Can I Seek Compensation for Long-Term Care After a Spinal Injury?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Personal Injury

After a catastrophic injury, a person’s life can be changed forever. Injuries to the spinal cord can be especially devastating, leaving a victim paralyzed. Damage to the spinal cord can require immediate medical attention and even surgery to try to repair broken vertebrae. In many cases, a person is unable to regain function of his or her limbs, resulting in partial or full paralysis. There are many causes of such an injury, from automobile crashes to workplace accidents to simply tripping and falling. Regardless of what led to a spinal injury, a victim can face a long recovery and rehabilitation and may be unable to return to work. For many, long-term care is needed, which can put a significant financial strain on a victim and his or her family. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you may be entitled to compensation if a negligent party was responsible for your injury.

Accidents That Can Cause Spinal Cord Damage

Most spinal cord injuries are caused by serious accidents, such as vehicle crashes, falls, sports, or recreational injuries. In many instances, the incident is a direct result of another party’s negligent behavior or actions. For example, if the proper safety precautions are not followed at a workplace, employees can fall and injure themselves. Similarly, being struck while walking or riding a bike or motorcycle offers little to no protection to the pedestrian or biker if they are hit by a car driving by a distracted or intoxicated motorist. The force of impact when thrown to the pavement or caught between vehicles can crush the bones of the neck or back, causing irreversible damage.

The most common types of accidents that can cause a spinal injury include the following:

• Workplace accident
• Slip and fall
• Car accident 
• Motorcycle crash
• Bicycle accident
• Pedestrian accident

Lasting Effects of a Spinal Injury

The severity of a spinal injury depends on the location along the spine where the damage occurs. Paralysis is a condition in which the muscles in a person’s legs, stomach, back, and in some cases, the chest, are incapable of functioning. In most cases, the affected individual cannot walk or stand on his or her own. The two types of paralysis are:

• Quadriplegia: Also known as tetraplegia, damage to the spinal cord at the base of the skull or neck results in all four limbs being paralyzed.
• Paraplegia: Damage below the neck, resulting in both legs being paralyzed.

In addition to the inability to move your arms or legs, other symptoms of paralysis include incontinence, sexual dysfunction, breathing difficulties, and problems sitting upright depending on the location and extent of the damage. Many people who are paralyzed need the assistance of a nurse or healthcare worker to help with daily activities. They might also need to renovate their home with wheelchair-accessible accommodations.

Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

Depending on the circumstances, an accident can cause catastrophic injuries, including those that affect the spine, back, and neck. With more than 10 years of experience practicing law, attorney Khaled Issa understands how devastating a spinal injury can be, impacting your daily life. Our diligent and compassionate Orland Park, IL car accident attorney will help you obtain medical care and treatment, and fully compensate you for damages such as your loss of income and disability. Call us today at 708-966-2408 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=96908

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401#:~:text=(a)%20The%20driver%20of%20any,the%20scene%20of%20the%20accident