New York truck accident: Diagnosing and treating SCI

Commercial semi truck accidents occur fairly frequently in New York and elsewhere. Sadly, the outcomes for victims generally result in fatalities or severe injuries. Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are particularly common following a truck accident, and the effects of this type of injury are typically life-changing.

An SCI occurs when there has been damage to the bones and nerves in the head, neck or back. Depending on the severity of the injury, some individuals will experience intense pain, temporary paralysis or even permanent paralysis. Any of these issues can have life-long consequences.

There are several different types of SCI. Medical providers can diagnose the type of injury that has been suffered based on the location of the injury and the overall damage to the area. Different medical tests are needed to help with diagnosis, including CT scans, MRI scans and X-rays — among others. After a diagnosis is determined, an individual treatment plan can then be created. While some individuals may gain functionality back through surgery, medications and rehabilitative efforts, others may see few if any improvements — every case is different.

Experiencing pain and/or paralysis associated with an SCI can be devastating for victims and their family members. An individual who has experienced such injuries due to a truck accident may seek compensation for his or her losses. Through successful litigation in a New York civil court, the victim of such an event might be granted maximum compensation for any current and future losses that can be directly attributed to the negligence of another party to the accident.

Source: nichd.nih.gov, “How is SCI diagnosed?“, Accessed on May 15, 2016