The spine comprises 26 individual bones divided into five major groups; the thoracic vertebrae are the twelve vertebrae that attach to the ribs. 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 thoracic vertebrae are numbered in order T1 through T12, with T1 just below the neck. Thoracic spinal cord injury often results in paraplegia, loss of motor function and sensation in the legs and feet. The lower the injury, the more likely it is that the patient will retain some sensation and some motor function, particularly in the area of the hips and trunk. These injuries can also affect the function of reproductive organs.
The long-term prognosis for any spinal cord injuries can vary greatly depending on variables that may not be predictable. Many victims of thoracic spinal cord injury will spend the rest of their lives in wheel chairs. Even if motor function and sensation is retained in the lower body, there may be chronic pain and loss of strength. 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.
Immediate emergency medical care is vital in the case of any spine injury. After basic safety has been assured, there are many complicated issues to deal with for 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: