Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are amongst the most catastrophic injuries a person can endure. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In this post, we’ll break down the long-term effects of spinal cord injuries, as well as the immense costs associated with them. With over 20 years of experience helping people with spinal cord injuries fight insurance companies for compensation, Debbie Taussig and her team know what it takes to best help her clients. We understand that no amount of money will reverse the fact that you or a loved one was seriously injured because someone else was negligent. However, Debbie and her team will work tirelessly to take the overwhelming burden off the shoulders of people with spinal cord injuries so that they can get the care they need, both long-term and short-term.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. Each type of injury can have profound effects on a person’s life. At Debbie Taussig Law, we focus on spinal cord injuries that were caused because someone else was careless in their actions or inactions.
Traumatic Causes:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: One of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, especially in high-speed collisions or rollover crashes. The impact can cause severe trauma to the spinal cord, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Falls: Falls, particularly from heights or on hard surfaces, especially if places of business do not have the appropriate safety measures or in workplaces are another cause of SCIs.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports or high-risk activities can lead to significant spinal trauma, sometimes even if the proper equipment is used.
- Violence: Injuries from gunshots, stabbings, or physical assaults can also result in spinal cord damage.
Non-Traumatic Causes:
- Diseases: Tumors, infections, and degenerative conditions can gradually affect the spinal cord’s function.
- Surgical Complications: Medical procedures, especially those involving the neck and back, can result in unintentional damage to the spinal cord.
Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries don’t just affect mobility—they can have long-lasting impacts on multiple aspects of a person’s health and well-being.
Physical Effects:
- Ongoing Paralysis or Limited Mobility: Depending on the severity of the injury, many victims will face long-term or permanent paralysis.
- Muscle Atrophy: When muscles aren’t used, they begin to shrink and weaken, leading to further loss of function.
- Respiratory Issues: Severe spinal injuries, especially those higher up on the spinal column, can compromise lung function, making breathing difficult.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts:
- Mental Health Struggles: Victims often experience depression, anxiety, and even PTSD due to the sudden change in their ability to live independently.
- Loss of Independence: Coping with the loss of mobility or control over bodily functions can be emotionally taxing, requiring both mental and physical adjustment.
Secondary Health Complications:
- Pressure Sores: Prolonged immobility can lead to bedsores, a common problem for those with limited movement.
- Infections: Victims are at an increased risk of infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to bladder control issues.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Inactivity can also increase the risk of blood clots, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems.
Long-Term Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often come with overwhelming financial burdens. The long-term costs extend far beyond the initial emergency care and can last a lifetime. Debbie and her team turn to medical experts to help them analyze the future expenses for clients with spinal cord injuries, as well as collecting current costs for treatment – all to fight the insurance company and protect clients from being taken advantage of.
Medical Expenses:
- Immediate Costs: These include emergency treatment, surgery, and hospitalization immediately following the injury. These costs alone can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Ongoing Care: People with SCIs often require lifelong medical care, including regular doctor visits, specialist consultations, and medication for pain, spasticity, and other conditions.
- Medications: From managing chronic pain to addressing spasticity, victims often need long-term medications to manage their symptoms.
Rehabilitation and Therapy:
- Physical Therapy: Necessary to maintain any remaining mobility and prevent muscle atrophy.
- Occupational Therapy: Helps victims regain independence by teaching them how to perform daily tasks using assistive devices.
- Psychological Counseling: Critical for coping with the emotional toll of the injury.
Assistive Devices and Modifications:
- Wheelchairs, Braces, and Ventilators: Many victims will need expensive assistive devices to function on a daily basis.
- Home and Vehicle Modifications: Widening doorways, installing ramps, and making other home modifications to accommodate wheelchairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Vehicles often need to be specially adapted to transport those with SCIs.
Loss of Income:
- Many spinal cord injury victims are unable to return to their previous jobs or may have to find alternative work. The loss of earning capacity, combined with high medical expenses, can leave families struggling financially.
In-Home Care:
- Many individuals with severe SCIs need long-term or even 24/7 care. The cost of hiring caregivers or medical professionals for daily assistance adds up quickly.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injuries can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance to navigate the complexities of your claim. At Debbie Taussig Law, we are here to help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can support you.
