Kansas Neck and Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers You Can Trust
Neck and spinal cord injuries are often life-altering. At Wallentine Injury Law, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have and believe no one should face them alone. If you or a loved one has suffered a neck or spinal cord injury, it’s vital to contact our Kansas attorneys as soon as possible. Our dedicated team is here to fight on your behalf and help ensure you know what to do after a neck/spinal cord injury in Kansas.
What Are Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries?
Neck and spinal cord injuries (SCIs) occur when any part of the spinal cord is damaged. While many people think of the neck and back as separate areas, they are actually interconnected components of the same continuous structure—the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is divided into four main regions, each responsible for protecting specific nerve groups and supporting vital functions within the body:
- Cervical spinal cord– Commonly referred to as the “neck,” this region connects the skull to the upper body and controls many upper-body functions.
- Thoracic spinal cord– Located in the upper and mid-back, it connects the neck to the lower spine and supports vital functions like breathing and posture.
- Lumbar spinal cord– Found in the lower back, it contains five strong vertebrae critical for walking, running, and lifting.
- Sacral spinal cord– Situated just above the tailbone, this region governs functions and sensation in the pelvic area.
Injuries to the upper spinal cord—especially in the cervical and thoracic regions—are often the most severe. However, any injury to the spinal cord can cause lasting damage. If negligence played a role, it may be grounds for legal action.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries that can affect any of the four spinal regions: complete and incomplete.
- Complete spinal cord injury– Involves total and permanent damage to the spinal cord at the site of injury. This results in a complete loss of motor function and sensation below the level of the injury. Victims of complete spinal cord injuries often experience paralysis, either paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury– Involves partial damage to the spinal cord. While still serious, this type of injury allows for the possibility of retained motor function and sensation below the injury site, offering better potential outcomes through rehabilitation.
Regardless of the severity of your neck or spinal cord injury, our Kansas attorneys are here to provide the experienced legal guidance you deserve.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
Spinal cord injuries are undeniably serious due to the extensive physical and emotional damage they can cause. To better grasp the scope and impact of SCIs, it is helpful to review key statistics. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, approximately 308,620 people currently live with a spinal cord injury in the United States. Consider the following additional facts:
- Research estimates that 18,000 new cases of SCIs occur annually.
- The average age of SCI victims has increased from 29 years in 1970 to 44 years in 2015.
- About 78% of new SCI cases involve male individuals.
- Since 2015, 47.6% of SCIs have resulted in incomplete tetraplegia.
- Since 2015, 20.3% of SCIs have resulted in incomplete paraplegia.
- Individuals living with an SCI have a substantially lower life expectancy than the general population.
While state-specific data on neck and spinal cord injuries can be limited, national statistics still offer valuable insights and support the need for improved safety measures. Although some progress has been made in reducing incidence rates, the personal toll of these injuries remains profound. At Wallentine Injury Law, we believe that individuals living with an SCI deserve both compassion and justice, and we are here to provide the legal support needed to pursue both.
Causes of Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
Neck and spinal cord injuries are often the result of sudden, unforeseen accidents and can arise from a variety of incidents. Our Kansas neck and spinal cord injury attorneys most frequently see the following causes of spinal cord injuries:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries both nationwide and in Kansas. In fact, 37.3% of SCIs in the United States result from motor vehicle accidents. The force of a collision can cause whiplash, herniated discs, or other trauma to the spinal cord. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, neck and spinal injuries can occur in an instant. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately following an accident to diagnose any injury and begin building your personal injury claim.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are the second most common cause of SCIs, accounting for 26.7% of cases. While older adults are especially vulnerable to these injuries, younger individuals and even children can also suffer serious harm. Factors such as the height of the fall and hazardous environmental conditions can significantly affect the severity of the injury.
Violence
Violent acts—particularly those involving firearms—are another leading cause of spinal cord injuries. An estimated 15.1% of SCIs are linked to acts of violence. When a bullet pierces the body, it can penetrate deep enough to damage the spinal cord, causing permanent impairment or paralysis.
Medical Malpractice
Although less common, spinal cord injuries caused by medical malpractice still occur and are included in the “other causes” category, making up 8.6% of cases. When a healthcare provider fails to deliver proper care, their negligence can result in lasting spinal damage with life-altering consequences.
At Wallentine Injury Law, our team of trusted Kansas neck and spinal cord injury attorneys has extensive experience handling cases involving all these causes. We know that every injury and case is unique, and we are committed to treating yours as so. From your first call to the final resolution, we’re here to listen, support, and advocate for your recovery—every step of the way.
Symptoms of Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
The symptoms of a neck or spinal cord injury can vary significantly depending on the severity and location of the injury. Because symptoms may not appear immediately, it’s critical for anyone who sustains head, neck, or back trauma to seek medical attention right away.
Below are some emergency symptoms, as identified by the Mayo Clinic, that may indicate a serious spinal cord injury and require immediate medical evaluation:
- Severe pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
- Loss of control over any part of the body
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
- Difficulty breathing
- Visibly twisted or misaligned neck or back
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
These symptoms are not exhaustive, and additional signs may emerge depending on the type of injury. Prompt medical evaluation is essential—not only to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent further damage, but also to support any future legal claim. The earlier an injury is diagnosed and documented, the stronger your case will be.
How Can I Recover After a Neck or Spinal Cord Injury?
At Wallentine Injury Law, we focus on two primary areas of recovery after a personal injury: restoring your physical health and recovering your financial damages.
First and foremost, our team is committed to helping you get the medical care you need after a neck or spinal cord injury. SCIs are complex and often require specialized treatment from highly trained medical professionals. With nearly 20 years of legal experience, our firm has built strong relationships with top doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other medical providers across Kansas and the greater Kansas City area. Victims of spinal cord injuries deserve expert rehabilitative care, and we can help connect you to the providers best suited to your recovery.
Second, after addressing your physical recovery, we focus on your financial recovery. Spinal cord injuries often lead to extensive and costly medical care. Our team will work diligently to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has suffered a neck or spinal cord injury, you deserve full and fair compensation for the hardship you’ve endured.
Choose Wallentine Injury Law
Neck and spinal cord injuries should not be handled alone, especially if negligence is involved. Our Kansas personal injury team provides compassionate, results-driven legal advocacy for every client, regardless of the nature of injury.
We’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized legal strategy that holds the responsible parties accountable, meets all legal deadlines, and seeks full compensation for your damages.
You Need Jerry. Call us today at 913-934-6333 or contact us online to start your healing journey with a free consultation.
