Spinal cord injuries are often incurred by people in West Virginia who have been involved in car accidents. After sustaining a spinal cord injury in a car accident, a victim’s chances of dying prematurely are significantly greater than that of people who have not had such an injury.
The severity of spinal cord injury symptoms will depend greatly on the location of the injuries. Some car accident victims with spinal cord injuries will suffer from paralysis of their limbs while others will experience impairment in the systems that control their breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and bladder. Spinal cord injuries are also likely to cause a range of secondary conditions such as urinary tract infections, deep vein thrombosis and muscle spasms.
Severe spinal cord injuries often leave car accident victims dependent on 24-hour care. However, the use of assistive technology may allow them to enjoy more independence. According to the World Health Organization, there are many negative social and economic consequences of spinal cord injuries such as higher rates of clinical depression and unemployment. The costs of caring for people with spinal cord injuries are higher than the costs of caring for people with cerebral palsy, dementia and multiple sclerosis, according to the organization.
Many people who sustain spinal cord injuries in auto accidents are unprepared to deal with the financial and emotional aftermaths. If the injury was the result of a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, then the victim may choose to obtain recourse through a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. Damages sought in this type of civil action could include the costs of all necessary medical care and treatment.
