The Kipness Law Firm, P.C

The Long Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

The following is a guest blog courtesy of Dolan Law Offices in Chicago

Spinal cord injuries can occur in any type of accident and can instantaneously change your life.  There are two types of spinal cord injuries: complete injuries and incomplete injuries.

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A person who suffers a complete spinal cord injury is paralyzed from the part of the spine where the injury occurred down.  If the injury occurred on the upper part of the spine, such as the neck, then the person may suffer quadriplegia and be unable to move from the neck down.  If the injury happens in the lower back then the person may suffer paraplegia and be paralyzed from the waist down but maintain movement in the upper body.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

While incomplete spinal cord injuries do not typically result in paralysis, they can still have devastating effects.  The Mayo Clinic cites some of the possible spinal cord injury effects as:

• Loss of bladder and / or bowel control;
• Impaired skin sensation;
• Circulatory problems;
• Respiratory problems;
• Low muscle tone that impacts gross motor activities;
• Problems with sexual health; and
• Pain.

Both complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries can result in significant physical and emotional damages that change a person’s life.  If you have been injured in an accident that has caused you to endure problems associated with a spinal cord injury then you may be entitled to damages for your injuries.  It is, therefore, important to contact a spinal cord injury lawyer for more information about your potential recovery.

Dolan Law Offices, P.C. is a firm of Illinois Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers. We are committed to fighting for full and fair compensation for spinal cord injury victims.

One should be mindful of safe driving when their are motorcycles on the road.  In 2007, there were 5154 motorcyclist accident deaths, which was 10% of all traffic deaths.  Many times the driver of a car does not see the oncoming motorcylist at all or does not see the motorcylist in time to avoid an accident.

It is difficult to see motorcyclists because:

1. Car drivers look for other cars, not motorcyclists
2. Motorcyclists have smaller profiles which makes them hard to see in oncoming traffic
3. Motorcyclists change lanes frequently due to changing road conditions and traffic
4. Motorcyclists may not wear bright clothes or use their lights to make them visible
5. Motorcycles are concealed in blind spots and they tend to weave in traffic

Knowning why motorcycle accidents occur can help avoid them and avoid personal injuries to you or the motorcyclist.  Drivers should anticipate their movements and allow plenty of space.  Scan the road and use your mirrors and horn.  Motorcycles have the same rights as other vehicles on the road.  Motorcycle accidents occur because:

1. Motorcycles ride alongside car lanes and can be out of view of the cars and accidents occur when car drivers change lanes
2. When the road is wet or icy, the motorcycle’s ability to brake are impaired
3. Drivers make left turns in front of motorcycles at intersections when the motorcycle is attempting to pass the car
4. When the road has potholes or railroad tracks, a motorcycle will need to change lanes quickly
5. Strong winds can push motorcycles into other lanes of traffic
6. Large vehicles have blocked views of motorcyclists and they may appear out of nowhere

In Texas, motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear a helmet unless they are 21, have completed a training and  safety course approved by Texas DPS OR are covered by health insurance that provides at least $10,000.00 in medical benefits for motorcycle accident personal injuries.

Although not required, motorcyclists should also wear protecive clothing such as gloves, jackets, boots, and long pants to avoid personal injuries in motorcycle accidents in Texas.