Work-Related Spinal Cord Injuries: How They Can Impact Your Life

Each year, thousands of Arizona workers suffer work-related spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe, and they typically keep employees out of work for extended periods of time. Luckily, most work-related spinal cord injuries are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Therefore, if you have suffered a spinal cord injury at work, it’s imperative that you seek legal guidance as soon as possible, as an experienced Arizona workers’ compensation attorney will be able to advise you regarding your recovery options.

Types of spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete. When a spinal cord injury is complete, the spinal cord is completely severed, which totally eliminates all function and feeling from the neck down. However, with extensive physical therapy and treatment, patients sometimes regain partial function. With an incomplete spinal cord injury, on the other hand, the spinal cord remains partially intact, and partial sensation or movement below the neck is common. Following an incomplete spinal cord injury, any paralysis suffered tends to be temporary. However, it isn’t uncommon for one or more limbs to remain nonfunctional.

Problems associated with spinal cord injuries

1) Depression – A common spinal cord injury side effect is depression. Due to the lack of mobility that often results from spinal cord injuries, those affected are typically unable to work. And for many people, the inability to work and provide for themselves and their families leads to depression. Depression is a serious illness that can result in changes in mood, suicidal thoughts, and an overall decrease in the quality of life.

2) Bowel issues – Spinal cord damage can negatively impact bowel function. And when bowel function is affected by spinal cord damage, spinal cord injury victims typically must begin programs for daily bowel performance. These types of programs typically involve a number of treatments, and they usually require home assistance.

3) Bed sores – When an individual has been rendered bedridden due to a spinal cord injury, he or she is at risk for bed sores. Bed sores form when an individual spends an extensive amount of time in one position without being turned. Without proper assistance, a bedridden individual can remain in one position for so long that skin damage develops.

In addition to those problems discussed above, the following serious complications are common to spinal cord injury victims:

• Neuropathic pain
• Muscle contractions
• Loss of various bodily functions
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of nervous system functions
• Psychological pain and trauma
• Emotional pain and trauma
• Extreme changes in lifestyle

Arizona Worker’s Compensation Attorneys

Workplace spinal cord injuries can be devastating, both physically and financially. Therefore, if you or a loved one have suffered a spinal cord injury on the job, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced Arizona workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible, as you may be entitled to compensation. For a free consultation, please contact Arizona Injury Law Group, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, at 602-346-9009.