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Spinal cord injuries are quite serious, since they can cause a range of traumas and disabilities with the victim. Hence, the type of spinal injury greatly influences the settlement in personal injury case. Here are the main types of spinal cord injuries, and the way they will influence the settlement.
Complete Cord Injuries
These type of spinal cord injuries are the most serious where the spinal cord is severed in two. This will result in quadriplegia or paraplegia, where there is total absence of reflex, sensory, and motor activities below or around the injured site. The settlement amount will depend on the extent of disabilities and the effect it will have on the earning abilities of the victim.
Central Cord Syndrome
In this injury, the central portion of the spinal cord is damaged, and the upper sensory and motor functions are more affected compared to the lower. Seriously injured victims, might be able to move their legs, but their arms might become immobile. The settlement is significantly influenced if there is paralysis.
Incomplete Spinal Injuries
Incomplete spinal injuries include anterior and posterior cord syndrome. In anterior syndrome, the front portion of the cord is damaged, resulting in limited paralysis above the site of the injury. Victims might be able to regain certain amount of mobility, but they will not be able to sense temperature or pain, which can increase the settlement considerably. In posterior cord syndrome, most victims are able to retain their sensory and motor functions, but lose the ability of perceiving fine touch and body parts positions.
Damages
Several different types of damages can be included in spinal cord injury settlements:
- Cost of medical expenses and estimated future medical expenses
- Therapy costs
- Cost of in-home medical, health, and assistance services
- Loss of income and estimated future income loss
- Pain and emotional trauma
