Seeking Treatment for a Spinal Cord Injury in Virginia Beach
A spinal cord injury is any trauma or damage to the spinal cord, which is the major column of nerves that connects the brain to the nerves that go out from the spine into the body. A spinal cord injury can be especially devasting as the spinal cord contains nerves that control many essential functions of the body. Following an injury, a person may be unable to walk or use their arms. And, many times, this damage is permanent.
Therefore, seeking treatment for a spinal cord injury in VA Beach is critical. Although it is impossible to fully heal from many spinal cord injuries, seeking medical treatment is critical to be able to limit the damage. If the injury was a result of another person’s negligence, after seeking treatment, it is important to reach out to a well-versed spinal cord injury lawyer. An attorney can help you determine whether you have a right to compensation and, if so, bring a claim on your behalf.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury in Virginia Beach
The first call a person should make after a spinal cord injury is for medical treatment. Typically, they need to call 911 for an ambulance to get them to the emergency room where they can stabilize the spine. After initial emergency care, then the emergency room will be able to tell them whether they need to go into emergency surgery or to follow up with a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.
As soon as the person has received initial treatment, then it may be a good idea to call an attorney if the injury may have been caused by somebody else. Sometimes, that will not be entirely obvious to the victim, but an experienced lawyer will know how to determine whether a family has a valid claim. They can then help the person determine their next steps.
Why Is It Important to Seek Medical Treatment?
It is important to seek medical attention even if a person feels fine after an accident. In the immediate aftermath of a car wreck, for instance, an individual may be so upset and have so much adrenaline flowing that they do not feel the effects of an injury. If there is any chance that an individual is hurt, they should go to the emergency room so that they can receive any necessary treatment.
Following a suspected spinal cord injury, a person should avoid moving around too much otherwise, they may make the injury worse. When they arrive on the scene, the emergency medical personnel will typically assess the situation and do what is necessary to stabilize the person to prevent further injury.
The other reason why it is important to receive medical treatment is that it creates a record of the person’s injuries. If they plan on bringing a claim for compensation, this record is essential evidence of the injuries a person suffered and that they were caused by the accident.
Call an Attorney After Seeking Treatment After a Spinal Cord Injury in VA Beach
The first action you should take after a spinal cord injury is to get the treatment you need. Often, this means calling an ambulance and going to the emergency room. However, after receiving the necessary treatment, it is important to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney. An experienced Virginia Beach spinal cord injury lawyer in the best position to understand both the nature of the injury and how to get you the compensation you are entitled to. While a lawyer focuses on your claim, you can focus on getting better. Call today for a free consultation to see how Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help you.