Farmington Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury is a severe type of physical trauma that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. The spinal cord is the main pathway for transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body. When that pathway is damaged, the flow of information can be disrupted, leading to a loss of function and sensation below the level of the injury. The severity and location of the injury can determine the extent of these disruptions. 

The consequences of spinal cord injuries are frequently catastrophic. The most immediate and noticeable effects are physical. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person may experience partial or complete paralysis, resulting in difficulty or inability to move the arms or legs. Loss of sensation is also common, which means a person might not feel heat, cold, or pain.

Beyond the physical effects, spinal cord injuries can also result in a range of secondary complications. These can include respiratory and heart problems, loss of bladder and bowel control, and susceptibility to pressure sores due to limited mobility. The emotional impact is also substantial, as individuals must cope with significant changes to their daily lives and often experience feelings of depression and anxiety.

Finally, the financial burden of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and loss of income can create significant financial stress. This is where legal recourse can prove crucial, as a successful workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit can help alleviate some of this financial pressure. Our Farmington spinal cord injury attorneys are ready to evaluate your unique circumstances and walk you through your legal options.

Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are classified based on the location of the injury and the extent of damage to the spinal cord. These injuries can be caused by trauma, disease, or degenerative conditions. Here are the common types:

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

In a complete spinal cord injury, all sensation and ability to move below the level of the injury are lost. This type of injury often results in paralysis in certain areas of the body:

• Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Paralysis of all four limbs and the torso, typically caused by an injury to the cervical (neck) region of the spine.
• Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower half of the body, including the legs, usually caused by an injury to the thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), or sacral regions.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

In incomplete spinal cord injuries, some sensory or motor function remains below the level of the injury. The extent of function retained can vary. Common types of incomplete injuries include:

• Anterior Cord Syndrome: Damage to the front (anterior) part of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of motor function and pain/temperature sensation but preserving some touch, pressure, and position sensations.
• Central Cord Syndrome: Damage to the central part of the spinal cord, often affecting the upper body more severely than the lower body. This can lead to greater loss of function in the arms than in the legs.
• Brown-Séquard Syndrome: Injury to one side of the spinal cord, leading to paralysis and loss of sensation on the same side as the injury and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.

Spinal Contusions and Bruising

Sometimes, the spinal cord is not completely severed but is bruised or compressed due to trauma. While less severe, these injuries can still cause temporary or long-lasting effects, depending on the degree of damage.

Spinal Cord Concussion

This is a mild form of spinal cord injury where there is temporary dysfunction in the spinal cord without long-term damage. It can cause symptoms like pain, weakness, or numbness, but these often resolve with time.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

This occurs when the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord are compressed or damaged, leading to symptoms such as leg weakness, numbness in the pelvic region, and loss of bladder and bowel control. It’s considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Farmington, NM

Spinal cord injuries can stem from a variety of scenarios, each resulting in potentially devastating consequences. Some common causes are rooted in the negligence of others, while others are linked to high-risk occupations. 

Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Automobile accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. High-speed collisions can cause severe trauma to the spine, leading to a range of injuries from minor nerve damage to complete paralysis.
• Falls. Falls from significant heights or even slips on icy or wet surfaces can lead to traumatic spinal injuries. These incidents can result in fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae that can cause spinal cord damage. When you suffer a spinal cord injury due to a slip and fall caused by an unsafe hazard that a property owner negligently failed to address, you may have a personal injury claim under New Mexico’s premises liability laws. 
• Acts of violence. Gunshots and stabbings can cause penetrating injuries to the spinal cord, leading to lasting damage. You may have a personal injury case if you were the victim of a violent crime made possible by negligent security.
• Construction accidents. The construction industry is rife with risk due to the nature of the work involved. Heavy machinery, high elevations, and hazardous materials can all contribute to serious accidents. Falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving machinery can result in significant trauma to the spine, leading to a range of spinal cord injuries.
• Oil field accidents. Oil fields are also high-risk working environments. Heavy equipment, volatile substances, and harsh working conditions can lead to severe accidents that can potentially cause spinal cord injuries.

Types of Compensation Available to Construction Accident Victims in Farmington, NM