Location of the Spinal Cord Injury - Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Indiana

When dealing with a spinal cord injury, it is important to know that the higher the injury on the spinal cord, the greater the degree of disability. Our lawyers and staff at the Indianapolis office of Wilson, Kehoe & Winingham LLC are highly knowledgeable of and well versed in the language of spinal cord injuries. We are able to help clients understand how the location of the injury affects their ability to retain control and independence.

Below are some common descriptions of injuries related to the region of the spinal cord that has been affected. However, these are not always the case since there are always medical anomalies and specific situations that render clients more or less affected.

Cervical

Also known as the neck region, injuries to the cervical spine frequently result in full or partial quadriplegia (also known know as tetraplegia). Some locations of injury may retain some amount of control and function, but not always.

• Injury to vertebrae 1-3 usually requires a ventilator to breathe, as diaphragm function is lost.
• Injury to vertebrae 4 renders the victim weak in the biceps and shoulders, but possibly retaining some function.
• Injury to vertebrate 5 in the cervical region prevents control of the wrists and hands, but possibly allows the victim to retain control of the shoulders and biceps.
• Damage to vertebrae 6 allows some wrist control but limits or prevent hand function.
• Injuries to vertebrae 7 in the cervical region and 1 in the thoracic region usually allow victims to straighten their arms but have problems with hands and fingers. C7 is considered the level for functional independence.

Thoracic

A spinal cord injury at the thoracic level of the spine and below will result in paraplegia. In most cases, the victim's head, arms, hands, and breathing are not affected, though some are.

• If your injury is to vertebrae 1-8 in the thoracic region, victims will usually have motor control over their hands, but may lack control of their abdominal muscles. This leaves controlling the trunk difficult or impossible.
• If the injury is to vertebrae 9-12 in the thoracic region, sitting balance, trunk control, and abdominal muscle control is usually very good.

Lumbar and Sacral

Injuries to the lumbar and sacral regions of the spinal cord result in decreased control of legs, hips, and urinary system, among other systems.

To discuss your situation with a lawyer at our firm, contact us today. We at Wilson, Kehoe & Winingham LLC can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have suffered.