Helping Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Albuquerque
Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Albuquerque
Find Out Why We Have Some of the Best Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in New Mexico
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious medical condition that occurs when the spinal cord is damaged due to: trauma, disease, or birth defects. This damage can cause complete or partial loss of sensation, movement, and other motor functions below the affected area.
SCIs are typically divided into the following levels:
- Complete: A complete injury occurs when all feeling and movement below the injured area is lost.
- Incomplete: In an incomplete injury, some feeling and movement below the affected area may still be present. The severity of the injury will determine the degree of disability a person experiences.
- Paraplegia: Paralysis that affects all or part of both legs and possibly some other parts of the body.
- Quadriplegia: Paralysis that affects all or part of both arms and legs, as well as other parts of the body.
SCIs affect nearly 18,000 people each year, and are often devastating and life-altering.
The Effects of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can have a wide range of effects on victims, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common effects include:
- Paralysis - Paralysis can be either partial or complete, depending on the severity of the injury. Complete paralysis results in a complete loss of movement and sensation below the injured area, while partial paralysis may cause some degree of movement and sensation.
- Pain – Pain is an extremely common symptom following a spinal cord injury. This pain can vary from mild to severe, and may be linked to muscle spasms, nerve damage, or psychological distress.
- Mobility – Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a person may experience difficulty with walking or other activities that require mobility. This can range from minor difficulties to total paralysis.
- Digestive Issues – Spinal cord injuries often interfere with the body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients, leading to issues like nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Respiratory Issues – Injuries near the chest or neck can cause difficulties with breathing and coughing, which can lead to pneumonia and other serious health problems.
Psychological Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
The psychological effects of spinal cord injury can be just as debilitating as the physical effects. Victims may suffer from depression and anxiety, especially when they become unable to perform tasks they were once able to do with ease.
They may also feel isolated and disconnected from their friends and family due to the physical limitations that come along with a SCI. Additionally, victims may experience changes in their personality, particularly those with frontal lobe injuries.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are divided into two main categories: traumatic and non-traumatic.
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries occur due to an external force, such as a car accident, fall, or gunshot wound.
- Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries can be caused by disease, infection, or birth defects.
In addition to these two general types of SCIs, there are several other subtypes of both traumatic and non-traumatic injuries. These include:
- Spinal cord contusion – A bruise or injury to the spinal cord caused by a direct blow to the spine.
- Compression fracture – A type of bone fracture that occurs when a vertebra is compressed, leading to possible damage to the spinal cord.
Table of Contents
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What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
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The Effects of Spinal Cord Injury
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Psychological Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
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Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
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Recoverable Damages After a Spinal Cord Injury in Albuquerque
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Statute of Limitations on Spinal Cord Injuries in New Mexico
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Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Albuquerque
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What to Do After a Spinal Injury Injury in Albuquerque
Recoverable Damages After a Spinal Cord Injury in Albuquerque
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation. Recoverable damages in an Albuquerque spinal cord injury case can include:
Economic damages refer to losses that are measurable in terms of dollars and cents.
Economic damages include:
- medical expenses (past and future),
- lost wages
- loss of earning capacity
- other related costs associated with the injury.
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are not easily quantifiable in monetary terms.
Non-economic damages include:
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- loss of companionship
- other intangible losses
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are awarded to punish the negligent party for their reckless or intentional behavior.
Statute of Limitations on Spinal Cord Injuries in New Mexico
In New Mexico, victims of spinal cord injuries have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. If a victim does not file within this timeframe, they may be barred from recovering compensation. It is important to speak with an experienced Albuquerque spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury in order to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Albuquerque
Spinal cord injuries are a devastating and life-altering form of trauma, and they can occur anywhere in the world. In Albuquerque, as with many other cities, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries are:
- Assault and gun violence
- Bicycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Defective products
- Fall accidents, including slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workplace accidents
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of SCIs in the United States and New Mexico is no exception.
What to Do After a Spinal Injury Injury in Albuquerque
After suffering a spinal cord injury in Albuquerque, it is important to take immediate action. Victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if their injuries seem minor. This can help prevent further damage and set the stage for a successful recovery.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced Albuquerque personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (505) 317-5813 and learn more about how we can help.
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
4801 Lang Ave NE
Suite 110
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 317-5813
A spinal cord injury in an accident you didn't cause is serious. You need serious lawyers to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
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