By Pierce Blitch
The Hidden Dangers of Spinal Cord Injuries
As an attorneys at The Blitch Law Firm in Evans, Georgia, representing clients with spinal cord injuries, we’ve seen firsthand the struggles they face. Spinal cord injuries often lead to severe complications, including pressure sores, muscle spasticity, and autonomic dysreflexia. This blog aims to shed light on these issues, especially pressure sores, to help juries grasp the gravity of such cases.
The Vulnerability of Spinal Cord Injury Survivors
Spinal cord injury survivors are at high risk of developing pressure sores—also known as bed sores or decubitus ulcers. Even with top-tier care, these sores can still occur. A notable example is Christopher Reeve, who despite receiving the best care available, succumbed to complications from a pressure sore.
The Silent Threat: Lack of Sensation
Paraplegic and quadriplegic individuals often don’t feel pressure sores forming, making regular position changes crucial. A healthy person shifts positions naturally to relieve pressure, but spinal cord injury blocks these signals, leaving the individual unaware of potential skin damage.
Stages of Pressure Sore Development
Pressure sores can range from slight skin discoloration (stage 1) to severe open wounds reaching the bone. The affected area might feel warmer than surrounding tissue. In light-skinned individuals, sores appear dark purple or red, while in darker-skinned individuals, they appear darker than the surrounding area.
Effective Communication Tools in Court
“Day in the Life” Videos
A “day in the life” video can vividly depict the care routine for pressure sores, helping the jury understand the constant vigilance required.
Medical Illustrations
Medical illustrations assist physicians in explaining how and why pressure sores develop, providing clear, visual explanations to the court.
Simple Analogies
Using common-sense analogies can also aid jury comprehension, though these should be reserved for the courtroom to avoid tipping off opposing counsel.
The Role of a Skilled Trial Lawyer
As trial lawyers, we don’t offer medical advice. However, in pursuing damages to fund a life care plan for spinal cord injury victims, it’s crucial to have a lawyer who understands these complexities. Effectively communicating the intricacies of spinal cord injuries to judges and jurors can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every personal injury case has potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible representation. At The Blitch Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a personal injury case can take. If you, a family member, or a close friend has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our dedicated personal injury strategies with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
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