Spinal cord injuries are life changing and can lead to emotional trauma. Because these injuries are expensive, it is important to retain the services of an attorney as soon as possible. If you or a loved one sustained serious or life-threatening injuries as the result of a head on auto accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation under South Carolina law.
Spinal Injuries and Auto Accidents
According to the auto accidents in St. Louis expert automobile accidents occur every single day on the roadways of America with fatal accidents occurring every 15 minutes. Non-fatal accidents often leave the victims struggling with debilitating injuries. One of these is the spinal cord injury.
What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are caused when the integrity of the spine is compromised and affects the spinal cord. Depending on the location of the injury and the severity of the damage caused, a person affected by SCI can experience loss of muscle function, the loss of sensation, paralysis and incontinence. Unlike other parts of the body, the spinal cord does not have the ability to repair itself once it is damaged. Loss of normal blood supply, compression from a tumor or an infection and trauma can all lead to permanent damage of the spinal cord.
The spine is made up of 31 bones called vertebrae. Rollover crashes and head-on crashes are the most common causes of SCI. These injuries are often sustained by vehicle passengers. Automobile malfunctions such as tire tread separation, power window failure, seatbelt failure and roof collapse have also been known to cause SCI.
Emotional Trauma Caused by Spinal Cord Injuries
Those suffering from SCI often have a sense of shock and/or denial surrounding the injury. The victim of SCI may have a difficult time accepting their limitations and may refuse to take part in therapy sessions and skill-building routines. Often, a patient will deny that the injury is permanent and will resist learning how to use a wheelchair. An SCI victim struggling with denial may need to undergo psychotherapy to help them make peace with what has happened.
Complete or Incomplete?
Complete spinal cord injuries involve a complete loss of sensation and muscle function in the body below the level of the injury itself. Those suffering from incomplete spinal injuries have some function below the level of the injury. In most cases of SCI, both sides of the body are affected equally.
A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating injuries incurred by an auto accident. A Las Vegas auto accident attorney may be able to help you deal with the loss.