Perhaps the worst physical injury one can suffer is damage to the spinal cord. The most prominent example is Christopher Reeve, who one day was "Superman" and the next was a quadriplegic.  We see some of our clients who have spinal cord injuries as super men and women too.

Inspired by them, we try to keep abreast of advances in medical treatment of spinal cord injuries. Understanding of the full range of effects of spinal cord injury -- such as muscle spasticity, pressure sores and  autonomic dysreflexia -- well enough to explain them to a judge and jurors, is essential to trial advocacy for spinal cord injury survivors.

With our office located conveniently to the Shepherd Center, one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the nation, we are often called by family members of spinal cord injury victims.   In working with people who have such injuries, we have been inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. Both physical and emotional aspects of spinal cord injury are devastating. However, one may work through the depression accompanying spinal cord injury to see that even under such adverse circumstances sometimes still the "glass is half full."

While much is taken, often much remains. Many people with spinal cord injuries surmount extreme adversity to lead productive lives. Jim Langevin became a quadriplegic at 16, and is now a Congressman from Rhode Island. Brooke Ellison has been a vent-dependent quad since age 11, but graduated from Harvard with honors.  While these are exceptional people, they illustrate the fact that a useful life is still possible after spinal cord injury.

Following are links to a few of the many resources on the web related to spinal cord injuries. We cannot recommend the appropriateness of any product, activity, treatment or therapy. Ask your health care providers!

Spinal Cord Information.  A comprehensive guide by a quadriplegic for quadriplegics and their caregivers.