Spinal cord injuries are among the more serious and life-altering consequences of accidents. They can affect the life of a person in so many aspects, such as mobility, psychological well-being, and economic security.
During these trying times, spinal cord injury attorneys can help a victim get the compensation necessary to pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages. These lawyers understand the complexities of SCI cases and will guide victims through the legal process to ensure they receive the help they need and deserve.
The section below discusses the major challenges faced by people with spinal injuries and the need for comprehensive care and support.
Physical Challenges of a Spinal Cord Injury
The level of paralysis will be partial or complete, depending on the extent of the damage to the spinal cord. This usually results in a loss of movement and limitations in mobility and independence. Some of the challenges faced by those with SCI include:
- Immobility: High-level injuries, such as tetraplegia, may result in the loss of limb movement, requiring assistive devices such as wheelchairs.
- Respiratory problems: The injury to the upper part of the spinal cord, C1-C4, impairs breathing and usually requires ventilators or other respiratory assistance.
- Loss of bodily functions: SCI victims may suffer from incontinence and would need medical and caregiving services.
- Chronic pain: Neuropathic pain is common, persistent, and sometimes refractory, hence greatly diminishing their quality of life.
Psychological and Emotional Challenges
The emotional toll of living with a spinal cord injury can be profound. Other changes may be beyond the physical:
- Depression and Anxiety: Transitioning into a new life of being crippled may be very overwhelming; feelings of isolation, loss of independence, and mental stress brought by coping with a permanent injury usually result in depression and anxiety.
- Grief and Loss: Most individuals grieve for their lost abilities and lost life. The emotional aspects of the grieving process may be just as formidable as the physical obstacles to rehabilitation.
- Adjustment to a New Lifestyle: SCI survivors need to learn how to manage ordinary tasks in new ways, making life very different due to mental and emotional exhaustion.
Financial Challenges and Employment Barriers
A spinal cord injury costs a great deal of money to treat and can sometimes become too burdensome for both the victim and their family. These include the following financial complications:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate hospitalization costs, surgeries, and subsequent medical treatment, physiotherapy, and medication can add up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Even with insurance, many people with SCIs incur very substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
- Loss of Employment: SCI victims often have a loss of employment resulting from their injuries. Most will have to change careers if they can work again at all. Getting back into the workforce may be difficult, especially in roles requiring physical labor or mobility.
Social and Relationship Challenges
Spinal cord injuries can affect relationships with others both socially and emotionally. Victims are commonly confronted with the following:
- Social alienation: Mobility issues or a requirement for constant care may render social gatherings and community participation more difficult, hence a feeling of alienation.
- Strained relationships: Family members and spouses may experience stress and emotional strain as they take on caregiving roles, leading to conflicts.
The Long Road to Recovery
Rehabilitation after an SCI is designed to help the victims regain functionality and adapt to the new reality. But this is a long-term procedure and may be very painful, exhausting, and emotionally demoralizing.
Improvement may often be slow, with setbacks throughout the rehabilitation process. Wheelchairs, voice-controlled appliances, and home modifications are often used during rehabilitation to help with mobility.
