Of all the injuries that a victim can sustain, those involving the spine are often the most devastating. They can rob a person of their ability to walk, drive, swim, and play sports. Spinal cord injuries can also decrease a victim’s life expectancy by increasing the risk of certain health conditions. Unfortunately, science has had few answers on how to correct the injury once it occurs – until now.
Scientists have recently attempted everything from implants to stem cell treatments and have even found that the body has its own workaround. Could a cure be on the way? Perhaps, but until then, victims should know their rights, including their right to pursue compensation. The following information explains this right, and it provides some up-to-date information on the scientific progress in spinal cord injuries.
Science and Spinal Cord Injuries
Three major studies have been underway for a while now. In one, researchers are using a tiny fiber implant to communicate messages from the brain to the rest of the body. In another, researchers are injecting victims with stem cells, hoping it encourages new cell growth and repair of the spinal cord nerves. In the last, researchers are reconnecting sensory neurons and examining how the body forms new connections.
While all three studies show promise, none have produced the kind of results that scientists are hoping to achieve. Further, even if one does prove successful, it could be some time before a treatment would be available to the public. Still, each step is progress toward a cure or – at the very least – a way to improve the overall quality of life for victims.
Pursuing Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury victims who are harmed by the negligence of another person or entity may be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, the pursuit of a settlement can be long, arduous, and complex. Furthermore, victims are always at risk of a denied or reduced payout on their claim. As such, it is highly advised that victims seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney.
At Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC, we understand the significant impact that a spinal injury can have on the lives of victims and their families. Dedicated and experienced, we aggressively pursue the most compensation possible in every case. Learn more about how our
Schaumburg personal injury lawyers can assist with your case by scheduling a personalized consultation. Call our offices at 847-934-6000.
About the Author: Attorney Ken Apicella is a founding partner of DGAA focusing in the areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage disputes, and civil litigation. Ken earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1999. He has been named a SuperLawyers Rising Star and a Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Ken has written and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and regularly serves as a moderator at Northwest Suburban Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Sources: http://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-now-have-a-better-idea-of-how-we-can-fix-spinal-cord-injuries
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/862775
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-best-reads/2017/05/11/how-tiny-fiber-implant-research-spinal-cord-injuries-neuro-spinal-scaffold/309193001/
