Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Peoria

At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we understand that spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating and life-altering injuries a person can experience.

As experienced personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how these injuries can result in partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation, profoundly affecting an individual’s quality of life. Our team is committed to helping victims and their families navigate the complex legal landscape that often follows such injuries.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when damage is sustained to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This damage disrupts the communication between the brain and the body, potentially leading to loss of function, sensation, and mobility below the injury site.

Types and Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are typically classified into two main categories:

• Complete SCI: Total loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury.
• Incomplete SCI: Some sensation or motor function remains below the level of injury.

The severity and location of the injury determine its impact. In our legal cases, we often refer to injuries by the affected vertebrae:

• Cervical (C1-C8): Affects the neck and typically results in quadriplegia
• Thoracic (T1-T12): Affects the chest and abdomen, usually resulting in paraplegia
• Lumbar (L1-L5): Affects the hips and legs
• Sacral (S1-S5): Affects the hips, back of thighs, and pelvic organs

Symptoms and Complications

Symptoms of spinal cord injuries can include:

• Loss of movement
• Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, and touch
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
• Changes in sexual function and fertility
• Pain or intense stinging sensation
• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from the lungs

Complications can include pressure ulcers, respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, and deep vein thrombosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing a spinal cord injury typically involves:

• Physical examination
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• X-rays

Treatment for spinal cord injuries is complex and multifaceted:

• Immediate treatment focuses on preventing further damage, maintaining blood pressure, and ensuring proper oxygen supply.
• Surgery may be necessary to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated disks, or fractured vertebrae compressing the spinal cord.
• Medication may be used to control pain, inflammation, and other complications.
• Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery. It involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices to help patients regain function and independence.