St. Louis Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Fighting Against Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Missouri 

Spinal cord injuries can have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life. You may be facing a long road to recovery, diminished quality of life, mounting medical bills, and the inability to work.

As an experienced personal injury firm, our St. Louis spinal injury attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel, and Kruse understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take, and we are committed to helping you seek the full and fair compensation you need to move forward with your recovery.

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, resulting in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. This damage can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident or fall, or by non-traumatic causes, like infections, tumors, or degenerative diseases.

The spinal cord is a critical part of the central nervous system, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to it can have serious and lasting effects on a person’s physical capabilities and overall health.

Common types of spinal cord injuries:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This type results in a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. The spinal cord is fully severed or damaged to the point where no communication can pass through.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In this case, some sensory or motor function remains below the level of injury. The extent of impairment can vary greatly and depends on the specific area of the spinal cord affected.
• Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of injury affects the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord and results in partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and torso. It can also impact respiratory function, depending on the severity and level of the injury.
• Paraplegia: This type of injury affects the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord. It results in loss of sensation and motor function in the lower part of the body, affecting the legs and possibly the pelvic region.
• Central Cord Syndrome: This is a form of incomplete injury characterized by damage to the center of the spinal cord, often causing greater weakness in the arms than in the legs.
• Anterior Cord Syndrome: This occurs when the front part of the spinal cord is damaged, leading to a loss of motor function and pain and temperature sensation below the injury level, while preserving light touch and proprioception (sense of body position).
• Brown-Séquard Syndrome: This rare condition is caused by damage to one side of the spinal cord, resulting in weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and loss of sensation on the opposite side.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: This injury affects the bundle of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord and can result in loss of bowel and bladder control, sexual dysfunction, and weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs.

Identifying the Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Some common signs of a spinal cord injury include:

• Loss of Movement: Inability to move parts of your body.
• Loss of Sensation: Reduced ability to sense touch, heat, or cold.
• Paralysis: Partial or complete inability to move limbs.
• Difficulty Breathing: Challenges in respiratory function due to impaired muscle control.
• Intense Pain: Severe discomfort or painful sensations, which may be localized.

A spinal cord injury can cause either complete or partial paralysis. Complete paralysis, also known as quadriplegia, is when the victim loses all feeling and movement in their arms and legs. Partial paralysis, also known as paraplegia, is when the victim loses feeling and movement in their legs only.

No matter how severe your symptoms are, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have suffered a spinal cord injury.

Long-Term Effects of Spinal Injuries

The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can be devastating. These injuries can lead to a lifetime of pain, disability, and financial insecurity.

Some common long-term effects of a spinal cord injury include:

• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain that can affect quality of life.
• Muscle Atrophy: Reduction in muscle mass and strength over time.
• Paralysis: Continued loss of movement and sensation below the site of injury.
• Loss of Sensation: Ongoing inability to feel touch or temperature variations.
• Loss of Mobility: Difficulty or inability to move independently.
• Difficulty Breathing: Continued respiratory challenges, requiring assistive devices.
• Emotional Distress: Impacted mental health leading to conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in St. Louis

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Missouri has no cap on damages in personal injury cases, which means that victims are not limited in the damages they can recover. This includes both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The value of compensation for a spinal cord injury can vary depending on the unique details of each case.

For example, if the victim is left with permanent disabilities as a result of the injury, they may be entitled to additional damages, such as future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. It is important to seek legal advice from a qualified spinal cord injury attorney to find out exactly what damages you may be entitled to receive.

FAQs About Spinal Cord Injuries