Burlington Personal Injury Attorneys

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Suffering a spinal cord injury in a car crash

On Behalf of | Sep 24, 2021 | Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and they often cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries. Such trauma affects people’s autonomic, motor and sensory functions, potentially having life-changing effects.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, approximately 17,000 people across the U.S. suffer new spinal cord injuries each year. For younger people, most SCIs result from auto wrecks.

What are the symptoms of spinal cord injuries?

Depending on the level and completeness of their injuries, people who suffer SCIs may experience partial or total loss of their sensory and motor functions. As such, they may lose feeling, as well as the ability to move certain parts of their bodies. Some such injuries affect both sides of the body, while others only impact one side or the other.

Do spinal cord injuries have potential complications?

According to MayoClinic.org, wide-ranging health complications often affect patients with spinal cord injuries. SCIs commonly cause issues with bowel and bladder control, skin sensation and breathing. Due to these and other effects, complications including the following may develop:

  • An increased risk of kidney, bladder and urinary tract problems
  • Pressure sores
  • An increased risk of lung problems, including pneumonia
  • Ongoing muscle, joint or nerve pain
  • Depression

Suffering an SCI in a motor vehicle collision may have a life-altering impact. Beyond making changes to their day-to-day lives, spinal cord injuries may impair people’s ability to work and provide for their families. Options exist for those in such situations, however, creating paths for people to pursue financial compensation for their injury-associated losses that may aid them as they adjust to and live with the effects of their injuries.

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