Pediatric Spinal Cord Injuries

Top Rated Buffalo, New York Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Our Top Rated Injury Lawyers in Buffalo, New York Are Dedicated to Representing Individuals who Sustained Spinal Cord Injuries.

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In the United States, an average of 17,000 spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are reported each year. Statistically, only 20% of spinal cord injuries in the United States are pediatric SCIs, and more than half of those injuries are sustained by individuals over the age of 16. The branch of medicine known as pediatric care includes patients from birth until the age of 21. While pediatric SCIs are less prevalent than adult SCIs, they are nevertheless a serious medical condition with life-altering effects.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, is well acquainted with the often-calamitous effects of personal injury. He has represented countless victims of personal injury accidents over the years, attaining over $175,000,000 in verdicts and settlements for his personal injury clients. If you believe that you or a loved one have been injured in Buffalo, New York, do not hesitate to reach out to the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

What Is A Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury?

A pediatric spinal cord injury refers to trauma to the spine and can often result in permanent disability. The spine is comprised of connected bones, known as vertebrae, that protect a channel of nerves that send messages to and from the brain. When the spine is damaged, that flow of communication is interrupted, and as a result, parts of the body no longer receive instructions from the brain. This failure of communication between the brain and the body often causes paralysis.

SCIs are classified as being either complete or incomplete, depending upon the severity of the paralysis. A complete SCI occurs when all sensory and motor function is lost below the site of the injury. This body-wide paralysis is also called tetraplegia. An SCI is considered to be incomplete if some sensory and motor functions are retained in the body. Paraplegics, for example, experience this isolated paralysis in parts of their body.

The symptoms associated with an SCI are caused by the interruption of the communication pathway between the brain and the body. Loss of motor and sensory functions, changes in bowel and bladder function, pain, weakness, and difficulty breathing are common indications of an SCI. The symptoms of an SCI depend upon the location of the injury. Neck injuries tend to result in weakness and loss of sensory and motor functioning and are usually associated with complete spinal injuries. Injuries to the thoracic spine can cause breathing difficulty, and lumbar spine injuries are often incomplete SCIs and lead to partial paralysis.

At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., we understand that an accident that results in a spinal cord injury can permanently alter your way of life. As such, the importance of finding the right representative for your personal injury case cannot be overstated. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. offers complimentary case evaluations and consultations. Please call us today at 716-839-3939 or contact us online for your free consultation.

Causes And Risk Factors

Most pediatric SCIs are sustained by individuals over the age of 16. Young adults are learning to drive at this age and are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. In fact, the leading cause of both pediatric and adult SCIs is motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, pediatric SCIs can result from falls, such as from trampolines or jungle gyms, and from physical altercations. Other risk factors for pediatric SCIs include:

1. Gender: 80% of pediatric SCIs are sustained by males;
2. Reckless Behavior: Engaging in sports without safety equipment, and reckless driving; and
3. Preexisting Disorders: Scoliosis, spina bifida, as well as other spinal disorders can put individuals at a heightened risk for SCIs. A child that has experienced a pediatric SCI can also develop scoliosis later in life.

Treatment Options For Pediatric Spinal Cord Injuries

Once admitted to an emergency room, a patient will be carefully evaluated to determine the extent of the damage and the best method of treatment. SCIs can be treated using either traction or surgery. Statistically, children with SCIs have a better chance of recovery than adults, although they are more likely to develop spine disorders such as scoliosis because their bodies are still growing. In most cases, full recovery of the spine is, unfortunately, unlikely. Depending upon the severity of the injury, some degree of mobility can be regained. Individuals with incomplete SCIs are more likely to recover some of their original functions than those with complete SCIs.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has spent over 20 years working as a personal injury attorney, tackling countless personal injury cases across the Western New York area. Today, he and his team are more than prepared to zealously represent you in your pediatric spinal cord injury case. Our priority is to ensure that you receive the highest compensation possible for your injuries. Call us today at 716-839-3939 or visit us online for your free consultation. You will never be charged until we achieve a win for you.

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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