The impact of a spinal cord injury in Chicago caused by another person or business’s careless actions is often profound. These injuries can be life-altering or catastrophic, which is why securing a fair settlement from the responsible party is crucial.
If another person’s negligence caused you harm, you should hold them accountable. You can call our office to schedule a consultation with our dedicated spinal cord injury attorney to learn more.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?
The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury (SCI) can vary substantially, depending on where on your spinal cord the trauma occurred and other factors, such as your age and overall health at the time of the accident. However, when nerve signal disruption below the site of the injury causes permanent changes in function and mobility and alters many of your body’s natural systems, the effects can be catastrophic. Many people face lifelong challenges.
Motor and Sensory
SCIs often cause paralysis and weakness, and the body parts they affect depend on where on the spinal cord the trauma happens. Cervical injuries often affect the arms, legs, and trunk, resulting in quadriplegia.
Thoracic or lumbar injuries typically lead to paraplegia, affecting the trunk and legs. While complete injuries leave the victim without mobility or sensation, incomplete injuries often allow partial movement and some feeling in the limbs.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Issues
Many individuals with SCIs, especially those injured higher on the spine, experience respiratory and cardiovascular issues due to breathing problems. The diaphragm or chest muscles may be weaker, increasing the risk of contracting pneumonia. Circulatory problems increase the risk of low blood pressure, blood clots, swelling in the limbs, and cardiovascular disease.
Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Function
Bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction are also common. Loss of muscle control in paralyzed areas of the body often leads to incontinence and frequent urinary tract infections. Other related health problems include bowel dysfunction and sexual changes because of the altered sensation.
Pain and Spasticity
The loss of mobility often causes pain and spasticity, a tightening and stiffening of affected muscles. Some experience flaccidity, which causes limp muscles. Reduced or a complete absence of feeling and mobility often causes temperature regulation issues, pressure below the point of trauma, and ongoing chronic pain.
We understand the lasting impact of an SCI in Chicago and how it may feel worse when the injury resulted from someone else’s negligence. Our skilled personal injury lawyers will answer all your questions and direct you to the appropriate medical resources while taking on all the legal work, allowing you to focus on recovery and adjusting to life with a long-term or permanent disability.
How Kaveny Sarmas Can Help
Our compassionate SCI injury lawyers can act as your advocates and help secure the maximum potential compensation you need and deserve after sustaining a catastrophic injury due to the recklessness of another party. We can investigate, gather crucial evidence, and build a powerful case to demonstrate each necessary element of liability. We also handle all communication with the insurance companies, which often try to minimize payouts or deny claims when possible.
If the parties cannot agree on an acceptable settlement amount, we will file the lawsuit in accordance with state personal injury laws and represent you in civil court. The effects of a spinal cord injury in Chicago can feel life-shattering, and the complexity of these cases can be overwhelming after a severe accident. We are here to help you through each step of the process while providing legal advice, guidance, and support.
Speak With a Chicago Attorney About the Impact of Your SCI
An SCI can change nearly every part of your life. When someone else causes a preventable accident, you have the right to expect them to pay.
Call Kaveny Sarmas Injury Lawyers today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the impact of a spinal cord injury in Chicago.
