Posted on Monday, March 28th, 2016 at 6:33 pm    

Each year an additional 12,500 new spinal cord injury (SCI) cases are reported in the United States. Right now, approximately 276,000 people are living with some form of spinal cord injury. Motor vehicle accidents and falls continue to be the most common causes of spinal cord injuries, however, violence, sports injuries, and medical or surgical mistakes account for 28% of the cases. Regardless of the cause of a SCI, the result is typically the same — a long, painful, and expensive recovery with the risk of permanent paralysis or other disability.

Unfortunately, paralysis and permanent disability is not the only conditions a spinal cord injury victim must be worried about.  Secondary conditions related to spinal cord injuries can be as serious if not more serious than the SCI itself.

Common Secondary Conditions Related to Spinal Cord Injuries

A secondary condition is a medical, emotional, or mental condition that develops because of a primary disabling condition. Some of the more common secondary conditions a SCI include:

  • Sepsis – Sepsis is caused by the body’s response to an infection. Sepsis can be life-threatening and must be treated immediately. Sepsis can result in organ failure, tissue damage, and death.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT occurs when blood clots develop in the lower legs and move to the lungs. A fatal embolism can occur as a result.
  • Respiratory Problems – Many spinal cord injury victims must be placed on a ventilator. Pneumonia and other respiratory problems are common and can be deadly.
  • Autonomic Dysreflexia – Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) results in excessively high blood pressure and is common in spinal cord injury cases that involve the thoracic nerves of the spine.
  • Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction – Patients with spinal cord injuries often suffer from bowel and bladder problems. This can lead to other problems including infections and it also reduces the patient’s quality of life.
  • Pain – Some patients experience chronic pain as a result of a spinal cord injury.
  • Depression – Depression is often a secondary condition for many illnesses that result in a permanent disability.

This is not an exhaustive list of the secondary conditions that may develop as a result of a spinal cord injury. For patients who suffer with secondary conditions, additional hospitalizations, treatments, surgeries, and physical therapy may be required to treat the conditions. Combined with the extensive medical costs associated with treating spinal cord injuries including surgeries, rehabilitative care, and personal care, the cost of a spinal cord injury can soar into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When the SCI was the result of an accident caused by another party, you have the legal right to receive compensation for your damages including your past, current, and future medical expenses. For a spinal cord injury victim, it is crucial to consider all future health problems and secondary conditions when settling a spinal cord claim.

Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney for More Information

Our spinal cord injury attorneys want to help you if you or a family member has suffered a spinal cord injury because of another person’s careless, reckless, or negligence. Contact the Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free legal consultation.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.