Spinal cord injuries are vastly different from one case to the next. Some people incur injuries high on the spine that result in tetraplegia or quadriplegia. That means they lose motor control and sensation in all of their limbs. Other times, injuries that occur lower on the spine may result in paraplegia or the loss of sensation in and control over the legs.
Some spinal cord injuries are incomplete, meaning the injured person might eventually recover some degree of sensation or function. Other spinal cord injuries are complete and do not respond to any treatment or therapy. Regardless of the location and severity of a spinal cord injury, it is likely a catastrophic injury.
What makes a spinal cord injury such a catastrophic medical issue?
The permanence of symptoms
One of the main reasons a spinal cord injury is such a serious health issue is that the possibility of a full recovery is low or non-existent. Most people, even those with incomplete injuries, have lifetime limitations caused by a spinal cord injury. The permanent change in function justifies the designation of a spinal cord injury as a catastrophic injury.
The expense due to the injury
Another consideration is the financial impact a spinal cord injury has on an individual. Such an injury will likely cost the injured person hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, just in treatment expenses.
Injured people also lose income in many cases, as they may need to cease working or change professions to work that generates lower income. Additionally, the patient may require accommodations to make their homes and vehicles accessible and safe due to the limitations caused by a spinal cord injury. All of those factors combined may mean that the final economic impact of a spinal cord injury is hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more.
Unfortunately, insurance coverage is often insufficient to cover those costs. Individuals with spinal cord injuries may need to file a lawsuit to obtain an appropriate amount of compensation, given the long-term economic impact of a spinal cord injury. Professionals who understand spinal cord injuries are in a strong position to respond to a recent injury. Seeking rightful compensation can reduce the enormous harm caused by a spinal cord injury.