Although no two spinal cord injuries are identical, most people who suffer serious spinal cord injuries are often left with some form of paralysis. Because paralysis causes a loss of sensation and movement, patients who are paralyzed will need ongoing medical care and in-home care to help them with their day-to-day living.
Types of Necessary Care for People with Spinal Cord Injuries
While some family members may fill the role of taking care of their loved one’s needs at home, people living with spinal cord injuries have other aspects of care management that require assistance from the following professionals:
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Doctors. Follow-up appointments with a physician are necessary to make sure they’re healing properly and getting appropriate treatment. Sometimes additional surgeries or care may be needed. Typically, people with spinal cord injuries see their physician once a year and their spinal cord injury specialist in clinic ever couple of months.
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Physical therapists. Physical therapy helps people regain function and strength in their extremities.
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Occupational therapists. Some people with spinal cord injuries can take care of basic needs, such as getting in/out of bed and bathing/grooming without assistance. Occupational therapy helps them benefit from developing and recovering the skills needed for independent everyday living.
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Counselors and therapists. Because paralysis changes a person’s life immensely, many victims of spinal cord injuries deal with depression, anxiety, and other overwhelming emotions with negative impact. Ongoing therapy for their emotional wounds helps them deal with their new disabilities.
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Cleaners, gardeners, and cooks. Because paralysis can leave a person unable to take care of household chores and outdoor maintenance, some people rely on cleaners and gardeners to deal with the general upkeep. Additionally, many people with spinal cord damage are unable to cook for themselves, and may have to hire personal chefs to prep and cook meals.
When families aren’t able to provide their loved ones with the help they need, spinal cord injury victims will also need to hire in-home care professionals or nurses to take care of them. Quality, on-going medical care from experienced professionals is often expensive, and many victims and their families simply don’t have the resources at hand.
Individuals should be reimbursed for all of the past and future medical care related to the injury, as well as well as home care. For help getting the financial compensation you or a loved one deserves following spinal cord damage, call our firm at 703-721-4233 for a free consultation with a lawyer who has success handling these types of lawsuits.