Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is the column of nerves and tissues that runs from the skull down the center of the back. The spinal cord sends motor commands from the brain to the body, transmits sensory signals from the body to the brain, and coordinates the body’s reflexes.
Because the spinal cord plays a vital role in nearly all the body’s movements and sensations, a spinal cord injury can have catastrophic and life-altering effects. Lawyers at Zucker & Regev, P.C. in Brooklyn, NY, work with spinal cord injury victims to recover damages for the effects of a spinal cord injury, which are likely to include physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Physical Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
The physical effects of a spinal cord injury can be more extensive than any other type of injury. As stated, the spinal cord is involved in transmitting motor and sensory signals, so movement and sensations can be compromised by a spinal cord injury.
The physical effects of a spinal cord injury are dependent on the type of injury, the severity of the injury, and the location of the injury. Generally speaking, physical symptoms tend to affect any part of the body below the point of injury. Symptoms may include:
- Pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
- Muscle weakness
- Compromised coordination
- Muscle spasms or overreactive reflexes
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of sexual functions
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Emotional Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury has a significant impact on physical functions and bodily sensations. It can take injury victims a long time to adjust to their new way of life. It is not uncommon for the injury to take a toll on a person’s emotional well-being, especially during the initial adjustment period. Emotional and behavioral effects of a spinal cord injury may include:
- Changes in personality
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies
- Emotional separation from friends and family
Financial Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury
In addition to being one of the most life-altering types of injuries physically and emotionally, these injuries also have a substantial financial impact. After a spinal cord injury, our Brooklyn clients may incur expenses related to:
- Trauma care
- Surgical treatment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Long-term care, such as in-home aides
- Medication
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
Advanced spinal cord injury costs in particular can run very high, such as the first year costs for individuals suffering from tetraplegia. Unfortunately, medical expenses are only one aspect of financial loss. Spinal cord injury victims may also experience financial losses related to lost income or diminished wage-earning capacity.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury caused by another person or party, they should be held accountable for the physical, emotional, and financial losses related to the injury. To discuss the details of your case with the spinal cord injury lawyers at Zucker & Regev, P.C., send us a message online, or call (718) 624-1211 and schedule a consultation at our Brooklyn law firm.