The spinal cord is a length of nerve tissue running through the human back. It connects our brains to the nerves in the rest of our bodies and is an essential component of the nervous system. A severe spinal cord injury cuts off that communication between the brain and the body, so it can cause partial or total paralysis -- loss of control over muscles below the injury site. Even a mild spinal cord injury causes some loss of function. The most common causes of spinal injuries are:

• Traffic accidents, including car, truck and motorcycle crashes
• Accidents at work
• Gun violence and other assaults
• Falls
• Electric shock
• Sports injuries

Generally speaking, the effects of a spinal cord injury change according to where on the cord the injury is located. People injured lower in the spine may lose control over specific muscles of the legs and feet, while people injured higher may be paraplegic or tetraplegic (also called quadriplegic). Very severely injured people may need help with automatic functions like breathing.

These are catastrophic injuries that change the victim's life and the lives of the people who love them. Victims of spinal cord damage may need to relearn basic functions, adapt to life with a wheelchair or other assistive device or even get help with daily life. They may not be able to work anymore, or need to change careers to accommodate their disabilities.

In addition to being a physically and emotionally devastating change, this can also be very expensive, even if the family does have insurance. Victims will need extra medical care throughout their lives, and bills can easily reach six or seven figures. If the injury was caused by someone else's reckless behavior, victims have the right to sue the wrongdoer for those costs and for financial compensation for their disabilities, pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, Suthers & Thompson would like to help. To discuss your case and your legal options at a FREE consultation, please fill out our confidential case evaluation form online or call us toll-free at 1-800-320-2384.