Arkansas Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries and by extension, traumatic brain injuries, are a particularly troubling type of injury. To begin with, due to their nature they are typically extremely serious, if not catastrophic, injuries. These injuries can be temporary or result in a lifelong impairment that limits the things that you are able to do or accomplish.

If you have suffered a serious injury to your back or spinal cord, don’t try to handle it on your own. Ken Kieklak of the Law Practice of Ken Kieklak can offer experienced personal injury representation for those who have been injured in Arkansas.

The Spinal Column and Injuries

While many people think of the spinal column as a simple rod that travels through the torso, the reality is that the bodily structure is much more complex. The spinal column consists of seven cervical vertebrae located in the neck, 12 thoracic vertebrae located in the chest, five lumbar vertebrae in the back, 5 sacrum vertebrae, and the coccyx (tailbone). Each of the vertebras are connected and protected by a disc structures.

Types of Accidents that Can Cause Spinal Cord Injuries

While spinal injuries can occur in an accident of any type, certain mechanisms of injury are more likely than others to cause serious spine injury. According to statistics compiled by the Mayo Clinic the most common causes for spinal injury includes:

• Car, truck, motorcycle and SUV actions – Mayo clinic statistics indicate that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of back and neck injuries like whiplash. Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable due to the small size and little protection their vehicle provides
• Sporting injuries – Athletic activities included diving into a pool, playing recreational sports, hiking and other activities accounts for roughly 8 percent of all spinal injuries.
• Diseases – A number of diseases and degenerative conditions can cause catastrophic injury to the spinal cord including meningitis, cancer, osteoporosis, and inflammatory conditions.
• Alcohol – Bern, wine or other types of liquor plays a role in nearly 25 percent of all spinal injuries. Consuming alcohol significantly increases your risk of suffering a spinal injury.
• Falls – For adult age 65 or older, falls are the leading cause of spinal injury. One in four spinal cord injuries are due to a fall.
• Intentional violent acts – Unfortunately act of violence including stabbings and shootings account for up to 15 percent or all injuries.

Types of Problems Caused by Spinal cord Injuries

The problems one might experience due to a spinal cord injury are dependent upon the part of the spine affected and the severity of the injury. However certain problems often appear in those who have suffered a spine injury. These problems can include:

• Headache
• Trouble with focus
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Difficulty walking
• Numbness or tingling in arms and legs
• Inability to move arms and legs
• Unconsciousness
• Unnatural positioning of head
• Nausea
• Mood changes or variability
• Signs of shock
• Spasms
• Loss of ability to feel heat, cold or other sensations

If you suspect that you or a loved one have suffered a serious spinal injury, you should immediately call 911 or the appropriate number for emergency medical services. While waiting for help to arrive you should never move or reposition the person including removing a helmet or making them more comfortable. One exception to the foregoing is if the person is not breathing or unable to breathe. Then CPR should be performed by moving the jaw forward rather than tilting the head back.

Contact a Arkansas Spinal Cord Injury Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious spinal injury, contact Ken Kieklak of the Law Practice of Ken Kieklak. He can fight to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. For your free consultation, call (479) 316-0438 or contact us online today.