Treatment after a spinal cord injury can be costly

A catastrophic injury, such as a spinal cord injury, can be life-changing to a Kentucky resident. It may render a previously active individual bound to a wheelchair and dependent upon the support of others to live. The general topic of spinal cord injuries was previously discussed on this blog, and this post will expand on that information by illuminating some of the extreme costs that may be associated with diagnosing and treating an individual who has suffered a severe spinal cord injury in an accident.

Immediate treatment for a spinal cord injury can be imperative to protecting future function of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through the spinal column and carries nerves throughout the body that control ambulation, respiration and many other necessary functions. A person suffering from post-accident spinal trauma may be immobilized, given steroids and subjected to tests such as MRIs, CT scans, x-rays and ultrasounds. These tests can be administered repeatedly over time to check for changes in the individual’s condition.

After an accident victim’s spinal cord injury is stabilized, they may begin rehabilitative care to recover. Not all spinal cord injury victims recover full function of their bodies, however. Many must undergo extensive physical and occupational therapy simply to regain basic skills, while never again achieving commonplace skills such as walking.

A spinal cord injury victim who suffers from paraplegia or quadriplegia may need lifelong care to thrive. These costs added to their rehabilitative and diagnostic expenses can be astronomical. For those spinal cord injury victims whose losses were due to the negligent conduct of others, legal action may provide them with options for seeking damages.