Adapting to life after a Spinal Cord Injury can take a financial and mental toll on accident survivors and their families.
Summary
- Spinal cord injuries can be caused by various traumatic events, such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and medical malpractice.
- The long-term effects of spinal cord injuries can be physical, mental, social, and economic.
- Victims of spinal cord injuries may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can help victims navigate the legal process and maximize their compensation.
The spinal cord is a critically important structure responsible for transmitting instructions from your brain to the rest of your body. When the spinal cord is injured, the consequences can be devastating. Spinal cord injuries are often severe, with significant and long-term effects on day-to-day life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, the physical, mental, social, and financial impacts can be overwhelming. However, with the help of an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer, you can recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
The spinal cord injury lawyers at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are committed to helping victims defend their rights. You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-HELP.
Understanding the Levels of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury or SCI occurs when the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body, is damaged. This damage can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating conditions.
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. A complete injury results in total loss of function below the injury site, while an incomplete injury may leave some function intact. Additionally, spinal cord injuries can be classified as tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) or paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body).
The complex nature of the spinal cord makes SCIs particularly challenging. The spinal cord is responsible for controlling movement, sensation, and vital functions such as breathing and bowel and bladder control. Damage to any part of the spinal cord can have far-reaching consequences.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from a variety of traumatic events.
- Car accidents: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and rollover car accidents are common causes of SCIs.
- Falls: Falls from heights, slips, and trips, and falls down stairs can result in spinal cord damage.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports such as football, rugby, and hockey, as well as non-contact sports like diving and gymnastics, can lead to SCIs.
- Acts of violence: Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and assaults can cause severe spinal cord injuries.
- Medical malpractice: In rare cases, negligently-performed medical procedures can result in spinal cord damage.
While these are some of the most common causes of SCIs, it is important to note that spinal cord injuries can occur in a variety of circumstances.
Even if you don’t think you’re injured, seek immediate medical attention after suffering any of these accidents or any other significant impact to the spine. You may have injuries you aren’t aware of, and early diagnosis can be crucial.
Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury are multifaceted and can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life. These effects can be categorized into physical, mental, social, and economic dimensions.
Physical Effects
Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s physical abilities and overall quality of life.
Physical effects of an SCI can include:
- Paralysis: Loss of movement below the injury site. This can range from partial weakness to complete paralysis.
- Sensory loss: Decreased or absent sensation in parts of the body, including numbness, tingling, or pain.
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction: Difficulty controlling bowel and bladder movements, which may require the use of catheters or bowel management programs.
- Sexual dysfunction: Changes in sexual function, sensation, and fertility.
- Pain: Chronic pain in the injured area or other parts of the body, including neuropathic pain.
- Pressure sores: Skin breakdown caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, often occurring in areas that come into contact with the wheelchair.
- Respiratory problems: Difficulty breathing due to weakened respiratory muscles, which may require the use of a ventilator.
- Blood clots: Increased risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Muscle atrophy: Weakening and shrinking of muscles due to lack of use.
The physical effects of an SCI can vary widely depending on the individual and the specific type of injury. It is not uncommon for SCI survivors to develop secondary conditions after their accidents. Though the consequences of an SCI can be severe, with appropriate medical care and rehabilitation, many individuals with SCIs can learn to manage these challenges and live fulfilling lives.
Mental and Emotional Effects
The psychological impact of a spinal cord injury can be as significant as the physical effects. Individuals who experience SCIs often face a wide range of mental and emotional challenges, including:
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
- Anxiety: Excessive worry and fear about the future, including concerns about independence, finances, and relationships.
- Anger: Feelings of frustration and resentment.
- Body image issues: Difficulty accepting changes in physical appearance and self-esteem.
- Social isolation: Feeling disconnected from friends and family due to limitations in mobility or social activities.
Coping with the mental and emotional challenges of an SCI requires a combination of professional support, social support, and self-care strategies. Therapy, support groups, and stress management techniques can help individuals navigate these difficult emotions and build resilience.
Social Effects
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can significantly impact an individual’s social life and relationships. The physical limitations imposed by an SCI often lead to challenges in social interaction and participation in activities, such as:
- Challenges in relationships: The demands of caregiving can strain relationships with family and friends.
- Employment barriers: Difficulty finding and maintaining employment due to physical limitations and societal discrimination.
- Educational challenges: Adapting to a new learning environment and accessing necessary accommodations.
- Social isolation: Feeling disconnected from friends and family due to limitations in mobility or social activities.
Overcoming these social challenges requires a combination of support, adaptation, and advocacy. Strong social connections, support groups, and accessibility accommodations can help individuals with SCIs live fulfilling lives.
Economic Effects
The economic impact of a spinal cord injury can be substantial and long-lasting. The loss of independence and earning potential, coupled with increased medical expenses, can create significant financial strain on individuals and their families.
- Loss of Income: Many individuals with SCIs are unable to return to their previous employment or may experience reduced earning potential. This leads to a significant loss of income, which can have devastating consequences for financial stability.
- Increased Expenses: The costs associated with living with an SCI are substantial and ongoing. These include:
- Medical expenses: Medications, surgeries, doctor visits, equipment repairs.
- Assistive technology: Wheelchairs, adaptive equipment for home and vehicle.
- Home modifications: Ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms.
- Caregiving costs: Hiring personal assistants or family members to provide care.
- Reduced Quality of Life: The inability to participate fully in economic activities can lead to a lower overall quality of life, with additional financial implications for leisure and social participation.
Managing the economic challenges of an SCI requires careful financial planning, and it’s crucial that victims receive fair compensation for the damages they’ve suffered.
Compensation for Victims of Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims of SCIs suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship, and are entitled to compensation for these damages. This compensation can help cover the significant costs associated with the injury and improve their quality of life.
Due to the potential severity and long-term harm of a spinal cord injury, settlement packages are often very large, especially if you have a skilled personal injury lawyer helping with the negotiations.
Compensation for victims of SCIs can include:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages: If the injury prevents the victim from working, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
- Future earnings: If the injury is expected to have a long-term impact on the victim’s earning potential, they may be eligible for compensation for future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering: This can include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium: If the injury affects the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner, compensation may be available for loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, if the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded as a punishment.
The exact amount awarded can depend on factors like your long-term earning potential and the strength of your legal case. Every case is different, so it’s important to consult with a spinal cord injury attorney for a personalized evaluation of your potential claim.
How a WHG Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation
The physical and emotional toll of your spinal cord injury can make it difficult to deal with the legal process of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries. That’s where the help of an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer becomes invaluable.
A personal injury attorney can help by:
- Evaluating your case to determine at-fault parties and fair compensation
- Gathering evidence to present the strongest possible case
- Filing all of the necessary paperwork within the deadlines
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if necessary
The team of neck and back injury attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia have extensive experience with spinal cord injuries. Our knowledge and skills can help you defend your rights and recover fair compensation for the short and long-term effects of a spinal cord injury.
To get started, you can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-4357.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim for my spinal cord injury?
The statute of limitations for spinal cord injury claims varies from state to state. In Florida, for instance, you have two years from the date of your injury to pursue a claim. Get in touch with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer to make sure you meet all relevant deadlines.
What if I injured my spinal cord at work?
If your spinal cord injury took place at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can be crucial for covering medical bills and lost wages.
However, there’s a lot that can go wrong with a workers’ compensation claim, and more than half of all claims are initially denied. The help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make sure you receive the compensation you need to recover from your workplace injury.
How common are spinal cord injuries?
According to statistics cited by the Cleveland Clinic, spinal cord injuries are rare in the U.S. About 18,000 people sustain spinal cord injuries on an annual basis.
