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Catastrophic injury: Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering

by | Jun 23, 2019 | Catastrophic Injuries & Wrongful Death |

Damage to the spinal cord can block the communication between the body and the brain. It is a catastrophic injury that can happen in the blinks of an eye, but it can cause many years of suffering for victims in Tennessee and elsewhere. The location of spinal cord damage and the severity will determine whether the injury is classified as complete or incomplete. Spinal damage can prevent sensory, reflex and motor messages reaching the brain.

Although spinal cord injuries can happen during activities such as diving, gymnastics and various types of sports activities, many victims were involved in motor vehicle accidents. Statistics show that young adults between 16 and 30 years old form a significant percentage of spinal cord injury victims. It is also reported that there are more male than female victims because men tend to take more risks.

The prognosis and the effects of spinal cord injuries are unique from case to case. It typically affects the body below the level of the damage. This could include loss of sensation, movement and bladder or bowel control. It could also cause changes in fertility, sexual sensitivity and function, and it could cause exaggerated spasms and reflex actions or intense stinging sensations or pain.

Along with the trauma caused by a catastrophic injury, the victim typically has to deal with the financial consequences. Expenses for medical treatment and therapy can go on for years, and the victim might be unable to earn an income after a spinal cord injury. If there was any negligence of another party involved in the incident that caused the injury, an experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney could help with the legal proceedings of a civil lawsuit in pursuit of damage recovery.

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