pressure, to the spinal cord. SCI also occurs as a result of central cord syndrome—damage to the corticospinal area of the cervical portion of the spine—and lacerations, where nerve fibers are torn or severed. Gunshot injuries often result in spinal lacerations.

SCI can be devastating due to the range of effects it has on the survivor. For instance, severe cases of SCI result in paralysis, in which the survivor loses control over the muscles and certain voluntary movements, or loss of reflex function and sensation below the injury point. The loss of reflex function impacts the survivor's ability to control activities like breathing, bladder and bowel function. Additional symptoms may occur as time goes on, including pain, increased sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms, and lost or decreased sexual function. Finally, people with SCI may develop additional problems related to the dominant symptoms, such as lung infections, bed sores, and urinary tract infections.

Though people of all ages experience SCI, age itself can contribute to the cause. Motor vehicle accidents are the main cause of SCI in people under 65, whereas people older than 65 usually contract SCI by falling and injuring themselves. SCI also results from gunshot or stab wounds, electrocution, accidents that happen in the workplace or while participating in athletics, swimming and diving accidents, and severe rotation of the trunk.

Attorney George Fusner can help you get through this difficult and worrisome time by working with all the parties in your case to resolve your legal issues quickly and skillfully. After surviving an incident that brought on SCI, your first concerns will naturally be to cover medical bills, address financial problems brought on by lost wages, and deal with your insurer's reluctance to cover future related medical treatments. We have expertise in representing individuals with SCI, and their family members, and we want to make sure you understand your legal rights and options.

If you live in middle Tennessee and want to arrange a free consultation to discuss your legal options concerning a spinal cord injury, contact us online or call us at 615-251-0005 (or toll-free at 1-800-427-8960).