On Behalf of Palacios Law Group
Due to slips, falls, motor vehicle collisions and other such accidents, people sometimes suffer serious trauma, including spinal cord injuries. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, auto crashes are the primary cause of SCIs for young people and lead to an estimated 17,000 new spinal cord injuries suffered by people across the U.S. each year.
In addition to the treatment that they receive immediately after getting hurt, those with SCIs often also require additional short-term care and long-term care.
Emergency care
At the accident scene, emergency medical professionals typically immobilize victims’ entire spines. Keeping their spines in alignment may help prevent further trauma while the paramedics or emergency medical technicians identify and treat any more immediate life-threatening issues.
Short-term care
After the emergent stabilization of their conditions, treatment for those who suffer such trauma turns to their spinal injuries. Some people with SCIs need hospitalization and get admitted to an intensive care unit. While there, they may undergo monitoring and receive treatments to help them avoid further injury, infection or other complications.
Long-term care
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, aside from long-term hospitalization, those with spinal cord injuries often need rehabilitation. Physical, occupational and other therapies aim to teach adaptive ways of doing day-to-day activities, retrain muscles, and prevent muscle contractures and wasting. People with SCIs also commonly have frequent follow-ups and evaluations with their health care teams to monitor their conditions and progress.
Spinal cord injuries often have life-changing implications for those who suffer them, as well as for their families. Although no amount of money can undo these effects, options exist for pursuing financial compensation that may provide valuable support as people cope with and adjust to their injuries.
