Accidents cause a wide range of injuries, with some as minor as a few scrapes and bruises, while others result in deaths and life-changing injuries.
Spinal cord injuries rank high among the types of personal injuries that have a huge impact on the patient’s life.
Understanding what to expect in the aftermath of a spinal cord injury can help manage expectations and, in some way, reduce the emotional toll the injury could have on you.
Personal injury lawyer Russell Berkowitz can help you out during this time. Their expertise is vital in safely navigating the legal hurdles.
This guide highlights some aspects of spinal cord injuries that you may need to be aware of as you face life post-injury.
Article Contents
The Injuries May Be Life-Altering
The spine is among the most sensitive parts of the body, as it is a pathway for communication between the different parts of the body and the brain. While not all spinal cord injuries will result in disability, there is a high risk of it.
In the most severe cases, victims of an accident will have paralysis from the point of injury downwards, which could mean losing sensation and function in the lower parts of the body.
The idea of having a life turned upside down gets to even the strongest-willed of people, with many victims suffering untold emotional and psychological pain.
Because of this, you may want to involve a mental health expert early to help you cope with the situation.
The Financial Implication Will Be Pretty Significant
The financial implications of an injury depend on the severity of the injury. Since spinal cord injuries usually rank at the top in terms of severity, you can expect the financial implications of the injuries to be relatively significant.
An intervention for spinal cord injuries calls for intricate and often expensive procedures, surgeries, therapies, and lifelong medical care, which results in medical bills piling up quickly.
The financial implications of a spinal cord injury are not limited to the cost of medication.
Victims may also have to contend with an inability to earn a living, which means they may have no way to meet their everyday needs, such as paying bills, which can also have a profound effect on the person’s quality of life.
The Legal Battle Will Be Complex
If your injury results from another person or entity’s negligence, you may find some reprieve in the fact that you can recover compensation for damages.
However, the recovery process may not be straightforward. Like with all high-value tort claims, spinal cord injury claims will attract quite some pushback from the opposing side with the hope of avoiding liability or bringing the value of your claim down. The legal aspects can be quite tough for you to handle.
As such, you must build a solid case by arming yourself with concrete evidence, including pictures and video footage of the scene and injuries, witness accounts, medical records, receipts, and more.
In most cases, you may have to involve expert witnesses, such as a spinal cord expert, to help decipher the intricate medical evidence and help the court understand the otherwise complex facts of the case.
Given the complexity of the case, the chances of recovering fair compensation without a personal injury lawyer can be quite low, so be sure to enlist the services of one who has a history of representing victims of spinal cord injuries.
No compensation can bring you back to your pre-injury self, but recovering fair compensation will make your life more bearable.
Rehabilitation and Adjusting to a New Normal
Recovering from a spinal cord injury isn’t just about medical treatment—it’s about rebuilding your life.
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping you regain mobility, independence, and confidence.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices like wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Beyond the physical challenges, adjusting emotionally and mentally can be just as demanding. Many survivors struggle with frustration, grief, or anxiety about the future.
Seeking support from mental health professionals, support groups, and loved ones can make a significant difference.
Home modifications and lifestyle adjustments may also be necessary to accommodate mobility limitations.
These changes can be overwhelming, but with proper medical care, legal support, and a strong support system, you can navigate this new chapter.
A personal injury lawyer can help secure the financial resources needed for long-term care, ensuring a more stable future.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injuries can drastically affect your life, both physically and financially. While the road to recovery is challenging, securing fair compensation is crucial for managing long-term care and financial stability.
With the complexities of such cases, partnering with an experienced personal injury attorney is vital to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, making the journey ahead more manageable.
