Automobile Accidents - The Leading Cause of Spinal Cord Injury

While on the decline, automobile accidents still account for the majority of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States, at an estimated 36% of all cases. These injuries can vary in severity, but most often they lead to paralysis: either paraplegia, which is paralysis of two limbs (usually the legs from the waist down), or quadriplegia, which is paralysis of all four limbs, usually from the neck down. Injuries to the spine can also cause conditions such as hemiplegia, which is when weakness exists on one side of the body or in the extremities. The spine, while serving as the foundation for the back, is also the body’s nerve hub.

SCI can affect other parts of the body with relatively no pain in the actual spine, making spinal cord injuries difficult to diagnose. The symptoms a victim experiences are not directly felt in the spine or the pain may not show up until several days after the automobile accident. This can lead to continued problems if medical treatment is not sought at the time of the accident, possibly causing further damage. A spinal cord injury can be devastating for the individual and his family and can cost the victim money, time, and quality of life.

Most SCI From Auto Accidents

While the automobile industry has made great strides in safety technology, automobile accidents still account for most spinal cord injuries. Seat belts, while certainly a protective measure, aren’t always a reliable measure to prevent spinal cord injuries. Seat belt failures happen in accidents more often than most drivers realize. This can be due to a manufacturer error, a flaw in the design, or particular types of accidents such as rollovers. Seat back failure is also a cause of spinal injuries in automobile accidents. If an automobile accident occurs and the locking mechanism on the seat back fails, the support is no longer there, exposing the spinal cord to possible twisting, bending, and breaking.

Treating SCI After an Auto Accident

Medically, someone with a spinal injury will need to undergo spinal cord rehabilitation, which includes therapy to relearn certain activities. Newer technology works directly with the nerves in the spine and the brain in an attempt to retrain how the mind controls different parts of the body, but in the case of paralysis, a full recovery is still in the distant future. Spinal cord injury victims often times have lengthy hospital stays and may need continuing care for the rest of their lives.

Mentally and emotionally, an automobile accident that causes a spinal cord injury can take a toll on the victim’s health. Often times, victims of such accidents develop depression, either acute or chronic, and can also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in which the victim relives the accident and the associated pain over and over. While these are costs that no one can put a price on, a spinal cord injury lawyer can assist the victim in a court of law to recoup the damages to the fullest extent of the law.

Liability and Getting Legal Advice

Automobile accidents are unique in that they are just that: accidents. In the case of an accident, criminal charges may be filed, but regardless, this does nothing to help the victim. Legally, someone with a spinal cord injury as the result of an automobile accident should always seek out the services of a qualified and experienced spinal cord injury lawyer. A spinal cord lawyer will be able to notify the victim of their options and give information regarding seeking compensation. The spinal cord injury lawyer will also be able to walk the victim through the court process and what they can expect from the legal system.

Costs of SCI

Financially, an automobile accident that causes spinal cord injury can end up costing the victim millions of dollars over the course of their lifetime, both in medical costs, as well as collateral costs, such as hiring a driver to simply run errands or in-home care. While technology has taken major steps forward, such as motorized wheelchairs, the sad truth is that victims of automobile accidents who have sustained spinal cord injury are still very limited in society. The costs associated with home care, transportation, and rehabilitation can become overwhelming and insurance may not be able to cover all costs. The victim has the right to seek legal counsel and should exercise that right in order to recover the costs associated with a spinal cord injury.

Needless to say, the cost of a spinal cord injury due to an automobile accident is massive. Medically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and legally, these accidents can ruin lives and severally decline quality of life. As mentioned, victims of such accidents should always seek out a qualified spinal cord injury lawyer. A spinal cord lawyer specializes in the very complicated world of spinal cord injuries due to accidents and combines medical and legal knowledge to bring justice for the victim. Without seeking the services of a spinal injury attorney, victims often find themselves having to pay out of pocket for expenses incurred as a result of an automobile accident or living without treatment and assistance that would greatly improve their quality of life.

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