In an instant, an injury to the brain or spine can change a life forever. Together, the brain and spinal cord make up the body’s central nervous system, which takes in sensory information, sends out motor signals, and processes information. Damage to either can quickly alter or inhibit our cognitive function and mobility. Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) are car accidents, slip and falls, acts of violence, and on-the-job injuries in which an individual is working at height or around heavy materials and equipment. Construction workers, in particular, are at an increased risk of injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At Yarborough Applegate, we’ve helped many individuals who have suffered a TBI or SCI due to another’s negligence recover compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and human losses like physical and mental impairment and lifelong pain. Though the brain and spine are in close proximity to one another, injuries to each are different, and can lead to different consequences. Read on to understand more about these injuries, and where to begin if you or someone you love is facing one.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES
A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is injured by a sudden force or trauma. TBIs can take many forms, and include both penetrating head injuries (involve a fracture to the skull) and closed head injuries (occur without damage or fracture to the skull). They have historically been categorized as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe”—though these phrases can be misleading as even a “mild” brain injury can leave a victim with permanent cognitive and behavioral issues. Read about symptoms typical of each category here.
Meanwhile, a spinal cord injury involves trauma that bruises, compresses, partially tears, or completely tears the spinal cord. Symptoms can vary widely, and are largely determined by the location of the injury on your spinal cord. Because the spinal cord carries information from your brain to the rest of your body, mobility or sensory loss from an SCI typically occurs from the injury site down. Generally speaking, the higher the injury on your vertebral column, the more severe your symptoms. Read about them here.
HIRING A BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURY ATTORNEY
If the recklessness or negligence of another caused your brain or spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. To secure it, you’ll need to answer important questions. What is the lifetime cost of care for your injuries? What about a lifetime of physical or mental impairment—what is that worth?
For these reasons and more, it’s important to have an experienced brain and spinal cord injury attorney working on your family’s behalf. Yarborough Applegate’s attorneys know how life-changing these injuries can be—and we know how to accurately and effectively convey the full extent of your loss to judges and juries. To learn how we can help you in a free, no obligation consultation, contact us today.
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