Large trucks and commercial vehicles pass through the Chicago metropolitan area each day. Most trucks travel safely and do not cause incidents on Illinois roads. However, some truck drivers act irresponsibly while in their rigs and put others in danger through their reckless and negligent actions.
When a large truck causes an accident, the victims of the crash can suffer serious and life-altering harm. Spinal cord injuries are significant traumas that can result from motor vehicle accidents like truck crashes. This post discusses what spinal cord injuries are and how they can cause victims to incur significant financial costs over time. No part of this post should be read as legal or medical advice.
How spinal cord damage results in physical loss
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that run from the brain and through the body. It is protected by the spinal column, but in a serious accident the spinal column can fail and the spinal cord can be completely or partially severed. When the spinal cord is severed, the victim may lose feeling and function in their body below the site of their injury.
Damage of this type to the spinal cord can result in paralysis. A victim who becomes paralyzed through a spinal cord injury can face life-long hurdles and associated financial costs.
Costs associated with spinal cord injuries
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the more serious of a spinal cord injury that a victim suffers, the more significant their lifelong costs may be. For example, a 25-year-old victim of a high spinal cord injury may face injury-related life-long costs in excess of $4 million. A 50-year-old victim with similar injuries could be saddled with more than $2 million in costs as they live out their altered life.
Spinal cord injuries are painful, costly, and life-changing. When a victim suffers one in a truck accident, they must understand how their long-term financial situation may be impacted by their losses. A personal injury attorney can help them assess their rights and legal options for seeking compensation from the responsible party.
