In the realm of severe injuries from an accident, spinal injuries are among the worst. A spinal injury puts you at risk of life-altering paralysis. Understanding the key elements of spinal injuries and the effects that they can have makes you better prepared to fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Here are some of the most common spinal injuries to watch for.
Cervical spinal cord injuries
The cervical spinal cord is the section of your head and neck above your shoulders. A cervical spinal cord injury is among the most serious because it can result in quadriplegia. Becoming quadriplegic drastically alters your life trajectory.
Thoracic spinal cord injuries
If you suffer a thoracic spinal cord injury, any paralysis is below chest level, which leaves you the use of your arms, but still wheelchair-bound.
Lumbar spinal cord injuries
Lumbar injuries are isolated to the hips and legs. You will have use of your body above the waist and potentially limited use of your legs. Some patients need braces or external support while others are wheelchair-bound and unable to walk.
Complete and incomplete spinal injuries
In any location of the injury, doctors will assess the severity as either complete or incomplete. A complete spinal injury results in full paralysis. Incomplete injury, on the other hand, leaves some feeling and movement in the affected area.
Assess the severity of your spinal injury and your long-term prognosis before you agree to any settlement. Your long-term medical costs may prove significant, so ensure adequate compensation for that.
