What Are The Effects Of A Spinal Cord Injury In Virginia?

What Are The Effects Of A Spinal Cord Injury In Virginia?

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are life-changing accidents that can profoundly affect a person’s body, emotions, and finances. People who experience SCIs encounter specific hurdles and chances for getting better and recovering.

To grasp how spinal cord injuries affect people in Virginia, it’s important to know how often they happen. Spinal cord injuries are quite common, with over 17,000 new cases in the United States every year according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. In Virginia, there are estimated to be hundreds of new cases each year, which is a significant health issue.

Common Causes Of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can happen because of different accidents and situations.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents. Car accidents, motorcycle wrecks, and accidents involving pedestrians are some of the main reasons why people get spinal cord injuries. When these accidents happen at high speeds, they can seriously harm the spinal cord.
• Falls are also a big reason why people get spinal cord injuries, especially older folks. When you slip and fall, it can break or move the bones in your spine.
• Sports And Recreation. Sports players, especially those in rough sports like football or rugby, can get spinal cord injuries. This happens when they tackle or collide with each other in a bad way, and it can severely hurt them.
• When people get hurt on purpose, like being shot or stabbed, it can also lead to spinal cord injuries. These injuries are usually very serious and can have long-lasting effects.
• Medical Complications. Sometimes, problems during medical procedures can also cause spinal cord injuries. Mistakes in surgery or infections can hurt the spinal cord and make a person unable to move.

Physical Effects Of Spinal Cord Injuries

The physical changes caused by spinal cord injuries are usually the most noticeable and impactful. How much they affect someone depends on where and how bad the injury is on their spinal cord. There are two main types of spinal cord injuries, complete and incomplete.

• One of the usual physical effects of spinal cord injuries is losing the ability to move. It typically depends on where they got hurt on their spine. There are two primary categories of spinal cord injuries: one that impacts the ability to move all parts of the body (known as quadriplegia) and another that affects only the lower half of the body (referred to as paraplegia). These conditions can also make people not feel things as well, make their muscles weaker, and make it hard to control their movements.
• Loss Of Sensation. Lots of people who have spinal cord injuries can’t feel the parts of their body below where they got hurt. They might not be able to feel pain, hot or cold or when someone touches them in those areas.
• Respiratory Complications. When the spinal cord injury is higher up, especially in the neck area, it can make it hard to breathe. Some people might need machines like ventilators or other devices to help them breathe better.
• Secondary Health Complications. People who have had spinal cord injuries might have more health problems like sores from pressure, infections, and muscles getting smaller. These issues can really affect their health and how good their life is.

Emotional And Psychological Effects Of Spinal Cord Injuries

The emotional and psychological effects that come with spinal cord injuries can be just as tough as the physical ones. Suddenly not being able to move or do things on your own can lead to some difficult emotions and challenges.

• Depression And Anxiety. A lot of people who have spinal cord injuries start feeling depressed and anxious as they try to accept their new situation. The emotional stress of it all can be really hard and make them feel very down, like they’ve lost hope, and sometimes even scared.
• Loss Of Identity. Spinal cord injuries can really change how a person sees themselves. People who used to be active and do things on their own might find it hard to adapt to their new limitations.
• Social Isolation. When your body can’t do as much, and it’s hard to get around, it can make you feel lonely because it’s not easy to do the stuff you used to like doing. People with spinal cord injuries might feel left out of things.

Economic Impact Of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can cost a lot of money, both for the person who gets hurt and for everyone else in the community. In Virginia, this includes paying for doctor visits, therapy, and taking care of the injured person in the long run.

• Medical Expenses. Right after a spinal cord injury, the money you need to pay for medical stuff can be really high. This covers things like getting help in an emergency, surgeries, staying in the hospital, and buying medicine. Over time, you might also need special equipment and tools to help you.
• Getting better after a spinal cord injury usually involves doing different types of therapy, like exercises to help you move and learn how to do things on your own again.
• Home Modifications. Sometimes, people with spinal cord injuries need to make changes to their homes so they can get around easier. This can cost a lot of money.
• Loss Of Income. Many people with spinal cord injuries can’t go back to work or earn as much as they used to. This can be really tough for them and their families.
• Societal Costs. Spinal cord injuries don’t just affect one person, they also cost money for the whole community. This includes paying for things like disability benefits, healthcare, and the work that can’t get done because of the injury.

Virginia’s Support And Resources

Even though spinal cord injuries can bring big changes, people in Virginia don’t have to handle them by themselves. There are lots of places to get help and people to support them as they deal with the challenges of spinal cord injuries.

• Rehabilitation Centers. In Virginia, there are special places where people can go to get better after a spinal cord injury. These places focus on helping them become more independent.
• Support Groups. There are groups and organizations in Virginia where people with spinal cord injuries and their families can connect with others who are going through the same thing. These groups provide emotional support, share information, and create a feeling of belonging.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Virginia has a group that helps people with disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, learn job skills and find work.

Suffered A Spinal Cord Injury? Discover How We Can Assist With Your Settlement

If you have been involved in an accident, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC offers a free consultation to all potential clients, so you can discuss your case with our experienced attorneys and get a better understanding of your legal options. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you only pay if we win your case. This takes the financial burden off you and allows you to focus on your recovery.

CALL THE HEAVY HITTERS TODAY AT 1-800-LAW-0804!