Spinal Cord Injury: Factors to Consider

The human spinal cord is a collection of nerves that travels down the middle of a person’s back. The spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, which translate into bodily movements. The U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus reports that an injury to the spinal cord can disrupt these signals, ultimately reducing a person’s immobility.

Spinal cord injuries are medical emergencies where immediate treatment is required. Depending on the type of injury, a person might be able to make a full recovery but in cases where the injury has made sufficient damage, paralyzation below the impact wound can be permanent.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), an astounding 17,500 spinal cord injuries are reported each year. The NSCISC also reports that in 2017, the total number of people suffering from spinal cord injury was 285,000. The immensity of this data is surprising considering a majority of spinal cord injuries are caused by traumatic events.

The NSCISC states that spinal cord injuries could occur through a variety of reasons including, but not limited to the following: Auto accidents, Slip and fall accidents, and acts of violence such as battery and assault.

The NSCISC has further reports that of the many different causes of spinal cord injuries, automobile accidents are the primary. It is interesting to note that spinal cord injuries resulting from a car accident are not always immediately detectable. In fact, many victims do not experience any symptoms following a car accident. For this reason, it is important that auto accident victims seek immediate medical attention that could help undermine the severity of the injury.

The Consequences of Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are an extreme example of a very serious bodily injury. Often, spinal cord injuries can affect an individual’s loss of mobility, such as the inability to move the upper and/or lower extremities. Depending on where and how the impact occurred, victims may lose partial or complete mobility of certain body parts. Because of this, a victim who has sustained a spinal cord injury may require the lifelong support of a medical caregiver to carry out even the most minute daily activity.

The impact a spinal cord injury can have catastrophic effects on a person’s life and it is almost certain that a person’s quality of life will be seriously affected. A person who previously maintained a very affective lifestyle prior to the injury can become bedridden. Recreational activities such as bicycle riding or surfboarding will be certain impossibilities after a serious spinal cord injury.

When a person’s ability to move properly is affected after a spinal cord injury, the loss of employment can quickly ensue. In some cases, temporary pain shortly after the accident can result in weeks or months taken off of work. This alone can take a toll on a person’s financial stability, especially if he or she is the primary source of income in his or her household. Financial hardship, however, can be a long term grievance in the event that the victim has undergone permanent damage to his or her spine. Catastrophic spinal cord injuries can have the most impact on those who work in the following fields: Construction workers, Labor workers such as yard workers, Factory employees, and those who drive for a living.

Perhaps the most immediate outcome of a spinal cord injury is the victim’s pain and suffering. According to a study conducted by SpinalCord.com, spinal cord injuries can result in the following medical conditions: Difficulty breathing and the need to use a respirator, Bladder and bowel problems, Bedsores, Chronic pain, Varying degrees of paralysis, Nerve pain and muscle pain.

Spinal cord injuries, however, can also be an emotionally traumatic experience. A 2014 case study produced by the ACI State Spinal Cord Service detailed the emotional trauma spinal cord injury victims experience after the injury. The study states that a majority of victims will develop extreme negative emotions following an injury that could threaten the person’s social and psychological integration. As a result, many victims require long-term psychological support and rehabilitation. Spinal cord injuries pose huge challenges for victims and it demands extreme resilience and adaptation in order to carry on with life.

The Resulting Effects of Someone Else’s Negligence

It is without a doubt that spinal cord injuries affect not only the victim, but his or her loved ones as well. The resulting effects of a spinal cord injury can be distressing and quite often, demoralizing. Spinal cord injuries caused by work-related accidents, medical malpractice cases, or car accidents should never go unpunished. Victims of negligent accidents caused by another should fight to seek the financial compensation they deserve, which could help them rebuild a comfortable lifestyle.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of someone else, it is important to consider your rights. The overwhelming results of suffering from a spinal cord injury could cause the loss of employment, result in high medical bills, and cause further personal pain injury that could have permanent and irreversible damages. Speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney can be favorable, even if you have already received a settlement offer from the responsible party. By seeking an experienced personal injury attorney, you could be on your way to receiving the financial compensation you are owed.

Filing a personal injury claim for a spinal cord injury is a strenuous process, but the procedure can be made easier with the assistance of an experienced attorney.

At The Law Office of Attorney King, representing the interests of those who have undergone injuries because of the careless act of another is of utmost importance. Attorney Justin H. King is a personal injury attorney who fights for the rights of victims who have suffered catastrophic and traumatic spinal cord injuries because of the careless act of another. If you or someone you know was recently victim due to negligence, Attorney King can help. His extensive experience in spinal cord injury cases can help you obtain the monetary compensation you need to help you through the healing process. You can learn more about Attorney King, his background and experience, along with awards and recognitions on his attorney profile page here. You can also obtain more information by scheduling a no-obligation, absolutely free consultation on his contact page.

Categories : Spinal Cord Injury

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