Spinal cord injuries can lead to drastic life changes. The diagnosis of a spinal cord injury can be terrifying news to hear. Knowing how spinal cord injuries are diagnosed might be helpful for understanding this process. If your spinal cord injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, then you could be eligible for compensation. All you have to do is talk to a Jackson spinal cord injury lawyer about what legal steps to take.
Diagnosing a Spinal Cord Injury
One of the first things that leads to the diagnosis of a spinal cord injury is the inciting accident. An accident involving a major traumatic blow to the back or neck is what often causes a spinal cord injury. When certain symptoms follow, many people visit the doctor or emergency room. Common initial symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
- Neck or back pain
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Lost bladder or bowel control
- Pressure in the injured area
- Problems with breathing
- Weakness with walking or moving the arms
Since spinal cord injuries involve damage to the spinal cord, a loss of sensation and movement often follow, depending on the injury severity. These various symptoms often lead people to seek medical attention. What the medical professional will often do is assess for symptoms with questions and physical tests. Questions might be asked about the cause of the injury.
The most important initial steps taken by medical professionals are to check how much the injury is hindering breathing and heart rate. Once the patient is stabilized, the medical professional may test motor and sensory functions. This may involve asking the patient to move parts of their body. Doctors may ask the patient where parts of their body feel numb.
A CT scan and X-ray might be used to check for bone fractures and dislocations. An MRI is often used to see the extent of the damage done to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. Once these tests are done, the doctor can make an official diagnosis.
Documenting Your Spinal Cord Injury
The option of filing a personal injury claim for compensation is available to those whose injuries were caused by someone else. How much you document about your spinal cord injury can affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. More documentation will not only increase your chances but may also increase the amount of overall compensation.
Photos of the accident scene and your injury, written details about what happened, and medical records are all important. You can drastically improve your claim by journaling daily symptoms, struggles, medical costs, and losses from the injury. Consider contacting a Jackson accident lawyer to explore other ways you can strengthen your personal injury claim.
Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Jackson
No one should have to pay for injuries caused by someone else. Call the Germany Law Firm, PLLC today at (607) 487-0555 to speak with a Mississippi personal injury lawyer for a consultation. Our team of attorneys can work with you to help you obtain compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and medical costs. We serve clients in Jackson, Madison, Gulfport, Oxford, and other cities in Mississippi.
