What Your Spine Injury Means

June 5, 2022
By Clawson Fargnoli Utsey, LLC

A spinal cord injury (SCI) can often result in permanent paralysis or significant changes in sensations, strength, and other body parts below the injury site. The spinal cord is responsible for relaying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Since nerves can no longer communicate with the brain, damage to the spinal cord may result in losing essential functions.

Types of SCI

Trauma-based injuries like spinal cord damage can occur from many things. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Surgical complications
  • Car accidents
  • Sports injuries
  • Gunshot wounds
  • Slip and fall accidents

Although there are a variety of different types of spinal cord injuries, most can be classified into one of two groups:

Complete SCI – when permanent damage has been done to the affected area of the spinal cord. Paraplegia and tetraplegia are both complete SCI.

Incomplete SCI – when partial damage has been done to the affected area of the spinal cord. With these injuries, the amount of movement that can be felt and the ability to move both depend on the affected area and how severe the damage is.

Unlike complete spinal cord injuries, the outcome of incomplete spinal cord injuries are typically based on a patient’s health and medical history.

Levels of SCI

There are four levels to a spinal cord injury:

Thoracic SCI

These spinal cord injuries affect the upper chest, mid-back, and abdominal muscles. The functionality of arms and hands is usually normal at this level.

Cervical SCI

These injuries affect the body’s head and neck region, right above the shoulders. This is the most severe level of spinal cord injury.

Sacral SCI

In this level of spinal cord injuries, the hips, back of thighs, buttocks, and pelvic organs are affected. Typically, individuals can walk once fully recovered.

Lumbar SCI

This level of SCI affects the legs and hips. It is likely individuals may need a wheelchair or have to work with braces.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered spinal cord injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our lawyers at Clawson Fargnoli Utsey, LLC, are experienced in fighting cases like yours and are dedicated to helping you receive the justice you deserve.

Contact us today at or visit us online and schedule your free case review today!