SCIs, spinal cord injuries, are one of the most severe injuries that occur in auto and motorcycle accidents, but are also found in construction accidents, falling accidents, trip accidents, and a myriad of other types of accidents. They can be catastrophic resulting in full paralysis of the body more mild resulting in the loss of feeling in one part of the body. In either case, it is imperative to understand more about them in order to ensure that any SCI claim with an insurance company is presented in the best interest of the injured party.
What happens in a SCI trauma is damage to the nerve roots, or myelinated fiber tracts, which act as the conduit that carries signals to and from the brain. In addition, depending on the injury, there may be damage to the grey matter that is in the center of the cord. This results in additional damage to motor neurons. These types of injuries are the result of severe, blunt force, impact on the spinal column and/or head. Full recovery from a SCI is rare, but there may be hope for partial recovery of loss of feeling and motor skills.
Because the spinal cord is such an intricate part of all of other bodily functions, additional problems are likely to occur, such as: kidney failure, diabetes, heart problems, circulation issues, and high blood pressure. These additional problems are difficult to predict, if not impossible, which is why a good SCI counselor will represent their client’s potential future needs as well as current.
SCI victims require physical and occupational therapy in order to assist them in becoming self-sufficient with their disability. Physical therapy provides strength building overall, and occupational therapy helps develop day-to-day functions, such as getting in and out of a wheel chair, hold a glass of water, eating with utensils, and other daily necessities. This therapy may take upwards of six to over eighteen months to complete, possibly with ongoing sessions required.
When filing a claim with an insured’s insurance company, or seeking settlement from another insurance company, it is critical to understand all of the potential costs involved in the past, present and future. Seeking the counsel of an experienced attorney who knows how to handle SCI cases is imperative for a successful claim. Without proper filing, negotiation, documentation, and understanding of the rights of the victim, the end result will be an under-assessed settlement, leaving the SCI victim to figure out how to manage payment of all of their ongoing medical costs as well as how to survive with their new bodily functions.
When learning what to know about SCIs, consult a professional who understands what questions to ask, what documentation to request of the physicians, therapists, insurance companies, and employer if involved. The accident victim can then use their energy to focus on healing and recovery instead of having to expend undue stress on how they will pay for mounting medical expenses and loss of income.
