Spinal cord trauma is one of the toughest injuries anyone can face. One moment changes everything, and suddenly you are adjusting to indescribable pain, mobility issues, and a totally different daily routine.
Your spinal cord injury lawyer in Columbia with Shelly Leeke Law Firm knows how life-altering this can be and what it takes to fight for the support you need. We have recovered more than $6 million for injury victims across South Carolina and backed every case with our no-win, no-fee guarantee. When you are ready to talk, your Columbia personal injury lawyers are here to listen.
What Makes Spinal Cord Injuries So Complicated
Spinal cord injuries affect far more than just the area where the damage occurs. Because the spinal cord is part of your central nervous system, even a small injury can impact your mobility, reflexes, or ability to perform daily tasks. Whether the damage is caused by a sudden crash or a fall, the effects ripple through nearly every part of your life.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
When doctors talk about a complete spinal cord injury, they mean there is a total loss of function or sensation below the injury site. That can mean full paralysis in the legs, arms, or both, depending on where the damage occurred. Incomplete injuries, on the other hand, leave some feeling or movement intact but can still make everyday tasks incredibly challenging.
The difference between these can shape everything from your treatment plan to your recovery. Some people with incomplete injuries can regain more function with time, but the road is rarely easy.
Your Columbia spinal cord injury attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you push for the resources and care you need, especially when insurance companies try to downplay the severity of your condition.
Immediate Symptoms and Delayed Damage After Trauma
Right after a spinal cord injury, symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness might show up quickly. Other complications, like swelling around the spinal cord or internal bleeding, can take time to appear fully. That delay can make the injury more severe, especially if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly.
You might feel confused if your symptoms change or worsen in the hours or days after an accident. This is common with spinal trauma, and it is why early evaluation, care, and monitoring are so important. These injuries are complex, and the way your body reacts can shift as time passes, especially with high-impact trauma or multiple injuries involved.
Types of Accidents That Commonly Lead to Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal injuries often happen in an instant, but the impact can last a lifetime. In Columbia and throughout South Carolina, we regularly see certain types of accidents that are more likely to cause serious spine damage.
Some of these involve high-speed crashes, while others happen during everyday activities that suddenly turn dangerous. Here are a few of the most common events that can cause spinal cord trauma:
- Rollover crashes
- Falls from scaffolding
- Struck-by object incidents
- Sports injuries
- Rear-end collisions
- Violent assaults
- Diving accidents
- Pedestrian impacts
- Industrial machinery accidents
- Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles
- Slip and fall incidents in unsafe public areas
- Collapsing structures or building failures
- Truck underride crashes
- Falls from elevated work platforms
After any of these events, symptoms may not be obvious right away, which is why early treatment matters.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Impact Your Long-Term Health and Daily Life
Living with spinal cord trauma changes nearly everything about your daily routine. Whether you are learning to move differently, adjusting your home to fit new needs, or figuring out how to return to work, there is a constant learning curve. For many people in Columbia, SC, the road to recovery includes physical, emotional, and financial challenges that do not go away overnight.
Loss of Independence and Need for Daily Assistance
One of the hardest parts of a spinal cord injury is how much help you might suddenly need. Tasks that once felt simple, like getting out of bed or getting dressed, can require assistance from a caregiver, nurse, or family member. This change in independence can be frustrating, especially when it means relying on others to get through the day.
Some people also have to make major changes to their homes, such as adding ramps, stair lifts, or accessible bathrooms. These modifications are not cheap, and they are only one part of adjusting to your new normal. Our catastrophic injury lawyers in Columbia understand how overwhelming this can feel, and we are here to help you get the support you need.
Complications Like Chronic Pain, Infections, and Reduced Mobility
Spinal cord injuries are known for causing serious injuries that extend well beyond mobility loss. Many people deal with chronic nerve pain, pressure sores, or recurring infections that require regular monitoring. These complications often mean more hospital visits and a long list of prescriptions, therapies, and specialist care.
Facilities that treat these conditions must follow protocols under South Carolina Code Title 44 Chapter 38, which requires hospitals to report and track neurological trauma cases. This tracking helps make sure people with severe spinal injuries get proper follow-up care.
Spinal Cord Damage That Affects You Neurologically
Sometimes, when your spinal cord gets hurt in an accident like a car crash or a bad fall, your brain might also take a hit. At first, you may not even notice the symptoms because they can be subtle. But over time, you might find yourself struggling with concentration, having trouble remembering things, or feeling like your moods change suddenly.
Your Columbia traumatic brain injury lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help if your spinal injury occurred alongside a head or neurological injury that affects your memory or communication.
According to South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather important medical evidence.
Get Help From Your Columbia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
Your spinal cord injury attorney in Columbia with Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help you regain control after a life-changing accident. We have spent years supporting individuals and families across Columbia and the Midlands, and we are ready to do the same for you.
If you have questions or need to talk through your next steps, contact us today for your free consultation. We are ready to start working out what comes next together.
