St. Louis Penetrating Spinal Injury Lawyer

Penetrating Spinal Injury

As the most devastating spinal cord injury, a penetrating trauma to the spinal cord has little to no chance of recovery. It occurs when a sharp object, or an object at a high velocity, pierces the skin and passes through the spinal canal, transecting the spinal cord in the process. When the nerves of the spinal cord are severed in such a fashion, the person is unfortunately placed in a situation where the damage cannot be reversed.

Causes of a Penetrating Spinal Cord Injury

The most common causes of a penetrating spinal cord injury are gunshot wounds and stabbings. However, during a vehicle accident or ejection from a car, any projectile or sharp object can injure you as well.

Symptoms and Treatment

The most common symptoms of a penetrating spinal cord injury include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Shock – rapid heart rate, shallow/fast breathing, pale skin, low blood pressure
• Paralysis of one or both sides of the body below the level of the injury if at least half of the spinal cord has been cut
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Loss of pain sensation, temperature sensation, or complete sensation in any area of the body affected by the injury
• Loss of strength in any area of the body affected by the injury

Treatment of a penetrating injury may require surgery to remove any object fragments still lodged in the spine and to control any bleeding if necessary. If the injury was to the neck and close to the brain, a person may need help breathing and require a breathing tube. Other care issues may include placement of a catheter in your bladder and frequent diaper changes if the person has lost control of one’s bowel and bladder functions.

Long-Term Outlook

With a penetrating spinal cord injury the likelihood of a person regaining any feeling or function back after the injury is very low. They will likely face many medical issues related to their injury throughout the rest of their life, such as issues with the bowel and bladder, bed sores, and infection.

Obtaining Compensation You Deserve

A penetrating spinal injury is devastating for a victim and their family. Recovery comes with extensive medical treatments and possibly life-altering outcomes. It is important that the individuals responsible for the accident are held legally responsible for their negligent actions. Our St. Louis spinal cord injury attorneys can help your family obtain compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call (314) 322-8515 today for a free case evaluation.