Spinal cord injuries are some of the most complex and debilitating injuries that a victim of a New Mexico auto accident could sustain. This is why you need an experienced Albuquerque auto accident lawyer to protect your rights to compensation following any type of spinal cord injury. Learn about the types of spinal cord injuries and how they can affect a victim in the personal injury post from the Mark Caruso available here.
Spinal Cord Injuries are a Huge Problem in the United States
According to research statistics, there are over 17,000 new spinal cord injuries each year in the United States and motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of all spinal cord injuries. It is estimated that up to 358,000 Americans may be living with spinal cord injuries presently in the United States. New Mexico auto accidents involving large commercial vehicles like semi tractor trailers, tankers, vans, and other 18 wheelers are most likely to cause spinal cord injuries due to the sheer force on impact. Additionally, New Mexico auto accidents occurring on fast-moving highways and interstates like I-40, I-25, and I-10 are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord injuries could occur at any part of the spinal column. The spinal column is broken into five parts. The top part is the cervical spine, which is the neck. The next part is the thoracic spine which is your mid-back. The lower back is the lumbar spine. This is the last part of the spinal column where the spinal cord is in the middle. Below the lumbar spine is the sacral spine, which is a fused section of five vertebrae. The end of the spinal column is the coccygeal region, which is commonly known as the tail bone.
Two General Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two general types of spinal cord injuries that a victim of a New Mexico auto accident needs to be aware of. The two types of spinal cord injuries are the following:
Incomplete spinal cord injuries – this is where there is partial damage to the spinal cord, including partial severance, which results in a loss of function and sensation but the victim will retain some function and sensation. The amount lost and retained depends on the severity of the injury and damage to the spinal cord.
Complete spinal cord injuries – this is where there is a complete severing of the spinal cord due to damage. This cuts off the function and sensation between the brain and the remaining part of the spinal cord that is below the severance and spinal cord injury. There is no sensation or function below that point. Except through experimential treatment and some physical therapy which rarely but could restore some function, this damage is usually permanent and disability is usually permanent.
Did You or a Loved One Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury in a New Mexico Auto Accident? Call the Mark Caruso Office, P.C.
Victims who have suffered a spinal cord injury due to a New Mexico auto accident should please call the Mark Caruso to learn how we can help you. Call to schedule a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn how we can help represent you and your family.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
