The size and weight of semitrucks make accidents involving them particularly dangerous, especially when a smaller vehicle is involved. Rollovers, jackknifing and collisions with smaller vehicles are common scenarios that can lead to direct trauma to the spinal cord.
These injuries can lead to various impacts that can significantly change a person’s life. Several factors come into the picture when someone suffers from a spinal cord injury.
Complete or incomplete injuries
SCIs are classified as either complete or incomplete, depending on the nerve damage that’s present. Complete injuries result in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site, while incomplete injuries may allow some level of sensation or movement.
Effects of spinal cord injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia are common outcomes, with the former affecting lower limbs and possibly the lower torso and the latter affecting all four limbs. Loss of sensation, chronic pain, respiratory problems and a significant psychological impact on the victims can also occur. Adjusting to life after an SCI often requires significant lifestyle changes, including home modifications and learning to use adaptive technologies.
Recovery from these injuries
Recovering from an SCI typically involves a range of medical treatments, which may include surgeries and extensive ongoing care. Physical therapy plays a critical role in helping victims maximize their residual function, while psychological counseling is essential for addressing the mental health challenges associated with such a traumatic experience. The impact of an SCI extends well beyond the physical injuries.
Victims may face lifelong challenges, including the need for long-term medical care and assistance with daily activities. The emotional and psychological effects can be just as profound, with many facing difficulty adjusting to a new way of living. The financial burden of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and home modifications can also be significant.
Spinal cord injuries from semitruck crashes are catastrophic events with long-lasting effects on victims. These victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim to help cover the expenses they’re dealing with due to the wreck, provided that someone else can legally be held responsible for their harm.
