Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers | Truitt Law Offices Blog

Types of Medical Malpractice

2011-08-05T10:19:00.002-04:00

Any time you seek medical care, your doctor or surgeon has certain professional responsibilities that constitute a certain standard of care. Negligence is the legal term that refers to your physician’s failure to follow that standard of care, which can provide grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit in Indiana. If you have been injured by the negligence of a physician, medical malpractice attorney Richard
Truitt of Truitt Law Offices in Fort Wayne has over 30 years of experience in Indiana personal injury law and is fully qualified to help you file your medical malpractice claim.

Medical negligence only qualifies as medical malpractice when a physician causes injury by failing to uphold the established standard of care. This can happen in a wide variety of ways, but may be difficult to prove. Truitt Law Offices has the legal experience and the knowledge of medical issues to guide you through the legal process and establish proof for your medical malpractice claim.

Examples of medical malpractice might include:
• Emergency room errors or delay of care that results in injury
• Surgical errors
• Missed or incorrect diagnoses
• Birth injuries

If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a surgical error or another type of medical malpractice, please contact your trusted Fort Wayne medical malpractice attorney Richard Truitt for a free initial interview to discuss your legal options.

Knowing If You Have a Medical Malpractice Claim in Indiana

2011-08-04T11:43:00.002-04:00

When you seek medical treatment for an injury or illness, you expect to receive care that takes care of your problem and brings you back to full health. However, negligent medical treatment and medical errors can result in serious injury or sickness, which can feel like an enormous betrayal of trust.

If you received medical treatment that made your condition worse or you suffered an injury while undergoing medical care in Indiana, Fort Wayne medical malpractice attorney Richard Truitt can help you find out if you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim in Indiana.

Criteria for a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
It can sometimes be difficult to prove medical malpractice in Indiana court, especially for patients with complicated medical conditions or severe personal injury. If the negligence of a doctor, surgeon, or other medical professional caused you injury or illness, Truitt Law Offices will help you file a medical malpractice claim and attempt to prove the three criteria for a successful medical malpractice lawsuit:

• The physician had a standard of care to follow
• The physician did not uphold this standard of care
• The negligence of the physician resulted in your injury or illness

Fort Wayne medical malpractice lawyer Richard Truitt represents victims of medical errors and hospital negligence across Indiana. For the last three decades, Truitt Law Offices has been helping Indiana families recover fair compensation for personal injuries, including medical malpractice.

If you or a family member has been injured as a result of medical malpractice, please contact Fort Wayne medical malpractice attorney Richard Truitt, with over 30 years of experience in Indiana personal injury law.

Common Mistakes Made after a Car Accident

2011-07-29T14:19:00.002-04:00

Car accidents are a danger that all Indiana drivers face, and knowing what to do after you’ve been injured in a car accident is extremely important to ensure that you can receive fair compensation for your car accident injuries. Unfortunately, not everyone is prepared to deal with a car accident, and many Indiana drivers make mistakes that jeopardize their legal rights.

Fort Waynhtt car accident attorney Richard Truit represents victims of car accident injuries across Indiana, so he truly understands the importance of protecting your rights to car accident injury compensation. Therefore, Truitt Law Offices encourages you to avoid these common mistakes:

• Admitting Fault – Indiana personal injury law still allows you to recover damages if your actions were 50% responsible for the accident. So, even if you feel partly responsible, do not make any statement that can be used against you later, such as saying that the car accident was your fault.
• Delaying Medical Treatment – Part of proving your case in a personal injury lawsuit involves directly connecting your injuries to the accident in question. If you are injured in a car accident, seek medical treatment right away so that your injuries can be fully documented.
• Failing to Report an Accident – Even if your injuries seem minor, call the police to report your car accident. A police report provides crucial documentation that can later help you recover damages for your car accident injuries.
• Not Calling a Car Accident Attorney – Without the help of an experienced car accident attorney like Richard Truitt, you may miss critical deadlines or be unaware of the need to collect certain evidence. Truitt Law Offices in Fort Wayne can help you start building your case right away and avoid mistakes that may prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.

A car accident can happen at any time, so have your car accident attorney’s phone number ready just in case. You can call your Fort Wayne car accident attorney Richard Truitt at 800.628.2904 or contact Truitt Law Offices online in the event of a car accident anywhere in Indiana.

Knowing If You Have a Wrongful Death Claim

2011-07-29T14:17:00.001-04:00

When your family member dies in an accident, it can seem impossible to move on from such a terrible tragedy. Not only is the death of a loved one emotionally devastating, but your loss may also severely impact the financial future of your family. If your family is dealing with the financial impact of a death in the family, Indiana wrongful death attorney Richard Truitt can help you find out about the possibility of monetary compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

If the misconduct or negligence of a person, a business, or another party led to the death of your loved one, Truitt Law Offices can help you seek wrongful death compensation for:

• Medical bills and funeral expenses
• Loss of future income from the victim
• Loss of benefits
• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
No amount of money can assuage the emotional trauma of suddenly losing a family member. Nonetheless, with the help of Indiana wrongful death attorney Richard Truitt, you may be able to prevent your personal tragedy from becoming financially devastating to your family.

If your family has lost someone due to the wrongdoing or negligence of another party in Indiana, please contact Truitt Law Offices in Fort Wayne to find out if you can recover wrongful death compensation under Indiana law.

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer about Spinal Cord Injuries

2011-06-22T12:37:00.000-04:00

Am I eligible for compensation for my spinal cord injury in Indiana?

In Indiana, eligibility for personal injury compensation depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident that caused your spinal cord injury. The most important factor is usually determining whether someone else’s negligence contributed significantly to your spinal cord injury. For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury at a construction site, improper safety protocols may have been responsible.

At Truitt Law Offices, experienced Fort Wayne personal injury attorney Richard Truitt will help you determine whether you have grounds for a spinal cord injury lawsuit and advise you about your legal options.

What if I was partially at fault?

Indiana personal injury law allows you to recover damages for your injuries if your actions are determined to have been less than 51% responsible for the injury. For example, if your spinal cord injury was the result of a traffic accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit even if you and the other driver were equally (50%) at fault. Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt has been representing victims of serious injuries for more than 30 years and can help you get the personal injury compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Indiana, please contact Truitt Law Offices in Fort Wayne today for a free consultation about your case.

Selecting an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney

2011-06-17T12:34:00.001-04:00

When you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, selecting the right Indiana personal injury lawyer is a crucial step toward getting the compensation you deserve. You need a trained and trusted advocate to represent you in all negotiations and in the courtroom. Fort Wayne personal injury attorney Richard T. Truitt has dedicated his 30 year career to helping Indiana victims of catastrophic injuries and their families navigate the legal system and win fair compensation.

Without an experienced personal injury lawyer like Richard Truitt on your side, it can be extremely difficult to receive any compensation for your injuries, especially in complex cases. Truitt Law Offices can handle many types of personal injury lawsuits, including:

• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Construction Site Injuries
• Traffic Accident Injuries

Richard Truitt represents victims of negligence across Indiana and has the experience in Indiana to effectively present your case. We are ready to help you put your life back together after your injury and help protect your family’s financial future.

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury or another type of personal injury in Indiana, please contact Truitt Law Offices today for a free and frank discussion of your case.

Choosing a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

2010-11-10T15:40:00.000-05:00

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating to you and your entire family. It is very difficult to watch someone you love cope with the life altering effects of such a catastrophic injury. Often, the emotional and financial burden is shared by the entire family. It is important to remember that you are not alone during this time. Medical and legal professionals are here to help you deal with your injury.

If your spinal cord injury was caused by the negligence of another, you will most likely have a valid personal injury claim. Due to the far reaching effects of a spinal cord injury, it is important to work with a lawyer who can ensure you will receive the appropriate level of compensation to help you and your family manage for the rest of your life.

There are a variety of factors that go into determining damages in a spinal cord injury claim, and your attorney will need to have the skills and experience to properly determine the damage amount.

Medical expenses are clearly an important component of your damage award. However, spinal cord injuries often require future medical treatment and long term care throughout your life. These expenses must be factored into your damage award.

Lost wages are another factor which can be complicated to assess in a spinal cord injury claim. Often, spinal cord injuries force the victim to seek a different job which can be performed with a disability. If this job does not provide a salary commensurate with past earnings, this loss of future earnings must be assessed and added to the damage award.

There are other non-economic damages which must be calculated as well, including:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Diminished quality of life

Your spinal cord injury lawyer will also need to have a strong understanding of the medical principles involved in these claims and be able to interrogate expert witnesses in order to prove negligence. Back injuries are often highly complicated, and this requires a skilled attorney.

Furthermore, you will want to find a lawyer who cares about you and your family. His top priority should be caring about your long term needs, which include helping you find the medical and emotional support to recover from your injury.

Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt has been helping victims of catastrophic injuries receive the compensation they deserve for more than three decades. He has a strong grasp on the legal and medical principles involved in these complex claims, and he has the skills to help you earn a fair settlement that will protect your family’s interests for years to come. Most importantly, Mr. Truitt is a compassionate lawyer who puts his clients’ needs above a dollar sign. He will always be there to help you in any way you may need him to.

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Spinal Cord Anatomy Overview

2010-11-08T15:30:00.001-05:00

The spinal cord is connected to your brain, running down the middle of your back to the base of your spine. It is about the diameter of a finger, and it is protected by your column of vertebrae. There is a clear fluid called Cerebral Spinal Fluid which provides a cushion for the nerve tissues of the spinal cord, preventing them from getting damaged by routine daily contact with the inside of the vertebrae.

Your spinal cord is made up of millions of nerve fibers that send electrical impulses between your brain and the other parts of your body, including:

Arms
Legs
Organs

Together, your brain and spinal cord make up the Central Nervous System. Nerves extend from the spinal cord, passing through holes in the vertebrae to relay information from the brain to the rest of the body and from the body back to the brain.

There are four groups of spinal nerves which carry information to the rest of your body. In descending order, they are:

Cervical nerves – located in the neck, they supply movement and feeling to arms, neck and upper torso
Thoracic nerves – located in the upper back, they supply movement and feeling to the torso and abdomen
Lumbar nerves and sacral nerves – located in the lower back, they supply movement and feeling to the legs, bladder, bowel, and sexual organs

When you suffer a spinal cord injury, trauma to the region results in a loss of function of nerves in the spinal cord. In serious spinal cord injuries, nerves below the injury become incapacitated, resulting in partial or total paralysis. These tragic injuries often require a lifetime of medical care.

Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt has been helping spinal cord injury victims receive the compensation they deserve for more than 30 years. He has a deep understanding of the nature of these injuries, and he will provide you with aggressive representation to ensure the negligent party is held accountable. Mr. Truitt will not rest until you have received a fair settlement that helps you cope with this life altering injury.

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Spinal Cord Injury Resources

2010-10-27T18:36:00.000-04:00

Spinal cord injuries can have catastrophic effects on you and your loved ones. Fortunately, you do not have to go through this difficult time alone. There are a variety of organizations that are available to provide you with the help you need.

The following resources can be extremely valuable to you following your spinal cord injury:

National Spinal Cord Injury Association – The NSCIA has chapters and support groups across the United States which can provide you with peer support services. They are associated with local and national agencies which function as community advocates for spinal cord injury victims, providing assistance with housing, transportation, employment, and leisure activities.
The National Institutes of Health – The NIH has developed an extensive website providing detailed information about spinal cord injuries, including sections on diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, rehabilitation, and coping with the condition. The website provides you access to a variety of scholarly journal articles about spinal cord injuries as well as a resource section pointing you towards organizations which may help you receive the help you need.
Disability Information and Resources – This is an extensive website providing very detailed information and resources regarding spinal cord injuries. You will find links to treatment centers around the country, articles discussing research on spinal cord injury treatments, newsletters providing the latest information in the spinal cord injury field, and many other resources which can provide you with assistance.

If your spinal cord injury was caused by the negligent actions of another, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt has been helping victims of catastrophic injuries for more than 30 years. He has a strong understanding of this complex area of law, and he can help ensure your rights are protected so that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Paralysis

2010-10-25T18:34:00.002-04:00

Coping with paralysis is not an easy process. You and your family will most likely face a serious emotional strain as you cope with adjusting to a reduced quality of life. Often, paralysis may impact your ability to earn a living, making it difficult to support your family. Ongoing medical treatment and long term care can magnify this financial burden.

Paralysis results from a serious spinal cord injury. There are a variety of accidents which can cause a paralyzing spinal cord injury, including:

Construction site accidents
Auto accidents
Sports injuries
Slip and fall accidents

If you have developed paralysis due to the negligent actions of another, you will need the help of experienced legal counsel. Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt has been helping spinal cord injury victims receive the compensation they deserve for more than 30 years. He understands the special needs and issues surrounding spinal cord injuries and paralysis, and he will fight to ensure that the negligent party is held accountable.

While financial compensation will not restore your quality of life, it will provide your family with much needed assistance as you cope with this tragic accident. Mr. Truitt can help you receive compensation for:

Lost wages
Diminished quality of life
Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Pain and suffering
Diminished earning capacity

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Nerve Damage and Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-09-10T14:40:00.000-04:00

Nerve damage is a permanent injury that can severely impact your life. Symptoms may develop gradually or immediately following your injury and include:

Chronic pain
Lack of full facial muscle functionality
Inability to move a body part with the same range of motion you previously had
Loss of bladder control
Numbness/loss of sensation in arms, legs, and extremities

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor at once.

One of the most common causes of nerve damage is a spinal cord injury. Often after a spinal cord injury, you may develop a herniated disc which may pinch a nerve. In this situation, your nerve damage is actually a symptom of a much larger problem – your spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injuries are often catastrophic in nature, resulting in drastic alterations to your daily life. If the injury is severe, you may require extensive medical treatment and long term care. This can place a serious emotional and financial burden on you and your family.

Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt can help you receive the compensation you deserve if you have suffered nerve damage from a spinal cord injury caused by the negligence of another. With over 30 years of experience handling spinal cord injury claims, Mr. Truitt has a thorough understanding of both the legal and medical principles involved. Mr. Truitt will fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected.

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Slip and Fall Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-09-07T14:38:00.001-04:00

Slip and fall accidents are often very serious, resulting in the following types of injuries:

Broken bones
Back and neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Brain injuries
Paralysis

In fact, fall accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injury. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Snowy or icy surfaces
Unmarked slippery surfaces
Unconnected floor mats
Inadequate handrails
Poor lighting
Holes in the floor

If a property owner's negligent maintenance of the premises led to your slip and fall accident and subsequent spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. However, premises liability laws are highly complex, and you will need the assistance of an experienced slip and fall attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Indiana spinal cord lawyer Richard Truitt has worked with many slip and fall accident and spinal cord injury victims. He is very familiar with Indiana premises liability laws as well as the catastrophic nature of spinal cord injuries. Mr. Truitt can help you find the proper medical treatment for your injuries so that you can start your road to recovery while he fights for your compensation.

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury attorney today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Spinal Cord Injury Caused by Job Site Negligence

2010-08-17T16:24:00.000-04:00

Employers have an obligation to provide a safe working environment for employees. When they fail do to so, it often results in catastrophic injuries. Some of these, such as spinal cord injuries, can place a serious physical, emotional, and financial burden on you and your family.

The most common work environment resulting in a spinal cord injury is a construction site. The dangerous nature of the job, such as working in high places with heavy machinery, makes construction site accidents a common occurrence. Many of these injuries are very serious, including:

Brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Paralysis
Death

A significant number of construction site accidents are the result of job site negligence. The following negligent actions greatly increase your risk of injury at these dangerous work environments:

Poorly maintained equipment
Improper signage
Unsafe working conditions
Contractor negligence

However, you do not have to work at a construction site to suffer a spinal cord injury at work. Slip and fall injuries can easily cause spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, job site negligence often creates conditions that result in these injuries.

If your spinal cord injury was the result of job site negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt is here to help you hold negligent employers accountable for their actions. Mr. Truitt has handled workplace injury and spinal cord injury claims for more than 30 years, and he understands the complexities associated with them.

Mr. Truitt can help you receive the compensation you need to cover:

Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Lost income
Long term care
Pain and suffering

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

What to Do after a Spinal Cord Injury

2010-08-16T16:21:00.001-04:00

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating to you and your family. Often, these injuries require a major adjustment to your lifestyle, and in the most serious cases, they may require long term daily care. The physical, emotional, and financial stress can be crippling to you and your loved ones.

If you think you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment immediately. While a full recovery from serious spinal cord injuries is often unlikely, your chances are best if you receive treatment promptly following your injury. If possible, it is best to go to a doctor specializing in spinal cord injuries.

If your spinal cord injury was caused by the negligent actions of another, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. The financial burden following your injury can place a great strain on your family. It is important to make sure they are provided for in this time of need.

Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt has handled many spinal cord injury claims, and he has the experience to help you and your loved ones through this difficult process. Mr. Truitt will help you locate the proper specialists so that you can start receiving the medical treatment you need. While you are focusing on your recovery, he will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident in order to prove negligence.

Mr. Truitt will fight to get you compensation to cover:

Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Long term care
Lost income
Pain and suffering

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Construction Site Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-07-10T16:05:00.000-04:00

Construction workers face hazardous conditions every day as part of their job. As a result, construction site injuries are a common occurrence. Unfortunately, due to the dangerous nature of the job, many of these injuries are catastrophic. In particular, there is a serious risk of spinal cord injuries at a construction site.

There are a variety of construction site accidents that commonly result in spinal cord injuries. Some of the most common include:

Scaffolding accidents – Approximately 5,000 construction workers are injured in a scaffold accident every year. Unfortunately, many of these injuries are quite severe, resulting in brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even death.
Crane accidents – Cranes are regularly used in the construction industry, and they account for a large portion of construction accidents.
Ladder accidents – Falls from broken or unsecured ladders regularly result in spinal cord injuries which require long term care.
Roofing accidents – Many construction site employees are required to work on roofs on a regular basis. Falling from a roof almost always results in catastrophic injuries or death.
Collapsing walls – Collapsing walls can seriously injure a construction worker trapped underneath. Unfortunately, these accidents are often the result of an employer’s failure to comply with appropriate industry standards.

Sadly, many construction site spinal cord injuries can be avoided by taking the proper safety precautions at the work site. If you or a loved one has suffered a construction site spinal cord injury due to the negligent actions of another, Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt can help you receive the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, long term care, and lost wages.

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Summertime Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-07-01T16:02:00.000-04:00

For many Indiana residents, summertime is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. With an abundance of warm, sunny weather, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. However, it is important to remember to participate in your summer leisure activities safely. Every year, local hospitals see an increase in accidents as a result of participation in outdoor summertime activities.

One particular injury that often results from this increase in outdoor activity is spinal cord injuries. Due to the catastrophic nature of these injuries, it is crucial that you take the proper precautions to prevent an accident that may result in the need for a lifetime of medical care.

Water sports are very popular during the summertime. Indiana has many lakes and swimming pools where you can enjoy swimming, diving, sailing, and waterskiing. However, there are inherent dangers in these activities, and it is important to participate responsibly. Swimming pools pose a particular hazard. The wet surface around pools increases the risk of slip and fall injuries, which are causes of spinal cord injuries.

Many children enjoy a variety of climbing activities during the summer as well. Between trees, jungle gyms, and other playground structures, children are often very high off the ground. Falling injuries while climbing can result in a serious spinal cord injury. It is important to make sure your children are supervised when climbing to reduce the risk of accident and injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another, Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer Richard Truitt can help you receive the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and other financial hardships created by your injury.

Please contact our Indiana spinal cord injury lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation with Mr. Truitt.

Compensation related to Spinal Cord Injury in Indiana

2010-06-03T13:48:00.000-04:00

In order to receive compensation for a spinal cord injury claim in Indiana you must prove that the person who caused the injury was negligent. That means the person failed to exercise ordinary care. In Indiana you must prove:

You suffered damages
The existence of a duty owed to you by the person who caused the injury
The other person failed to carry out the duty they owe you
The other persons failure caused you to have the injury

Under Indiana law if two or more individuals are responsible for the injury because they were each careless they are each responsible for a proportional amount of the damages.

A spinal cord injury that is caused by using a consumer product may cause the seller of the product to be responsible under the "products liability" legal theory if:

The product was defective and unreasonably dangerous
The defect caused the injury
You suffered damages
The product reached you without substantial change from when it was sold
The seller usually sells the product, and should have foreseen that you would be the type of person who would buy or use it

Under Indiana law, the person who injured you is responsible for:

Past, current and future estimated medical expenses
Time lost from work
The cost of hiring someone to do household chores when you cannot do them
Your emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and any interference with your family relationships
Change in your future earning ability
Any other costs that are a direct result of your spinal cord injury

Indiana law protects you if you've suffered a spinal cord injury due to another's negligence. Clearly identifying responsibility and ensuring that the appropriate compensation is obtained is the role of a spinal cord injury attorney. If you or a family member has been injured contact the Truitt Law Offices.

Questions of new Spinal Cord Injury Victims

2010-06-02T13:44:00.001-04:00

What is Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)? SCI is damage to the spinal cord that causes loss of mobility or feeling. Common causes include trauma (falls, car accidents, sports accidents) or disease (polio, spina bifida, etc.) The spinal cord does not have to be severed to cause a loss of function. For most people with SCI the spinal cord is intact. SCI is very different from back injuries such as pinched nerves and ruptured disks.

It is possible for a person to "break" their back or neck and not sustain a spinal cord injury. If only the vertebrae are damaged but the spinal cord is not affected the person may not experience paralysis after the bones are stabilized.

What are the effects of SCI? The effects of SCI vary depending on the severity and level of the injury. Injuries to the spinal cord can be divided into two categories – Complete and Incomplete. A complete injury means that there is no sensory and voluntary motor function below the level of the injury and affects both sides of the body. A person with incomplete injury may be able to move one limb more than another and may have feeling in parts of the body that cannot be moved.

Is there a cure for SCI? There are many active research programs for SCI but currently there is no cure.

Do people with SCI ever get better? When SCI occurs there is usually an initial swelling of the spinal cord. When the swelling begins to go down the patient may regain some functioning. With many injuries the person may regain some function.

Do people with SCI die sooner? Approximately 90% of people with SCI survive their injuries. Many of them have a near normal life expectancy. There are some common symptoms that can affect life expectancy such as urinary tract infections, pressure sores and respiratory infections. Facilities that specialize in SCI care can help reduce these problems.

Does SCI affect sexual function and fertility? It is possible for individuals with spinal cord injury to have a normal and satisfying sex life. In men fertility may be reduced but it is still possible to have children. For women fertility may be affected in the first few months after injury. Most women regain their ability to become pregnant and carry a baby to term.

If you or a family member have recently suffered a spinal cord injury you certainly have more questions than answers. That is why you need a lawyer who is experienced in spinal cord injury. Please contact one at Truitt Law Offices today.

Cost of living with Spinal Cord Injury

2010-05-04T14:13:00.000-04:00

The costs of living with Spinal Cord Injury can be substantial and vary greatly based on the severity of injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the University of Alabama National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 42.6% of spinal cord injured individuals are considered paraplegic (losses of movement and sensation in the lower body) and 56.4% quadriplegic (losses of movement and sensation in both arms and legs).

Average yearly expenses by severity of injury are:

High quadriplegia (C1 – C4) – year one $775,567 – subsequent years $138,923
Low quadriplegia (C5 – C8) – year one $500,829 – subsequent years $56,905
Paraplegia – year one $283,388 – subsequent years $28,837
Incomplete motor function at any level – year one $228,566 – subsequent years $16,018

Contributing to those costs are the average length of stay in a hospital or rehabilitation unit: The average lengths of stay are 15 days of initial hospitalization and 36 days in a rehab unit. 87.9% of all people with spinal cord injury are discharged to a private home. 5.6% are discharged to nursing homes.

The estimated lifetime costs range between $681,843 (incomplete motor function) and over $3,000,000 (High Quadriplegic) for a patient injured at age 25. According to the research, developing therapies for those who have already sustained spinal cord injury and preventing new injuries would save as much as $400 billion in future direct and indirect lifetime costs.

The party or parties responsible for paying these costs also varies depending on a number of factors including the circumstances of the spinal cord injury. With costs that can eclipse $3,000,000 it is essential to find a qualified Spinal Cord Injury Attorney to help you navigate the course. If you live anywhere in Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact Truitt Law Offices.

Location of Spinal Cord Damage – Types and Severity of Symptoms

2010-05-03T14:06:00.003-04:00

The location of a Spinal Cord Injury determines the type and severity of the symptoms. Each of the spinal cord segments serve defined motor and sensory regions and symptoms vary depending on the location of the injury. Spinal cord injury causes sensory and motor function loss below the point of the injury. Listed below are the type of spinal cord injuries and their associated common symptoms / paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can cause both paraplegia and quadriplegia.

Cervical Injuries (near the neck) - Spinal cord injuries near the neck can impact both the arms and legs and result in the following symptoms:

Breathing difficulties (paralysis of breathing muscles)
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Spasticity
Pain
Weakness and paralysis
Numbness

Thoracic Injuries (chest level) – Injuries at the chest level can affect the legs and cause:

Breathing difficulties (paralysis of breathing muscles)
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Numbness
Spasticity
Weakness and paralysis
Pain

Cervical and high-thoracic injures can also cause trouble in maintaining normal body temperature and blood pressure.

Lumbar Sacral Injuries (lower back) – Lower back injuries can cause varying degrees of symptoms affecting the legs and cause the following symptoms:

Numbness
Pain
Weakness and paralysis
Spasticity
Loss of bowel and bladder control

Information about the location of the injury and the symptoms is helpful as you seek to understand the injury that you or a family member has sustained. There is a lot more information than is listed here including that about the rights of someone who has suffered a spinal cord injury. For help in navigating all of the information you need to know in the Indianapolis area contact an Indiana spinal cord attorney at Truitt Law Offices.

This blog has moved

2010-04-26T12:36:00.001-04:00

This blog is now located at http://truittlawoffices.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://truittlawoffices.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Life after Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-04-03T10:38:00.000-04:00

Christopher Reeve is one of the most recognizable faces and names associated with Spinal Cord Injury. His life and legacy are a testament to how much someone can overcome and accomplish, when in spite of their handicap, they put their mind to it. There are countless other stories of the triumph and success of people living with spinal cord injury. Reeve and many others have discovered that life can yield great satisfaction in business, competitive sports and other arenas even after a spinal cord injury. Here are some of their stories:

Scott Chesney – became paralyzed from a sudden spinal stroke at the age of 15. A true student of life, he was not deterred by his injury and paralysis. Through his study of teachers of human behavior, Scott developed his own message for navigating life. Scott shares his philosophies as a personal empowerment coach for adults, teens and families. His success has earned him international recognition as a workshop and keynote presenter including speaking to an audience at the United Nations.

Teddy Pendergrass – singer, song writer and composer was severely injured in an auto accident in 1982. Before his accident Teddy had a successful career as a lead singer and solo artist. After completing physical therapy he returned to the studio and recorded the album Love Language. On July 13, 1985 Teddy returned to public performing then continued his career through the 1980s and 1990s. Sadly, Pendergrass succumbed to cancer on January 13, 2010. Both his music and the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance (a foundation that helps those with spinal cord injury), are a legacy and testament to what someone can accomplish in spite of spinal cord injury.

Teddy Pendergrass, Scott Chesney, Christopher Reeve and countless others like them provide a point of reference and encouragement. Realizing your potential and dreams after a spinal cord injury begins with ensuring you receive the care and consideration you need and deserve. That’s one reason you need a spinal cord injury lawyer familiar with the laws of Indiana. If you live in the Indianapolis area contact one at Truitt Law Offices.

How Disability is Determined

2010-04-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

The Social Security Administration uses a series of questions to determine disability after you have suffered some type of personal injury. These five qualifying questions provide a step by step process designed to help identify disability:

Are you working? – If you are working and your wages average more than $700 per month you will not normally be considered for disability.

Is your condition severe? – The impairments associated with your condition have to interfere with the normal work related activities to be considered disabled.

Is your condition found in the list of disabling impairments? – The Social Security Administration has a list of impairments that are organized by each of the major body systems. The impairments listed are those that are so severe they will automatically qualify you for disability status. For a condition that is not on the list, a determination must be made to determine if it’s as severe as one that is on the list. If it is not, go to the next step.

Can you do the work you did previously? – If your condition does not equal the severity of a condition on the list the Social Security Administration must determine if you can do the work you have done for the past 15 years. If you can, your claim will be denied.

Can you do any other type of work? – If you cannot do the work you have done in the past 15 years a determination must be made if you can do another type of work. Factors considered in this determination include age, work experience, transferrable skills and a review of job demands of occupations as determined by the Department of Labor. If you cannot perform any type of work your claim will be approved. If you can, your claim will be denied.

Having someone asking you all these questions can be intimidating. The outcome is important so it is essential to have an advocate who will help you navigate these questions and get the answers you deserve. If you live in the Indianapolis area, please contact Truitt Law Offices to find an Indiana spinal cord lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights at this time.

Spasticity as a Result of Spinal Cord Injury

2010-03-15T15:38:00.000-04:00

Spasticity (muscle spasms) occurs after a spinal cord injury. The cause of spasticity is that nerve cells below the level of the injury become disconnected from the brain. This results in changes to the nerves that control muscle activity. Spasticity is an exaggeration of normal reflexes that can occur any time the body is stimulated below the injury. When muscles are stretched or something irritates the body below the level of the injury, muscle spasms can occur. Sensations from the body are transmitted to the spinal cord but because the nerve cells are disconnected it causes muscles to contract or spasm.

Almost any stimulation can trigger spasticity. There are some conditions that cause more of a problem. Kidney and bladder infections or skin break down will cause spasms to increase. If an individual with spinal cord injury doesn't perform regular range of motion exercises their muscles and joints will become less flexible. The lack of flexibility can cause severe spasms even with minor stimulation. Injuries to the feet and legs can also increase spasticity.

The spasticity that results from spinal cord injury can also have some benefit to the injured person. Muscle spasms can serve as an indicator to identify pain or problems in areas that are lacking sensation. As an example, the spasms can be an indication of a urinary tract infection coming on. Spasticity also helps to maintain muscle size and bone strength, and maintain circulation in the legs.

Spasticity is just one condition related to spinal cord injury. If you live in Indiana and are dealing with Spasticity or other injury related conditions contact an experienced Indiana Spinal Cord Lawyer at Truitt Law Offices.

Your rights as a patient with a Spinal Cord Injury

2010-03-11T15:44:00.000-05:00

Whether you have a recent spinal cord injury or have been living with one for some time understanding your rights is important. The rights of medical patients are defined in a number of federal and state laws. The specifics may vary from state to state but most laws provide protection in some key areas:

Freedom of choice - You have the right to choose where you will receive care and who will provide that care. In the case of an emergency those decisions might be made for you if you’re unable to make decisions about treatment.

Prompt and adequate response - The medical facility and care providers must answer all reasonable requests within their ability to meet them.

Informed consent – So that you can consider all of your options, the physician and others coordinating your care must provide you with adequate information. In context, this means any information the care providers posses or reasonably should possess is available to you so that you can assess the risk and options to make informed decisions.

Your medical records - The law provides protections for confidentiality. You may have access to your own records but will likely have to pay for copies if you request them.

Information - Copies of any rules and regulations governing your care and the basic information about the physician and others coordinating your care is available to you.

Federal and state provisions are in place to help protect your rights as a patient. Knowing and exercising your rights is an important ingredient to help ensure you receive the best care possible and never suffer from neglect, oversight or abuse. The provisions listed here are just a few of those that exist to guarantee the quality of your care. Finding an attorney who specializes in safeguarding the rights of patients with spinal cord injury is also an essential step. If you live in the Indianapolis area and have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the Truitt Law Offices.

Prevalence and Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-02-27T20:54:00.000-05:00

Over 5 million people in the United States report having some form of paralysis. 23% of those cases are caused by spinal cord injury. That means 1,275,000 people reported being paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. That number is approximately 0.4% of the total U.S. population.

When you look further into the information that's available, you find that nearly 25% of the people suffering from spinal cord injury are under age 40 with half of those under age 30.

The leading causes of spinal cord injury are traffic accidents and work-related accidents. These two categories account for 52% of the injuries. There are a number of other causes of spinal cord injury including birth defects (3%), falls (9%), sports & recreation accidents (16%), natural disasters (1%) and victims of violence (4%).

Knowing the number of people impacted and the circumstances that can cause spinal cord injury is valuable information. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury there’s much more that you need to know. Statistics can be gleaned from many sources but the information and assistance that you need when you are impacted by a spinal cord injury is best obtained through an attorney that specializes in Spinal Cord Injury.

Don't be overwhelmed by the data. If you live anywhere in Indiana and you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury contact an experienced Indiana spinal cord injury attorney at Truitt Law Offices today to schedule a consultation.

Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-02-25T20:50:00.002-05:00

When someone suffers a spinal cord injury it can be difficult to understand the type and severity of the damage. In fact, in the medical community there has been much confusion about the terminology that defines injury levels, classifications, and severity. If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of spinal cord injury you may be overwhelmed by the terms that are used to explain the damage. Terms like ASIA Impairment Scale and Zone of Partial Preservation are essential for clinicians but can be confusing to most people.

The ASIA Spinal Cord Injury Classification approach is used by most major organizations dealing with spinal cord injury. One key result is that more consistent terminology is used to describe the injuries. Within the ASIA Impairment Scale are some terms that are more understandable for patients and family members. There are two key terms that help us understand how serious an injury is:

Complete - The traditional definition of Complete Spinal Cord Injury is that there
is no voluntary motor function or conscious sensory function below the injury site. Another definition is that the patient does not have sensory and motor function at the S4 / 5 level.

Incomplete - The ASIA impairment scale provides three different definitions of Incomplete:

Sensory but not motor function is preserved below the injury site
Motor function is preserved and more than half of the key muscles below the injury site are impaired
Motor function is preserved and at least half of key muscles below the injury site are impaired

Understanding terms like Complete and Incomplete is helpful but having someone on your side who really understands the issues surrounding Spinal Cord Injury is essential. If you live in the Lafayette area and you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury contact an Indiana Spinal Cord Injury Attorney at Truitt Law Offices.

Side Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-01-25T12:48:00.000-05:00

Aside from the initial pain, loss of sensation, and limited functionality caused by a spinal cord injury, several side effects can be caused by spinal cord injuries. Long-term medical issues can range in severity and be disruptive to your life, and the lives of your family and friends.

Spinal cord injuries resulting in decreased mobility or paralysis can, over a long period of time, result in deep vein thrombosis. This in turn can lead to blood clots, and ultimately to strokes. Additionally, the inability to move can lead to bedsores or ulcers on the buttocks, hips, and heels. Painful muscle spasms and disfiguration can also be caused by long periods of immobility. Depending on the damage done, physical therapy may be an effective tool against immobility.

Because your spinal cord houses the nerves for your entire body, every muscle, and gland in your body can be adversely affected by spinal cord injuries. Damage to nerves controlling the abdominal region can result in a loss of bladder and bowel control. Damage to nerves regulating breathing can result in decreased capacity to breathe. Damage to nerves responsible for sexual organs can result in sexual dysfunction. Over time, these things can lead to reliance on permanent medical intervention from respirators, to colostomy bags.

Spinal cord injuries cause immediate pain, and long-term issues that can make life difficult and frustrating. They can also result in oppressive medical expenses, both in the short-term, and for the life of the injured. Most spinal cord injuries are caused by traumatic accidents, often at no fault of the injured. These costs, both physical and monetary are terribly unfair for the victim to assume.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord injury through no fault of your own, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Jobsite Accidents Resulting in Spinal Cord Injuries

2010-01-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

Jobsite spinal cord injuries can be broken down into three primary types:

Contusions – The most common type of spinal cord injuries, contusions are bruises on the spinal cord and result in temporary debilitation of the various motor functions. The most common causes of contusions are falls, slips, and any number of industrial accidents that can cause blunt force impact to the spine.
Compression – Almost as common as contusions, compression can occur when a blunt impact causes the spine to twist or turn beyond its normal range of flexibility, or when a blunt force impact causes the spinal discs to compress. For example, a fall onto the sacral spine can create an impact that crushes the vertebrae. As with contusions, any number of industrial accidents can cause spinal cord compression.
Lacerations – Lacerations are cuts or tears in the spinal cord. Lacerations are caused when something sharp severs through one or more layers of the spinal; cord. People who work on or around sharp tools, on construction sites, or close to sheet metal, glass, or other sharp objects are susceptible to spinal cord lacerations on the job.

The long term impact of spinal cord injuries is dependent on the location and severity of the injury. Temporary loss of motor function, treatable with limited motion or back braces is common for contusions and some compression injuries. Laceration and more severe compression injuries may require longer periods of inactivity, surgery, and long term physical therapy. Because these injuries are often sustained at work, your company's workers compensation should cover your expenses.

But what do you do if your company denies your claim, or if the amount allotted is insufficient for your medical and personal expenses? In these cases, having an experienced spinal cord lawyer on your side is the most important decision you can make.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord injury at work, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

How to Find a Qualified Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

2009-12-23T14:58:00.000-05:00

An estimated 11,000 individuals suffer from a spinal cord injury every year. Automobile accidents account for over 40% of all spinal cord injuries, followed closely by falls, gunshots, and diving accidents. Sports related accidents account for a number of injuries each year as well. 53% of injuries occur in people aged 16 to 31, a group young enough to suffer the long term impacts of spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries can negatively impact your quality of life; almost certainly in the immediate aftermath, but often for years to come as well. Medical costs associated with the initial treatment and long term rehabilitation is never inexpensive, and the result of these costs can be devastating. In addition, symptoms that include loss of basic motor function or even breathing on your own can permanently impair your ability to enjoy their life.

An experienced lawyer, one with sufficient expertise and a proven record in dealing with spinal cord injuries, is incredibly important to have in your corner. Insurance companies, workers compensation, and liability companies do best when they remain unchallenged; but your quality of life depends on your ability to obtain a settlement that covers your continued medical expenses, and provides you with the peace of mind that you can provide for yourself and your family.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the experienced, professional lawyers at Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

2009-12-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

The symptoms of spinal cord injuries depend on the location and severity of the injury. An injury to your cervical or upper thoracic area may result in loss of functionality in arms, neck, head, and breathing muscles. Injuries to the lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral area can result in loss of functionality in the abdomen, legs, genitals, bowel, and bladder. The severity of the symptoms will rely on how much damage has been done. For example, if your spine is only partially injured, your spine will still be able to transmit some messages to your brain, a function completely disrupted by complete injury will result in the message never being received.

Typical symptoms of all types of spinal injuries include:

Pain
Loss of sensation
Limited or impaired movement
Difficulty breathing, or painful breathing
Decreased sexual functionality
Decreases in bowel and bladder control

Again, the symptoms are reliant on the location and severity of the injury, but all spinal cord injuries will result in one or more of these symptoms to varying degrees.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe you are suffering from spinal cord injury, no matter the severity, please contact your physician immediately for a physical examination to determine if treatment is necessary.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord injury, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

How to Deal with Severe Spinal Cord Injury

2009-11-27T17:15:00.000-05:00

Severe spinal cord injury as the result of an accident can impact your life in ways both small and large. Initially, the injury can result in pain, and loss of motor functionality. In turn, your ability to work, your quality of life, and your capacity to perform basic tasks can be destroyed.

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury, an experienced doctor will be able to determine the type, location, and most effective method of treatment. Treatment can range from limiting mobility to back braces to surgery. After the initial period of inactivity, a range of long term treatment options may be necessary for complete recovery. These can include physical therapy, continued limitation of activities, and pain management through the use of prescriptions. In all, the medical expenses related to spinal cord injury can be oppressive and overwhelming.

If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in spinal cord injury, it is important to contact a lawyer with sufficient experience in dealing with these injuries to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Eliminating the burden of medical bills, and providing you with comfort and security while you fully recover is a priceless benefit.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and have suffered a severe spinal cord injury through no fault of your own, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Traumatic Accidents and Spinal Cord Injury

2009-11-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

Your spinal cord is a delicate, double layered tube that extends from your first lumbar vertebra to the base of your brain. Your spinal cord has three layers, an outer layer consisting of nerve fibers that control your body's reaction to sensory stimuli like heat, pressure, and pain. The outer layer sends signals to your muscles and glands so they can react accordingly to each sensation. The middle layer contains the cerebrospinal fluid, and the inner layer forms sheets that project away from the cord between the pairs of nerve roots. Your spinal cord is the very center of your central nervous system, containing all nerve roots, and responsible for every sensory stimulation.

Traumatic events like automobile accidents, slip and falls, and acts of violence can damage your spinal cord with mild results such as temporary loss of feeling, or extremely serious and potentially deadly permanent paralysis. Secondary medical issues that can arise include atrophy, venous thrombosis, and even death. Only 50% of spinal cord injury sufferers regain complete function and feeling in their body. Compression caused by blunt force impact, contusions caused by head on impact, and lacerations from projectiles or incision are all possible causes of spinal cord injury.

A slippery stairwell at work, a faulty chair, another's reckless driving, any number of events can cause an accident that results in a spinal cord injury. The initial costs of hospitalization, and diagnosis, coupled with the long term costs of rehabilitation and recovery can be devastating. That's why it's imperative that you have an experienced spinal cord lawyer on your side.

If you or a loved one live in the state of Indiana and have suffered a traumatic accident resulting in a spinal cord injury, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Central Cord Syndrome

2009-10-28T12:22:00.000-04:00

Central cord syndrome (CCS) is a type of spinal cord injury caused by an accident or traumatic event that damages the spine, resulting in impaired motor functionality in the upper extremities. CCS is defined by its disproportionate impairment of upper versus lower extremities, but can also be marked by a loss of bowel and bladder control.

The type of injury that causes CCS damages the nerve fibers that carry information from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord. The severity of the damage done will directly impact the amount a patient with CCS suffers, the level of treatment required, and the overall impact on their ability to work, and enjoy life.

Treatments for CCS include reduced activity, back braces, or surgery for severe cases. Physical therapy and prescription drugs are almost certainly part of the recovery process as well. Because the time for recovery can require immobility, your quality of life, along with your ability to provide for yourself and your family, can be negatively impacted.

The compression, contusion, and laceration injuries that can result in CCS are so often obtained at work, or through an accident, but your suffering does not decrease just because it was obtained accidentally. It is important to have a lawyer with sufficient experience in CCS on your side to ensure you are able to take the time you need to recover fully.

If you or a loved one live in Indiana and are suffering from CCS, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Spinal Cord Lacerations

2009-10-16T12:20:00.000-04:00

Spinal cord lacerations are cuts or tears within the spinal cord itself. Lacerations cause a complete loss of sensation in both the immediate area and muscles that rely on the nerves that have been severed or damaged. The area affected depends on the bundle of nerves damaged. Lacerations in the cervical spine effect head, neck, intercostals, arms, and shoulders. Thoracic spine lacerations impact chest, and external abdominal muscles. Lumbar spine lacerations can cause loss of mobility in the abdomen, legs and genitals.

Spinal cord lacerations can be caused by any number of accidents, but in over 50% of instances, automobile accidents are responsible for this type of injury. The severity of the injury is dependent on the depth and location of the laceration. In many cases, additional medical issues arise, including deep vein thrombosis, loss of bowel/bladder control, sexual dysfunction, seizures, and even death.

Treatments for spinal cord lacerations are costly and time consuming. During the periods of inactivity, your ability to work and take care of yourself and your family will be limited or impossible. Physical therapy to restore feeling and functionality is often a life-long process, consuming hours each week, with no guaranteed results. Worse still, these life-altering conditions are often the fault of an on the job accident, or the reckless and negligent behavior of someone else. In these cases, it is imperative that you have an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer on your side.

If you or a loved one live in the state of Indiana and have suffered a spinal cord laceration injury, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Spinal Cord Compression Injuries

2009-09-28T15:32:00.001-04:00

Spinal compression is caused when too much pressure is placed on the spinal cord. Compression injuries usually occur in the two bottom vertebrae of the thoracic spine and the top vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Trauma to the spinal cord from a fall, car accident, and sports related accident, or any event that causes stress to push the spinal cord beyond its normal range of flexibility can result in a spinal cord compression injury.

The symptoms of spinal cord compression injuries range from sever pain in your legs and back, to numbness in the area surrounding the injury. Because spinal cord injuries cause damage to the nerve bundles protected by the vertebrae, the damage can extend beyond the immediate area and into corresponding areas of the body. Your doctor will be able to determine the severity of your injury with a physical examination and various diagnostic tests.

Most spinal cord compression injuries can be treated with decreased activity and spinal bracing. In some cases surgery may be required. In any case, the necessity for decreased activity can negatively impact your ability to provide for your family. The medical bills associated with diagnosis and treatment, combined with the cost of prescription medications can quickly add up, leaving you and your family buried under a mountain of debt. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve to protect your family, and allow yourself time to heal.

If you or a loved one live in the state of Indiana and have suffered a spinal compression injury at work, or through no fault of your own, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Spinal Contusion Injuries

2009-09-14T15:29:00.000-04:00

A contusion, or bruise, on the spinal cord cannot only be painful, it can interfere with basic motor functions, may cause a loss of sensation below the injury, and a host of other related medical problems. A spinal contusion causes bleeding within the spinal cord that can damage neurons, leading to problems that well outlive the bruise itself. Depending on the location, spinal contusion can interfere with the function of muscles as varied as the intercostals, arms, legs, neck, and head.

Spinal contusion is diagnosed with the help of x-rays and MRI. Depending on the loss of sensation and other symptoms, your doctor will have a general idea of what portion of the vertebrae has been damaged. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and can range from rest, to physical rehabilitation. Your doctor will best be able to determine what course of treatment will be most effective for you.

Spinal cords can be bruised due to a number of incidents including car accidents, work related accidents, sporting injuries, even acts of violence. In several cases the injuries are a result of someone else's negligence, and the price paid by the victim often lasts a lifetime. Loss of function, inability to work, and increasing medical bills are a high price for anyone to pay.

If you or a loved one live in the state of Indiana and have suffered spinal contusion because of someone else's negligence, please contact the Truitt Law Offices for an initial consultation.

Welcome

2009-06-11T14:26:00.000-04:00

Truitt Law Offices in Indiana should be your first and only call for all personal injury related lawsuits.