Spinal Cord Injuries

At The Gooch Firm, P.C. in Salt Lake City, our personal injury attorneys represent plaintiffs throughout Utah and Idaho who have suffered spinal cord injuries as the result of an accident or the fault of another. We help our clients obtain the compensation necessary to procure medical treatment, rehabilitation, and care, so that they may overcome the serious financial and emotional consequences of these potentially severe injuries.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is made up of nerve cells and nerve tracts, and is the part of the central nervous system that connects the brain to different parts of the body. These nerve cells and tracts allow the brain to control muscle movement and feel sensations such as heat, cold, pressure, and pain. The nerves in the spinal cord are protected by a series of bones called vertebrae that are divided (for purposes of medical identification) into three types: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. 

Traumatic blows to the spine can cause damage to the vertebrae, including fractures, crushes, dislocations, and compressions. The spinal cord can also be damaged if an object penetrates and cuts the spinal cord. Injury to the spinal cord affects the nerves that pass through the damaged area, causing a wide spectrum of problems involving the nerves and muscles below the injury. The physical effects of spinal cord injuries include:

• Numbness
• Intense or radiating pain
• Loss of grip strength
• Loss of sensation
• Difficulty breathing
• Impaired muscle movement
• Total loss of muscle movement (paralysis)

Nerve damage from spinal cord injuries is generally irreversible, but there are a number of medical treatments for spinal cord injuries that can significantly improve accident victims' quality of life including surgeries, medications, spinal traction (immobilization), experimental treatments, and ongoing care to prevent secondary injuries. However, even with proper medical treatment, lasting effects of spinal injury can include chronic pain as well as the need for long-term physical therapy, medical treatments, personal care, and at-home assistance. 

Seek Experienced, Supportive Representation

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury to the spinal cord, you need an attorney with extensive experience representing clients in this specific type of personal injury claim. At The Gooch Firm, we understand the significant financial needs of people with spinal cord injuries, as well as the need to be represented by caring and competent legal counsel. Because we handle cases on a contingency fee basis, you only pay if we recover for you. Please contact our offices today to schedule a free initial consultation. Se habla español.