It is important to understand the ramifications and liability of a spinal cord injury. SCIs often risk permanent physical effects on your motor function. Surgery, recovery and rehabilitation rack up thousands of dollars in medical debt — and often millions over your lifetime.
SCIs frequently result from motor vehicle accidents and falls. Knowing the specifics of your SCI may help you navigate the complicated future of securing your livelihood, physically and financially.
Spinal sections and severities
The spinal column is the hub where all your nerves spread out through your body and any damage to vertebrae may affect the nerves below it. A simple way to remember is that, generally, the higher on your spinal column your injury, the more widespread the effects.
Disabled World breaks the broad topic of SCIs into two categories: complete and incomplete. A complete SCI results in complete paralysis below the damaged area. An incomplete SCI results in partial paralysis or nerve damage.
For example, an incomplete SCI on the lower lumbar region of your vertebrae may find you suffering from numbness and tingling from your legs down. A complete SCI to your cervical vertebrae may leave you completely paralyzed from the neck down.
SCI recovery both physical and financial
Recovery from an SCI may take months and that often results in high health care debt. If your SCI is the result of negligence, there are resources available to help you pursue compensation. This may help you account for those unexpected recovery costs as you adjust to a new normal in the wake of your injury.