Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spinal cord contains the nerves that are responsible for the daily function of the central nervous system, which is the body system that controls the voluntary and involuntary movements of all other systems by transmitting signals from the brain to specific areas of the body. When the spinal cord is injured in a workplace accident or any other type of accident, the victim can suffer serious complications, some of which can be permanent.

The spinal cord can be injured, just like every other body part, in any type of accident. A fall from a ladder, a collision in a forklift or company vehicle, or being struck with a falling or malfunctioning object can cause you to suffer serious spinal cord damage if the impact hits your back in the right spot.

The best way to prevent a spinal cord injury is to observe general safety precautions in the workplace. This includes securing objects that are stored high on shelves, installing handrails on all stairways and high ledges, routinely inspecting equipment like forklifts and other machinery to ensure they do not malfunction, and safely taking objects down from heights, rather than standing on chairs or unsecured ladders.

Because the spinal cord plays such a pivotal role in much of the body's functioning, an individual who suffers a spinal cord injury could find him- or herself suffering from significant, life-altering complications as a result. Examples of these complications include the following: Loss of bowel and bladder control. Because the signal from the brain to the bladder or bowels may be severed in a spinal cord injury, victims often find it difficult to maintain these body functions and have to learn new techniques for them during rehabilitation;

• Loss of bowel and bladder control: Because the signal from the brain to the bladder or bowels may be severed in a spinal cord injury, victims often find it difficult to maintain these body functions and have to learn new techniques for them during rehabilitation;
• Loss of skin sensation: The skin contains nerves that communicate to the brain whether you are feeling something that is too hot, too cold, sharp, soft, wet, rough, or smooth. Spinal cord injury patients sometimes lose this sensation, putting them at risk of pressure sores and burns;
• Nerve pain: This is especially common with incomplete injuries. Victims might feel localized joint or muscle or centralized pain;
• Breathing issues: Respiratory problems can also accompany a spinal cord injury, which can be treated with medication and therapy;
• Circulatory problems: Many circulatory problems, such as deep vein thrombosis and dangerously high or low blood pressure, can be the result of a spinal cord injury; and
• Sexual dysfunction: Like other body systems, the reproductive system can be damaged by a spinal cord injury and require aid from a urologist to address.

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury because of an accident in your workplace, work with an experienced San Jose workplace accident attorney who can help you get the monetary compensation you deserve. At Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, L.L.P., we proudly serve clients throughout the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• Spinal Cord
• Spinal cord injury