The Effects of Spinal Cord Trauma
These catastrophic injuries can turn your life upside down instantly. In addition, depending on the injury’s severity and location, you may lose touch sensitivity and the ability to move the affected area voluntarily. A spinal cord injury resulting from an accident may permanently impair your ability to work, live independently, and enjoy the activities you did in the past.
In addition, you may require continual medical care, constant therapy, and round-the-clock personal care, all of which come at a great expense. Given the devastating nature of the condition, recovering compensation in a personal injury lawsuit could be essential to your future. Fortunately, a Rapides Parish personal injury lawyer can advocate for your interests before insurance companies and other third parties.
Paralysis
The spinal cord comprises soft tissue protected by the spinal column’s hard bones. When the spinal column has broken, compressed, or crushed vertebrae, some or all motor and sensory functions may be lost. As a result, spinal cord damage can often result in full or partial paralysis.
When the damage occurs higher up on the spinal cord or near the neck, there is the potential for permanent paralysis of the entire body or quadriplegia. If the damage occurs at a lower point, paralysis may be permanent but limited to the lower part of the body, referred to as paraplegia. In addition to paralysis, other symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness, and loss of control over bodily functions.
Physical Dysfunctions
Typically, trauma further down the spinal column will result in paraplegia, impacting the legs, pelvic organs, and all or part of the trunk. Damage higher up the spinal cord can lead to quadriplegia, impacting the arms, hands, and trunk.
Lack of feeling and mobility are not the only problems spinal cord damage victims face. Bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction are often present, as are blood clots and bed sores. A victim’s heart and lungs are impacted in the worst cases, requiring a pacemaker and mechanical ventilator.
Social Impact
These life-altering conditions can take their toll on you and your family. As a spinal cord trauma victim, you may be unable to perform the most basic life tasks. These tasks can include eating, drinking, washing, and clothing themselves without the assistance of family members or around-the-clock home care.
You may further experience a reduced quality of life. The sudden need to rely on others for the simplest and most intimate functions can feel degrading and may trigger depression and anxiety.
Economic Impact
Additionally, spinal cord injuries can be extremely expensive. As a result, victims are often unable to work when they need income the most.
On top of everyday expenses, medical costs can be high. Hospital bills, rehabilitation, medical care, and home modifications come at a steep price. The financial burden can be crushing, and it comes at a time when you deserve to focus on your health. A personal injury attorney can help calculate the full economic impact of your losses and negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies.
