Long-term impact of spinal cord trauma

A car accident can be a devastating event in the life of a New Mexico resident. Although some individuals escape serious injury when their vehicles are involved in collisions, others suffer serious and life-threatening harm. One significant form of injury that can afflict motor vehicle accident victims is spinal cord damages. This post will discuss what constitutes a spinal cord injury and how it can impact a victim’s long-term health. It does not provide readers with any legal or medical advice.

What is a spinal cord injury?

The spinal cord is a critical component of the human body. It is a bundle of nerves that runs down the back and carries nerve impulses from the brain to the rest of the bodily system. The spinal cord plays a role in respiration, digestion, movement, and many other crucial bodily functions.

When the spinal cord is damaged, the rest of the body can be impacted. For some victims, paralysis is a possible outcome of spinal cord damages. Paralysis involves the loss of sensation and function of the part of the body, and where a victim suffers their spinal cord injury can impact the type and severity of their paralysis.

The costs of living with a spinal cord injury

Living with a serious spinal cord injury can cost a victim tens of thousands of dollars each year. In addition to medical treatment and care, they may incur costs related to occupational support and daily help. They may lose their ability to work and therefore to earn an income on which to live. They may become dependent on others for their medical, physical, and emotional needs.

The true cost of a spinal cord injury is extensive. When a victim suffers one in a motor vehicle accident, they should be aware that their life may never be the same. When evaluating their future and the financial strains that they may expect to face, they can talk to trusted personal injury attorneys about their rights to seeking compensation for their traumatic losses.