Chelsea Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Innovative Legal Solutions for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Massachusetts 

At Georges Cote Law, we understand the tremendous physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come with a spinal cord injury. Our experienced spinal cord injury attorneys in Chelsea have dedicated their careers to helping those who have suffered an unexpected spinal cord injury due to another's negligence. We are committed to fighting for your rights and advocating on your behalf, fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.  

We understand how difficult this time is for you and your family, so we strive to provide reliable legal representation and compassionate support every step of the way. From understanding insurance policies to negotiating settlements or taking a case through trial, if needed, our team will be by your side throughout this process.

Call Georges Cote Law today at (617) 229-6720 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our spinal cord injury attorney in Chelsea!

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Because you can potentially have a spinal cord injury without realizing it, knowing what events or situations can lead to a spinal cord injury is invaluable and may help you locate a potential issue. Understanding how these injuries are caused can also help you reexamine any circumstance where you may have sustained damage to your spine or back. 

Spinal cord and back injuries are often sustained as a result of: 

• Automobile Accidents: Auto accidents can cause excessive force to the spine during impact when a passenger is ejected from a vehicle or when you are involved in a collision, especially a head-on collision.
• Falls: Falls often involve force being placed on the spine, potentially twisting it. 
• Sports Injuries: Many sports involve extreme forces that can fracture bones and compress nearby nerves, leading to long-term consequences if not treated properly.
• Diving Accidents: Hitting your head on the bottom of a pool while diving in deep water may result in fractures or dislocation, depending on the severity of the impact.
• Acts of Violence: Gunshots, stab wounds, and blunt force trauma may directly damage vertebrae, discs, and other components that make up the spine, leading to devastating consequences for victims.
• Medical Malpractice: It is common for surgeons to damage a person's spine during surgery.

We need to note that this list does not cover all events that could lead to a spinal cord or back injury. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier and have recently been involved in an event that could put force on your spine, we recommend you schedule an examination immediately. If you need help setting up an appointment with a medical professional, we will offer guidance during your free consultation.

Diagnosing Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are typically diagnosed in one of two ways: imaging and physical examinations. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and myelograms can identify any displacement or fractures of the vertebrae that indicate a spinal cord injury. Physical examinations may also assess sensation, motor function, and reflexes that could indicate a spinal cord injury. Other diagnostic tests such as an electromyogram (EMG), nerve conduction velocity test (NCV), or evoked potentials (EP) may also be performed if needed to determine the severity of the injury. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to help diagnose the extent of any damage caused by the injury. 

Having your injury examined and diagnosed gives us a better idea of how to approach your case while functioning as valuable, irrefutable evidence of an injury. Your medical report will set your case's framework, helping us determine where and when your injury was sustained, what compensation we should fight for, and what medical services you need.

The diagnosis process for a spinal cord injury can vary greatly depending on the severity of your injury and its location along the spine. You must seek medical attention as soon as possible to explore treatment options. Patients should also consult with an experienced personal attorney who can provide legal advice about their situation. 

Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries often result in life-altering consequences that extend well beyond physical limitations. Survivors of these injuries face a range of ongoing challenges, including:

• Reduced Mobility and Physical Limitations: Loss of movement or sensation can make everyday tasks difficult, often requiring assistive devices or modifications to your living space.
• Chronic Pain Management: Many individuals with spinal cord injuries experience persistent pain, which may require ongoing therapy, medication, or other pain management strategies.
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: The impact of adjusting to new physical limitations can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression, necessitating support from mental health professionals.
• Financial Strain Due to Ongoing Care Needs: Long-term rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and necessary modifications at home or work can significantly burden victims and their families.

Our team understands the breadth of these challenges and will work with rehabilitation experts, psychologists, and other specialists to ensure we present a comprehensive picture of your long-term needs. This approach helps us pursue compensation that covers your ongoing medical care, assistive equipment, and necessary home modifications.

Can I Sustain an Injury to My Spinal Cord Without Realizing it?

It is possible to have a spinal cord injury without realizing it, as the symptoms can vary greatly and may not be immediately apparent. This fact is also another excellent reason to have your spinal cord examined, as you may be developing a condition that will later require expensive medical bills.

Generally, the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury are:

• pain or numbness in the area of the spine affected
• muscle spasms or spasticity
• loss of feeling or sensation
• loss of motor control

Depending on the severity of the injury, other symptoms such as paralysis, incontinence, dizziness, and blurred vision may also present. If any of these signs are experienced and suspected to be due to a spinal cord injury, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. 

Regardless of how the injury occurred, proper diagnosis is critical to determining treatment options. An MRI or CT scan can help diagnose which nerves are affected and if any possible damage has been done to them. Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor will then assess what type of treatment may be necessary, such as physical therapy or surgery. 

If you suspect that you may have sustained a spinal cord injury without realizing it, it is crucial to seek help from professionals with experience in this type of care to ensure a safe recovery from your condition. 

Contact Georges Cote Law today to schedule a consultation!