Falls from heights, motor vehicle collisions and other accidents occurring in the workplace or while people are on the job may result in serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries. Classified as complete or incomplete, SCIs typically cause partial or total paralysis. Depending on the type, location and severity of their injuries, workers may lose some or all of their feeling and motor control.
Understanding what to expect down the road with their injuries may help workers with SCIs
Recovery
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, those who suffer incomplete SCIs sometimes improve with time. Depending on the type and severity of their injuries, people with incomplete spinal cord injuries may eventually regain control of their bladder and bowel function and, in some cases, may even regain some feeling or movement ability. Those with complete injuries, however, typically do not see a marked improvement in their conditions.
Complications
According to mayoclinic.org, health complications often occur due to the effects of SCIs. For example, spinal cord injuries commonly cause bladder and bowel control issues, which may increase people’s risk of the urinary tract or kidney infections. Circulatory problems also frequently result from SCIs, which may trigger an increased risk of blood clots, low blood pressure or other such issues. Living with the pain of SCIs and coping with the changes to their lives because of their injuries sometimes causes people to experience mental health problems such as depression.
Suffering a spinal cord injury at work often has life-changing implications for the injured workers, as well as for their families. Pursuing options for recovering compensation may provide them with much-needed support as they heal and adjust to living with their injuries.