Car crashes can lead to very serious injuries, one of which is a spinal cord injury (SCI). Motor vehicle wrecks are one of the leading causes of this type of injury. For the victims, an SCI can lead to long-term medical issues, significant lifestyle adjustments and emotional challenges, all of which can be difficult to handle.
This injury occurs because of the jarring that happens during the impact of the crash. In some cases, they can happen because of a direct hit to or compression of the spine. Understanding SCIs may be beneficial to individuals who are dealing with this type of situation.
Severity of the SCI varies
SCIs can vary in severity, depending on the location of the injury and the type of damage that’s done. An incomplete injury is associated with some motion and feeling in the affected areas because the nerves at the injury site are at least partially connected. A complete injury results in complete loss of function and feeling in the affected area because the nerves are fully severed.
These injuries can lead to a host of symptoms, including muscle weakness, numbness or full paralysis. Injuries that are higher on the spinal cord can affect a larger portion of the body because the effects are always below the site of the damage.
A victim who has an SCI may need costly medical care, as well as financial impacts of having to miss work or reduce their hours. These financial damages are often considerable, so the victim may opt to pursue a compensation claim.