A spinal cord injury can cause catastrophic damage, not only physically but mentally as well. People who suffer from spinal cord injuries may face life in a wheelchair. Even if you are not wheelchair bound, you could have chronic pain and mobility issues for the rest of your life. When the injury occurs while performing your job duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Severity of Spinal Cord Injury

When an injury to the spinal cord is diagnosed, doctors often provide a location where the injury occurred. Where the injury is sustained can determine how severe mobility and other functions of the body are impaired.

High cervical nerve injures between the C1 and C4 vertebrae are the most serious of all injuries to the spinal cord. You may suffer paralysis in the arms and legs while some areas where the spine is damaged may also interfere with breathing. This type of injury can also affect speech. You will more than likely need 24-hour care and assistance.

Damage to lower nerves between the C5 and C8 vertebrae are less severe, but can still cause significant impairment depending on where the injury is located.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

There are many ways that you can injure your spinal cord at work. A slip and fall accident can lead to an injury of the spinal cord as can falling objects that strike an employee. People have suffered from injury to the spinal cord in car accidents when they are traveling as part of their job duties as well. Lifting improperly can also cause injury to the spinal cord that may be severe.

Helping Spinal Cord Victims Recover

If you have suffered an injury to your spinal cord, you may require 24-hour a day assistance with even the most common household tasks. You may need assistance getting in and out of bed, bathing or cooking. You may be unable to walk or drive a vehicle due to your injury. It is important to know, however, that if you were injured on the job, you are eligible for workers’ compensation, even if you were fully or partially responsible for your injury. In Pennsylvania, your employer must provide you compensation for your lost wages, medical bills and other costs incurred as a result of your injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury to your spinal cord, contact Lundy Law to learn what rights you may have under workers’ compensation laws. Hiring an attorney does not mean you plan to sue your employer. In fact, Pennsylvania law does not allow you to sue your employer after a workplace injury in most cases. Lundy Law will simply confirm that you are being compensated properly and that your rights are protected. You can set up your initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy form on our website.