Motor vehicle crashes can have devastating consequences, and spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most serious outcomes. These injuries can dramatically alter your life, affecting your mobility, independence and overall well-being.
Understanding the nature of their condition is crucial for those who sustained this injury in a car collision if they decide to take legal action. Let’s explore the potential complications of these injuries below.
Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries are severe and often lead to lasting complications. The spinal cord is a vital part of your body’s communication system, and damage can disrupt the signals that travel between your brain and body.
This disruption can result in certain forms of paralysis. First is tetraplegia, which affects the entire body from the neck down. While this condition is sometimes treatable, most cases result in permanent paralysis.
The other form is paraplegia, which affects the lower half of the body only. Complete paraplegia means a total loss of function. Patients with this condition will not be able to feel any sensation and move, affecting the body’s bladder and bowel systems.
Other possible complications
SCI patients may also develop dysreflexia, a condition that causes sudden spikes in blood pressure. The injury may also cause spinal shock, which temporarily reduces reflexes and muscle tone.
Other potential complications include chronic pain, respiratory problems and an increased risk of infections or blood clots. In severe cases, spinal cord damage may also lead to death.
Getting the legal help you need after a car collision
Dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a severe spinal cord injury is daunting enough without the added stress of legal battles. That’s where an experienced personal injury attorney comes in. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim, ensuring you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.