Your spinal cord is responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to the rest of the body. This makes it the second most important organ, right after the brain. If you or your loved one in New York experienced a spinal injury, depending on the circumstances, you might be able to seek financial compensation through a personal injury claim.

Anatomy of the spinal cord

The spinal cord is made up of a series of bones, called vertebrae, stacked on each other. In between each vertebra is a gel-like substance called the intervertebral disc. The spinal cord runs through the center of the vertebrae and is protected by the surrounding bones and discs.

Types of injuries

There are two main types of spinal injuries: complete and incomplete. A complete injury means that there is no communication whatsoever between the brain and the body below the level of injury. In an incomplete injury, some messages are still able to get through. The severity of an individual’s symptoms depends on the location and type of injury sustained.

For example, someone who suffers a complete injury at the very top of the spinal cord may lose the ability to move their arms and legs but may still be able to feel sensations. Conversely, someone with an incomplete injury lower on the cord may retain the use of their arms and legs but have little or no sensation below the level of injury.

Your options when injured in New York

There are several ways you can go about getting the compensation you need to treat your spinal cord injuries. One is by filing a personal injury claim against the person that caused your injuries. Another way would be through workers’ compensation if your injury was work-related. You may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if your injuries are severe enough that they prevent you from being able to work.

While you can’t always prevent accidents from happening, there are some things you can do to lower your risk, such as wearing your seatbelt when driving and being careful on slippery surfaces. If you have a job that involves lifting heavy objects, it’s recommended to use proper safety equipment and techniques.