What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is a vital column of nerve tissue extending from the brainstem down the back. It controls motor function, sensation, and involuntary processes throughout the body. When the spinal cord is damaged—whether through trauma, compression, or medical error—signals between the brain and body are disrupted. This disruption may result in severe physical impairments or loss of function.
Spinal cord injuries are generally classified into two main categories:
- Complete spinal cord injury: All motor and sensory function is lost below the point of injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: Some level of movement or sensation remains below the site of injury.
The higher up the spine the injury occurs—particularly in the cervical spine—the more widespread and serious the effects tend to be. Victims in Wichita with high spinal injuries often require extensive care and support for the rest of their lives.
Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Wichita
Spinal cord injuries often result from sudden, forceful trauma, many of which are preventable. The most common causes of SCIs in Wichita and across Kansas include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles
- Falls from rooftops, ladders, or unsafe stairs, especially in construction and agriculture
- Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery or unsafe conditions
- Sports and recreational impacts, including diving accidents and contact sports
- Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds or physical assaults
- Medical malpractice, particularly errors during spinal or orthopedic surgery
No matter how the injury occurred, if negligence or misconduct played a role, the injured party may be entitled to significant compensation under Kansas law.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage is categorized based on the location of the injury. Each region of the spine controls different parts of the body:
Cervical Spine (Neck – C1 to C8)
Injuries at the top of the spine are the most serious and can cause quadriplegia or tetraplegia, affecting all four limbs and the torso. In some cases, victims lose the ability to breathe independently and require a ventilator and 24/7 care.
Thoracic Spine (Upper Back – T1 to T12)
Thoracic injuries typically result in paraplegia, with function preserved in the arms but impaired or absent in the lower body. These injuries frequently stem from vehicle accidents and falls from heights.
Lumbar Spine (Lower Back – L1 to L5)
Damage to the lumbar spine may affect mobility in the hips and legs. Victims often retain upper body function but face difficulty walking, standing, or maintaining bladder and bowel control.
Sacral Spine (Pelvis – S1 to S5)
Sacral spinal injuries can result in nerve damage to the pelvic organs, leading to issues with bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Leg weakness may also be present, particularly in more severe cases.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can appear suddenly or gradually worsen over hours or days following an accident. In Wichita, immediate medical attention is critical when any of the following symptoms are present:
- Loss of sensation or movement in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Intense pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Tingling or numbness
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
- Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination
Delays in diagnosis or treatment can significantly worsen outcomes. Emergency medical care and imaging are essential to stabilize the injury and begin appropriate care.
Long-Term Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries almost always require long-term lifestyle changes and continuous medical support. For many Wichita victims, the consequences of an SCI go far beyond the initial hospitalization. These may include:
- Multiple surgeries and extended hospital stays
- The use of wheelchairs, braces, or assistive technologies
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and vocational rehabilitation
- Modifications to the home or vehicle for accessibility
- In-home health aides or full-time caregiving
- Psychological counseling for depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Financial challenges stemming from an inability to return to work
SCI victims and their families often face a total restructuring of daily life. Legal compensation is essential to ensure ongoing access to these necessary services.
Proving Liability for Spinal Cord Injuries in Kansas
When a spinal cord injury results from negligence, the responsible party can be held liable for your damages. Common examples of negligence that lead to SCIs in Wichita include:
- A reckless or distracted driver causing a highway crash
- A business or property owner failing to maintain safe premises
- A construction employer ignoring federal or state safety standards
- A surgeon committing a preventable error during spinal procedures
- A manufacturer releasing a defective product such as a seatbelt, helmet, or power tool
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, we work with medical specialists, engineers, and accident reconstructionists to identify the cause of your injury and hold every negligent party accountable.
Compensation Available in Wichita Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Spinal cord injuries result in lifelong costs and losses—both economic and personal. Our attorneys pursue maximum compensation for Wichita clients who have suffered such injuries, including:
- Emergency room care, surgeries, and hospital bills
- Rehabilitation, therapy, and medical equipment
- Long-term care and home health services
- Loss of income and reduced earning capacity
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Pain and physical suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Permanent disability and reduced independence
- Loss of companionship or consortium
In tragic cases where a spinal cord injury proves fatal, surviving family members may be able to pursue a
wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses and other losses.
Why Choose Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott?
Catastrophic injury cases require more than general legal experience—they demand deep knowledge of medical and rehabilitative issues, access to expert witnesses, and the tenacity to stand up to powerful insurance companies. At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, our Wichita-based team offers:
- Decades of experience handling complex personal injury litigation
- A personalized, client-centered approach to each case
- Proven results in high-value settlements and verdicts
- Strategic partnerships with medical and life-care planning experts
We understand the high stakes involved in spinal cord injury claims and fight tirelessly to secure justice and compensation for our clients throughout Wichita and Kansas.
Serving Wichita and Communities Across Kansas
From our office in Wichita, we serve spinal cord injury victims across the entire state of Kansas, including:
- Topeka
- Hutchinson
- Salina
- Manhattan
- Dodge City
- Garden City
- Emporia
- And surrounding counties and towns
Whether your injury occurred in a vehicle accident on I-35, at a construction site in Sedgwick County, or during a surgical procedure at a local hospital, our attorneys are here to help. We are available for home and hospital visits and offer virtual consultations for those unable to travel. We also assist injured victims in Wichita with a wide range of personal injury claims, such as:
For more information about how the team at Lawyer on the Line can help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve in a Wichita personal injury case, contact us today and schedule your free consultation.
Contact Our Wichita Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to negligence, time is of the essence. Kansas law limits the time you have to file a claim, and early action is critical to protecting your rights and preserving key evidence.
Call Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott at 316-263-0001 or
contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a trusted spinal cord injury attorney in Wichita, Kansas. Let our legal team help you pursue justice, financial security, and a path forward after spinal cord trauma.
