If someone you love was hurt in a crash that resulted in severe spinal injuries, then it’s important for you to understand that these injuries may not be treatable. In many cases, stabilizing the spine will help, but a patient isn’t out of the woods even after they begin recovering.
A spinal cord injury can cause a total loss of control, motor and sensory, below the injury. Depending on where that injury is, a patient may have a great likelihood of surviving with minimal complications or a high likelihood of death. Even with survival, some kinds of spinal injuries compromise the patient’s health and can have complications years into the future.
What are some possible complications of a spinal cord injury?
Possible complications of a spinal cord injury could include:
- Syringomyelia, which happens when a cyst develops in the spinal cord. This can lead to further compression of the spinal cord.
- Cardiovascular issues, such as abnormally low blood pressure. Dizziness, weakness, fainting and other symptoms may be present.
- Respiratory conditions, such as chronic pneumonia or bronchitis. Respiratory conditions are a leading cause of death among patients with spinal cord injuries.
These are just three of many different possible complications that could arise from spinal cord injuries. Initially, a patient may do well and begin to recover, but sudden cardiovascular or respiratory conditions could still threaten their lives.
If your loved one ends up passing away from a secondary condition caused by their injury from a car crash, then you may be in a position to file a wrongful death claim. Their death can’t be reversed, but a claim could help you hold the other party responsible.
