The road to recovery after a spinal cord injury is long, with consequences that extend far beyond the hospital stay. Many survivors experience ongoing complications including chronic pain, respiratory issues, and secondary health conditions that require lifelong care and monitoring.
If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to understand these long-term consequences. Not only does this knowledge protect your own well-being, but it also positions you to fight for compensation that accounts for a lifetime of needs—not just immediate expenses.
Loss of Mobility and Independence
Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis, altering your ability to move freely. You may require mobility aids such as wheelchairs, braces, or walkers for the remainder of your life. Simple daily tasks become challenges, and you may need to install ramps, widened doorways, specialized bathroom fixtures, and other modifications in your home. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may require live-in care or ongoing therapies.
Chronic Pain
After a spinal cord injury, you may experience neuropathic pain—burning, tingling, or shooting sensations—below the level of your injury. This persistent discomfort is often resistant to standard pain medications, requiring specialized treatment and pain management strategies that continue indefinitely. The physical and emotional toll of managing chronic pain can impact your quality of life and ability to work.
Respiratory Problems
Your breathing capacity may be permanently compromised after a spinal cord injury, especially with injuries to the upper spine. With decreased lung function, you may be more vulnerable to respiratory infections and pneumonia. You might also require ventilator support or assistive breathing devices.
Bladder and Bowel Management
Spinal cord injuries can disrupt your control over your bladder and bowel function. You may require catheters, new medications, or even surgery to manage these functions. With these difficulties, you may need to see the doctor frequently and replenish medical supplies often, which can lead to substantial lifelong expenses.
Sexual Dysfunction
Spinal cord injuries directly impact sexual function by disrupting nerve pathways that control sensation and response. You may face challenges with arousal, sensation, and reproductive capabilities. Treatments and adaptive approaches exist, but they often require specialized medical care and counseling.
Psychological Impact
When spinal cord injuries cause radical changes in your life, it can be difficult to cope with the aftermath. The sudden loss of physical abilities often triggers profound grief. You might experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder requiring professional intervention. Social relationships often change as you navigate new dynamics with family members, friends, and romantic partners.
Seek Justice After a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries and their long-term consequences can devastate your financial security. You deserve compensation that fully accounts for both current and future expenses related to your injury. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, a Kansas City spinal cord injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need to fund your lifelong care.
Your injury attorney in Kansas City will gather evidence proving negligence, consult with medical experts who strengthen your case, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for a fair settlement. Contact a lawyer today to protect your legal rights and secure the financial resources you deserve.