Anterior Cord Syndrome

Atlanta personal injury lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert has over 20 years of legal experience representing accident victims. He has recovered compensation for numerous spinal cord injury victims, including those suffering from anterior cord syndrome. Honored as a Georgia “Super Lawyer,” as well as a member of the “Legal Elite,” Mr. Ozcomert is dedicated to helping victims of catastrophic injuries seek justice.

Anterior cord syndrome refers to injury to the motor and sensory nerves running through the anterior parts of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves responsible for executing specific functions. Damage to this part of the cord is the most common type of spinal cord injury and also the least treatable. Patients with anterior cord syndrome can suffer various losses, including those related to:

• Motor skills
• Proprioception
• Detailed sensation
• Fine touch, position
• Intestinal obstructions
• Urinary, bowel retention
• All strength in lower body
• Blood supply to spinal cord
• Feeling of pain, temperature

Anterior cord syndrome is known as an “incomplete” spinal cord injury because patients may experience some function below the level of injury. Patients with anterior cord syndrome, for example, may still be able to move one arm, but not the legs, or feel “coarse” pressure but no “fine” sensation. These retained functions are “spared” despite injury to the anterior cord.

Georgia law imposes personal injury liability on negligent parties that breach a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and cause injury to others as a result. Anterior cord syndrome is usually caused by direct trauma to the aorta, which supplies the anterior spinal artery. Bone fragments or a large herniated disc can compress the artery, causing lost strength below the level of injury. Negligent causes of trauma may include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
  • Driver distraction or fatigue
  • Operation under the influence
  • Speeding, other traffic violations
• Danger on property
  • Slip-and-falls
  • Gunshot wounds
  • Diving accidents
• Occupational hazards
  • Ladder, scaffold falls
  • Construction accidents
  • Truck, tractor-trailer wrecks
• Medical malpractice
  • Surgical complications
  • Failure to treat/diagnose

When a party’s negligent conduct leads to injury, at-fault parties can be required to pay for the resulting losses. This can require compensating victims for costs related to injuries, including anterior cord syndrome, sustained in the accident. Family members also may be entitled to damages if a wrongful death has occurred. Do not hesitate to speak with Atlanta anterior cord syndrome lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert if you have been hurt in an accident or due to the negligence of another. You deserve the fullest compensation possible for your injuries.

Georgia law can require negligent parties and their insurers to pay for costs arising from the injury if they are found liable. Because anterior cord syndrome has the worst prognosis of all cord syndromes, accident victims generally require extensive treatment while missing work. Further, motor loss in the legs and arms can severely diminish the victim’s daily quality of life. Costs related to the injury may involve:

• Hospital bills
• Future surgery
• Physical therapy
• Future lost wages
• Medical specialists
• Skilled nursing care
• Use of medical device
• Prescription medication
• Lost consortium (spouse)

Living with anterior cord syndrome often requires injured victims and family members to restructure their lives to accommodate the functional loss of a loved one. These families should not have to shoulder these emotional losses and prohibitively expensive medical bills alone. Georgia law therefore provides a legal remedy to recover compensation from negligent parties when liability is proven.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with anterior cord syndrome following an accident, Atlanta personal injury lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert can help. For over 20 years, our office has assisted devastated victims and dependents through the process of physical and financial recovery. We will work diligently to help you pursue your claim. Call (404) 370-1000 today for a free consultation or contact us online.