Types of Recovery Following a Spinal Cord Injury

An injury to the spine can cause severe and irreversible damage. A victim may never be the same again, with lasting potential effects such as permanent paralysis. In addition, a survivor living with a spinal cord injury may face long-term psychological damage and financial duress from the catastrophic injury. With treatments and legal action, however, some level of recovery may be achieved. A spinal cord injury attorney in San Antonio can help you explore your legal options following your accident.

Physical Recovery 

There are many different levels of spinal cord injuries. The type and severity of the injury will determine a patient’s prognosis for making a physical recovery. A minor spinal cord injury may be treatable, for example, while a severe spine injury could cause irreparable damage. Examples of severe spine injuries are spinal fractures, a severed spine, spinal cord compression and penetrating injuries (such as gunshot wounds).

With advancements in modern medicine, however, there is hope for the future for spinal cord injury victims. There may be no way to fully restore physical function following a severe spine injury, but this does not mean a victim cannot recover some function. With treatments such as surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, a spinal cord injury survivor may be able to regain some feeling and/or muscle movement. There are also new technologies available to help a victim adapt to a permanent injury and learn how to live more independently, such as modern wheelchairs and electronic aids.

Mental Recovery

Recovering from the vast emotional turmoil caused by a spinal cord injury often requires professional help. Spinal cord injury victims may have to adapt to permanent disability, including losses or changes to important bodily functions. This comes with a significant mental battle for survivors. Victims may go through the five stages of grief while they mourn the lives they used to have. 

Do not be afraid to seek help for the psychological side of a spinal cord injury from therapists, counselors or psychiatrists. Talking about your disability can help in more ways than one. You can learn healthy coping techniques and get the support that you need for your life-changing injury. The right combination of therapy and medication can help you feel more in control of your life and hopeful about the future.

Financial Recovery

Looking ahead with a spinal cord injury is not complete without considering your options for financial recovery. No amount of money can ever make up for an injury as serious as one that affects the spinal cord – especially if you are dealing with permanent paralysis. However, obtaining fair and full financial compensation can make it easier to plan for your future. You can make plans for treatments, therapies, home or vehicle modifications, around-the-clock care, and the support that you need without worrying about the cost.

You may be entitled to financial compensation if your spinal cord injury was caused by negligence, such as in a car accident case or slip and fall. Negligence is a lack of ordinary or reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. If negligence caused or greatly contributed to your spine injury, the at-fault party may be financially responsible. One or more parties may have to pay for your past and future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. You could also be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees.

Discuss a potential financial recovery for a spinal cord injury with an attorney in San Antonio for more information. The team at Hill Law Firm can accurately evaluate how much your spine injury claim is worth, then fight to secure maximum financial compensation on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case consultation.