A catastrophic spinal cord injury can arise in several situations, including auto accidents and even slips and falls. In many cases, spine damage results in permanent or temporary paralysis, impacting nearly every aspect of the victim’s life.
For example, spinal cord injury victims experience severe mental and emotional problems on top of their physical suffering. Most of them also struggle to earn an income after the accident.
Spinal cord injury statistics
Did you know that men are more at risk of spine injuries than women? According to data from 2021, nearly 80% of new spinal cord cases occur in males. Other stats include:
- Fewer than 1% of patients experience complete neurological recovery at the time of hospital discharge
- Spinal cord patients have a significantly reduced life expectancy after the injury occurs
- About 30% of patients must reenter the hospital (one or several times) during “any given year” after their initial discharge
Many auto accident victims with spinal cord damage also suffer from secondary health conditions. Examples of these include the following.
- Pressure sores (bedsores) from staying in one position for too long
- Depression affects from 11 to 37% of spine damage patients
- Dangerous respiratory problems when the damage is high on the spinal cord
- Uncontrollable spasticity (muscle contractures or tightening) occurs in about 70% of patients
The cost of health care for spinal cord injuries is typically unmanageable for most Morgantown, West Virginia auto accident victims. That is why it is vital to explore all compensation options at your disposal. Learning more about accident and injury compensation laws in West Virginia and South Carolina can help you discover a legal solution for the harm you have suffered.