The spine comprises 26 individual bones divided into five major groups; the lumbar vertebrae are the five vertebrae in the lower back, just below the rib cage. The consequences of any spinal injury can be severe, and immediate medical attention is vital. The costs associated with long-term treatment of spinal cord injury are also very high, so it is also vital to speak with a spinal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss legal options.
Nearly 40% of spinal cord injuries occur during car accidents. About 25% occur during violent incidents such as assaults. Other primary causes of spinal injury include sports injuries, work-related accidents and falls. When a spinal cord injury occurs, usually as a result of a high impact trauma, the spinal cord swells and presses against the vertebrae through which it runs, cutting off neural pathways and blood supply. The severity of the long-term effects of the injury may depend on the amount of time it takes to begin treatment, so immediate emergency medical attention is crucial.
The lumbar vertebrae are numbered in order from L1 through L5, and cover the area between the rib cage and the pelvis. People who suffer from lumbar spinal cord injury generally retain the ability to control their trunk and hips. However, there will generally be loss of motor function and sensation in the lower extremities. As with other spinal cord injuries, the lower along the cord the injury is located, the more likely it is that the victim will retain muscle control and sensation.
The long-term prognosis for any spinal cord injuries can vary greatly depending on variables that may not be predictable. Certainly, there is a chance of permanent paralysis below the injury. Among patients who retain motor function and sensation, there may still be loss of strength and chronic pain. In any case, there will be bills for long-term medical care and physical therapy. Long-term physical therapy is very common as well. Between lost wages, and medical bills that may exceed your insurance policy’s lifetime limit, spinal cord injuries cost a great deal of money.
In the event of any spine injury, immediate emergency medical care is vital. Once basic safety has been addressed, there are many complicated issues about which you need to speak with an experienced spinal injury attorney. Keith Fuicelli is a dedicated Denver spinal injury attorney who can negotiate with your insurance company and help you file worker’s compensation or disability claims. He will also evaluate whether there has been negligence in your case and, if appropriate, file legal action against the responsible party. Keith has committed himself to helping people who have been injured in accidents; for more information, and a FREE CONSULTATION, contact Keith at Fuicelli and Lee at (303)355-7202.
We represent clients throughout Colorado who have been injured due to another's negligence, carelessness or wrongful acts. Our firm handles a broad range of personal injury cases, including: