After being involved in an accident that has caused a patient paralysis, the most common concern is whether or not a spinal cord injury survivor will ever walk again. While there is no definitive answer, some recovery may be possible, but it depends on the severity of your spinal cord damage. Our Louisville spinal cord injury attorneys share what you need to know.
Can a Spinal Cord Heal on Its Own?
Unfortunately, the spinal cord cannot heal on its own once the damage has occurred. Spinal cord injuries are complicated, and the more severe the spinal cord damage, the more long-term challenges a survivor could face.
Someone with a spinal cord injury can face complete paralysis or partial paralysis, and it can occur on one side of the body or throughout. Paralysis on the lower half of the body, including both legs, is called paraplegia. Paralysis of the arms and legs is called quadriplegia.
Paralysis can cause the following long-term complications:
- Breathing issues
- Blood flow and heart rate problems
- Pressure sores
- Blood clots
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Speaking and swallowing issues
- Inability to feel sensations (heat, cold, or touch)
- Pain or stinging sensations
What Types of Treatments Are Available For Spinal Cord Injury?
Early intervention of a spinal cord injury can increase the chance of some recovery, and paralysis patients may see some improvement with the following types of treatments.
- Surgery (to remove fluid, tissue, or foreign objects pressing on the spinal cord)
- Steroid medication
- Physical therapy (muscle strengthening and mobility)
- Occupational therapy (fine motor skills)
- Vocational therapy (use of assisted devices to get back to work)
- Recreational therapy (social activities and sports)
- Traction (to stabilize the spinal and align it)
Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury in an Accident? We Can Help
Suffering a spinal cord injury that has caused paralyzation is a devastating event, and our paralysis injury attorneys in Louisville know that the long-term complications can make it that much more difficult to bear. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident that could have been avoided, you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim. We are here to protect your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Our Louisville car accident attorneys have helped people suffering spinal cord injuries after an accident, as well as cases involving slip and fall injuries, truck accidents, explosions, and medical errors.
Big cases require big resources. Our team of experienced Louisville personal injury lawyers understand how insurance companies work to find reasons to deny a claim or offer low settlements — and we’ll fight back until you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC at (502) 244-7772 to learn how we can help you.