Injuries to the spinal cord are often catastrophic and life-changing, as they affect just about every system in the body. Depending where the initial trauma occurs, a spinal cord injury can cause partial or full paralysis. The full extent of spinal cord damage may not be immediately known during the first hours or days after injury, but as the patient or a loved one of the patient, you are likely greatly concerned. After spinal cord trauma, patients and their families have many questions.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by an accident (and not disease or other medical condition) is called a traumatic spinal cord injury. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) publishes a fact sheet about traumatic SCIs each year. As of 2021, approximately 300,000 Americans live with a spinal cord injury, and around 18,000 new cases happen every year.

Out of these, about 32% are complete spinal cord injuries, which are the most severe type of SCI.

How do complete spinal cord injuries differ from incomplete spinal cord injuries?

When physicians evaluate a spinal cord injury, one of the most important factors is determining whether the SCI is complete or incomplete. Knowing the difference between the two affects the course of treatment.

• Complete spinal cord injuries happen when the spinal cord is fully crushed or severed. This injury prevents the brain from sending signals past the point of injury and causes a loss of function and sensation below the point of injury. This loss of function happens on both sides of the body.
• Incomplete spinal cord injuries happen when the spinal cord suffers trauma but retains some of its function. A patient retains some mobility; for example, they might be able to move one arm but not the other. The degree and area of function depends on where the injury occurred on the spinal cord.

The first step in getting the proper treatment for a serious SCI is immediate medical attention and diagnosis.

What causes complete spinal cord injuries?

Per the NSCISC, traumatic SCIs most commonly occur from negligent accidents or incidents. Between 2010 and 2020, the most common causes of traumatic spinal cord injuries were:

• Vehicular crashes, at 38.09%
• Falls, at 31.22%
• Violence, at 14.22%
• Sports and recreation, at 8.52%
• Other, at 4.33%

How do doctors diagnose a complete spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury is almost always a catastrophic injury, which means it is life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention. At the scene of the accident, paramedics or EMTs will attempt to stabilize the patient to prevent further injury and damage, and prepare them for transport to the nearest hospital or trauma center. The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, for example, is our area’s only Level 1 Trauma Center for these types of injuries.

Diagnosis begins with a physical exam, in which doctors will check for sensation and movement below the site of injury. The Mayo Clinic also mentions diagnostic tests, including:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRIs

Although a complete SCI is irreversible, a variety of treatments are available.

How do you treat a complete spinal cord injury?

As soon as a complete SCI is diagnosed, you (or your loved one) will receive emergency and immediate treatment to stabilize your injuries. This can include surgery to remove bone fragments or objects pressing on your spinal column, as well as procedures to minimize swelling and pain. Then, a more individualized and long-term treatment plan can begin. Because a spinal cord injury is a permanent one, your treatment plan revolves around rehabilitation, learning to live with the injury, and maximizing your quality of life.

Per the Mayo Clinic:

Rehabilitation team members will begin to work with you while you’re in the early stages of recovery. Your team might include a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a rehabilitation nurse, a rehabilitation psychologist, a social worker, a dietitian, a recreation therapist, and a doctor who specializes in physical medicine (physiatrist) or spinal cord injuries.

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You’ll be taught many new skills, and you’ll use equipment and technologies that can help you live on your own as much as possible. You’ll be encouraged to resume your favorite hobbies, participate in social and fitness activities, and return to school or the workplace.

All of these medical and lifetime expenses come with a hefty price tag. When another person’s or party’s negligent or wrongful actions caused your SCI, you shouldn’t be responsible for the bills.

What is the cost of a complete spinal cord injury?

SCIs are incredibly expensive. The NSCISC notes the lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury for the average 25-year-old (as of 2021) is $5,404,774 and these expenses continue to rise each year. Even experiencing a serious SCI at the age of 50 can still cost upwards of $2,900,000.

The organization mentions, “The average remaining years of life for persons with SCI have not improved since the 1980s and remain significantly below life expectancies of persons without SCI.”

Who is responsible for the costs of my Knoxville spinal cord injury?

When another person or entity causes your or your loved one’s SCI, you are eligible to file a personal injury claim against them and any other responsible party. Liable parties will depend on the circumstances of the incident and how your injury happened, and your attorney will investigate all possible defendants, including:

• A negligent or reckless motorist or trucker
• A physician who committed malpractice
• The owner of dangerous property or premises
• The manufacturer of a defective vehicle or product
• A negligent worksite owner or supervisor

Your lawyer works to secure compensation that covers all the expenses you’ve incurred and will incur from your injury – including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Spinal cord injuries, complete SCIs in particular, are life-altering and catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one experienced a spinal cord injury that’s wasn’t your fault and need assistance securing compensation, the Knoxville attorneys at Banks & Jones can help. Our years of experience working with clients just like you can put your mind at ease while you take the time you need to recover from your accident. To schedule a consultation with a compassionate lawyer, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.