The Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

It goes without saying that an injury to the spinal cord is a serious one — and it can pose a lifetime of medical problems and financial burdens for the victim and their family. If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another party, understanding the long-term effects of a spinal cord injury and your rights under personal injury law can help you stay protected.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be categorized as “complete” or “incomplete.”

A complete spinal cord injury happens when a person has no sensory and motor functions below the level of injury.

An incomplete spinal cord injury happens when a person has some sensory and motor functions below the level of injury and is not properly functioning.

The Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury

The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can be severe and devastating — especially when victims aren’t able to live the quality of life that they have been used to. Not only can this cause physical limitations, but it can also take a toll on a person’s mental health. People who have suffered a spinal cord injury may be subjected to the following life-long problems:

• Loss of bowel control and/or bladder control
• Loss of movement
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of sexual function
• Chronic pain

In addition to the above, other devastating effects can include paralyzation. When someone is paralyzed from a spinal cord injury, the result of that injury may be referred to as the following:

Tetraplegia – this may also be referred to as quadriplegia. A person with tetraplegia has all of the following body parts affected by the spinal cord injury:

• Arms
• Hands
• Trunk
• Legs
• Pelvic organs

Paraplegia – this type of paralysis may affect all or part of the following body parts:

• Trunk
• Legs
• Pelvic organs

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

The aftermath of a spinal cord injury is not only stressful but can have lifelong effects on both the victim’s physical and mental health.

If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury due to negligence, our Corpus Christi personal injury attorneys are here to help. At Bandas Law Firm, we understand the physical and financial burdens that a spinal cord injury can have on someone’s life. Let us help you receive the compensation you deserve.