Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury in Tennessee Slip and Fall Accidents

By Thomas Greer | August 17, 2012

A spinal cord injury is always a medical emergency. If there is any chance that a Tennessee slip and fall accident may have caused damage to the spinal cord, medical help should be called in immediately. However, sometimes the symptoms do not fully develop right away and delaying a trip to the ER can cause more damage.

For these reasons, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury when it happens and to remember that anyone with these symptoms should not be moved until seen by professionals.

Immediately following the accident, the following complaints should be taken very seriously:

  • Back pain or pressure in the victim’s head, neck or back
  • Inability to move
  • A loss of control of the bladder or bowel
  • An inability to feel hot, cold and touch
  • Spasms and/or reflexive movement
  • Intense pain and/or stinging sensation
  • Trouble clearing the lungs, coughing or breathing
  • Weakness or lack of coordination in any body part
  • Numbness and/or tingling in feet or hands
  • A twisted appearance of the back or neck

These are all signs that a serious spinal cord injury may have occurred. Every public property owner and manager should know these symptoms and be sure that every slip or trip and fall accident on their property is dealt with properly. And if any of the symptoms above are evident, he or she should know to call 911 immediately.

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury through slipping or tripping, you should speak to a Tennessee premises liability attorney to see if you can get help with your medical costs and other financial burdens. Call Bailey & Greer in Memphis today toll free at 901-680-9777 for a free case consultation.

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