Spinal cord injury is a type of personal injury and a dangerous one at that. The spinal cord is an important part of the body as it houses the nerve pathways that send information to the brain. Due to the importance of the spinal cord in the body system, if it gets affected in a personal injury, it could lead to partial or total paralysis. And in some cases, broken or severed vertebrae. Spinal cord injuries can occur in different ways, and it very much qualifies the victim for a personal injury compensation claim if it happens as a result of an accident or carelessness on the part of another person or entity.
Below are four things that you must know about spinal cord injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries can occur in different ways.
There is no one way for the occurrence of spinal cord injuries. Nobody prepares for spinal cord injuries, and they are known to occur when nobody expects them. Any of the following can cause spinal cord injuries:
- Motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents. Boat accidents.
- Slips and falls.
- Weight-lifting or Gym accidents.
- Work-related accidents.
- Spinal Cord Injuries can have permanent effects
The dangerous thing about spinal cord injuries is that their effects are usually lifelong and permanent. The effects of spinal cord injuries are not just physical; they may also lead to mental and cognitive impairments. Below are some of the common impairments that spinal cord injuries cause;
- Partial or full-body paralysis or disability.
- Anxiety and Depression.
- Pain in the nerves or joints.
- Persistent muscle spasms.
- Loss of any of the sense organs.
- Reduced life quality.
- Memory and cognitive problems.
- Treatment for Spinal Cord injury is expensive
The Medicare and treatment for spinal cord injuries are expensive. Depending on the severity of the injury, the costs usually include emergency room and hospital bills, physical therapy and rehabilitation, future medical treatment, and extended care such as assisted living facility or nursing home.
- Someone else may be responsible for the injury
Some spinal cord injury cases occur as a result of negligence or carelessness on the part of someone else. If that is the case, the victim may file a lawsuit or claim against that person. For instance, in an accident where the driver of a vehicle under the influence collided with another, resulting in a permanent spinal cord injury for another driver. The injured driver may file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver and receive compensation for the injury caused.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is a victim of a spinal cord injury as a result of the action, inaction, or negligence of another person, you should seek legal representation immediately. Get yourself an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at Frank & Rechenberg, P.C today to schedule a consultation.