Additional Issues of Spinal Cord Injury Victims | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

According to data provided by the Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Prevention, Care, and Cure, almost half of all spinal cord injuries are a result of vehicle accidents. In fact, car accidents are the number one cause of these catastrophic injuries.

It is important to note, however, that there are multiple issues that spinal cord injury victims face besides paralysis. A report presented by neurologists from Loyola University and published in the medical journal Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports highlights some of the frequent complications that spinal cord injury victims often suffer.

As explained in the report, many of the complications that spinal cord injury victims suffer are due to the limited body function the injury has caused. Victims of spinal cord injuries are more susceptible to conditions that can lead to death, including blood clots and pneumonia. Pressure sores are also extremely common, but these also present potentially fatal risks over time as areas ulcerate, risking toxins entering the victim’s blood.

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Many of these complications contribute to the shortening of the life expectancy of spinal cord injury victims, however, there are steps that caregivers can take to help mitigate the risks of developing any of these conditions.

  • In order to reduce the risk of blood clots, pressure sores, and pneumonia, it is important to move patients frequently.
  • In order to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, it is important to keep patients properly hydrated so they have regular urination, as well as make sure catheters have proper cleaning and maintenance to reduce the risk of infection.

Research for treatment of spinal cord injury is ongoing and there have been some options that do show promise, including one study which concluded that stem cell therapy may help victims regain partial use of their upper extremities. There have also been promising results in some studies which used electrical stimulation and gene therapy, to name a few.

Contact a North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident caused by another driver, or any type of accident, contact a skilled North Carolina spinal cord injury attorney to discuss what type of legal recourse you may have against the at-fault party or entity that caused the accident. Our legal team has successfully represented many accident victims and has been able to obtain the best financial outcome for victims based on the circumstances in their case.

At Shapiro & Appleton, we understand how catastrophic these types of injuries can have on victims and their families, not only physically but also financially. Our attorneys are experienced at calculating and negotiating damages for injuries that involve long-term or permanent disabilities and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation you deserve.

 

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