Recovering From Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating and life-altering injuries an accident victim can experience. Even after extensive medical treatment, the life of a spinal cord injury survivor is seldom the same. He or she may face permanent paralysis and impairment, psychological trauma, and long-term care.

If you suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, any settlement or verdict you recover should reflect the full extent of your physical, emotional, and financial losses, both now and in the future.

A spinal cord injury lawyer in Providence can explain your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd has been helping accident victims throughout Rhode Island for 45 years. We know the challenges you may be facing and we have the knowledge, skill, and resources necessary to handle the most complex cases. 

How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Initially Treated?

Damage to the upper neck can seriously impair normal breathing. Depending on the severity of the injury, an early step in treating a spinal cord injury victim is to ensure the person is breathing and that his or her heart is beating. This could require the use of a breathing tube and ventilator.

Upon the diagnosis of a spinal cord injury, steroids are often administered to manage swelling and inflammation. The patient may be placed in traction or a halo device to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage to the spinal cord. 

Surgery is necessary in many cases. The first goal of surgery is to ease pressure on the spinal cord. This may be done by removing broken parts of the vertebrae that may be compressing the spinal cord. 

Another major goal of surgery is to stabilize the spine. Fractured, weakened vertebrae may not be able to protect the spinal cord and support the normal weight of the body. A surgeon may need to place a combination of metal plates, rods, and screws to secure vertebrae together and stabilize them while the bones are healing.

What Does Rehabilitation for a Spinal Cord Injury Involve?

Once a spinal cord injury patient has been initially treated and stabilized, the recovery process focuses on rehabilitation to optimize recovery and adapt to a new way of life. Rehabilitation can involve:

• Physical Therapy: This type of therapy is intended to help a patient improve mobility, regain function, and reduce the risk of complications developing in the future. Physical therapy may include stretching, mobility training, respiratory conditioning, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training.
• Weight-Supported Locomotor Training (WSLT): During this type of rehabilitation, therapists and assistive devices help patients support their weight while walking on the ground or on a treadmill. WSLT is intended to promote nerve connectivity between the areas above the traumatic injury and the spinal cord. WSLT supports cardiorespiratory health and can prevent pressure sores and joint-related complications.
• Occupational Therapy: This type of therapy is undergone to address the functional, emotional, and social aspects of life after a spinal cord injury. The goal of occupational therapy is to help spinal cord injury survivors live as independently as possible. The process focuses on integrating adaptive devices such as wheelchairs, lifts, home controls, bathroom equipment, and other tools into patients’ lives to support their independence at home and at work.
• Psychological Therapy: In addition to physical challenges, survivors of spinal cord injuries face emotional and psychological hurdles. Psychologists and recreational therapists help to support a patient’s overall well-being.

How Can a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Help? 

The expenses associated with the high level of medical and therapeutic care for spinal cord injury survivors can be staggering. A spinal cord injury lawyer can help you seek the compensation you need to make the best recovery possible.

An attorney can help your case and recovery in a number of ways, including:

• Investigating the facts surrounding your injury
• Determining which parties may be held liable for your injury
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Calculating the value of your current and future economic and non-economic damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Providence

If you or a loved one have suffered a spinal cord injury after an accident, Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd, can help. Our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers understand the extensive treatment and rehabilitation these injuries require. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligent actions, we can help you pursue compensation for your current and future economic and non-economic losses.

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Contact us today online or at 401-273-8330 for a free case review. Our firm proudly serves clients in Providence and other areas in Rhode Island.