The Elderly With SCI
The elderly population is among the most vulnerable groups on the road. Generally speaking, they may not be as quick to act on a road hazard and protect themselves as they may have weakened reflexes and sensitivities. A couple of wears and tears in their body (as a natural result of aging) puts them at an even higher risk of a spinal cord injury. And depending on the impact a car accident has had on their spine, they may get a contusion (bruising) or a transection (tearing).
Intuitively, people may assume that a bruised spine is not a serious injury. But doing so would be a mistake. According to Dr. Payam Moazzaz, an orthopedic spine surgeon, spine contusions are located in sensitive bundles of nerves that could result in a sleuth of health issues, including problems with memory, speech, and control, etc.
Spinal transections, in every sense of the word, may lead to paralysis or loss of sensitivity in certain parts of the body depending on how bad the tearing is.
Spinal Cord Injuries, no matter the type and severity, could significantly deplete the quality of life of the elderly. For this reason, extra precautions must be taken in order to protect them from getting afflicted with this injury.
Seeking Legal Representation for the Elderly With SCI After An Accident
If the elderly has gotten into a car accident, it’s important that they seek medical treatment immediately. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, vehicular collisions are one of the main causes of spinal cord injury.
And since “older drivers are more likely than younger adults to receive injuries that lead to disabling conditions or death,” it’s important that not only do they seek immediate medical attention, but that they also seek reparations through legal means.
Having a great personal injury lawyer who is well-versed with spinal cord injuries could help alleviate any anxieties they may have regarding their physical and mental health.
A great personal injury law firm should have access to a network of medical professionals that could administer the treatment necessary for the elderly’s recovery if they’ve been involved in a vehicular collision. They should have connections to multiple chiropractors, physical therapists, mental health professionals, etc. from their areas of residence.
That way, the elderly afflicted by SCI can just go to a treatment facility near their place and not have to travel far.
A great personal injury law firm also takes into account that they may not have access to modes of transportation after the accident. They consider that their clients could be debilitated with limited mobility or property damage or financial issues. Whatever the case may be, their firm will try and get them transportation to their treatment facilities.
Omega Law Group, for example, provides free Uber or Lyft rides to their clients if they are unable to get to their medical appointments on their own.
Moreover, a great personal injury law firm provides a sense of justice and closure that the elderly afflicted with SCI may need after an accident. Experiencing a car crash is traumatic in itself, even more so if it has caused a complete shift in the trajectory of their lives. They may not be able to do the things that they enjoy anymore as a result of this tragedy.
It’s common for people with SCI to lose a sense of purpose and huge chunks of their self-worth due to the limitations imposed on them by their injury. Having someone fight for them —and actually deliver —may lift a huge burden on their shoulders.
The Impact of Spine Injuries On The Elderly’s Quality of Life
The issues that naturally come with aging are further exacerbated by a spinal cord injury. For that reason, it’s not uncommon for the elderly who are afflicted by SCI to report a depletion in their quality of life after a traumatic accident has occurred. To accommodate for the injury, they would have to make significant alterations in their lives. Making such changes may mean that they may not be able to do things that have once provided them with enjoyment and satisfaction.
It may also lead to them feeling resentful about having a hard time with doing things that were once so simple and intuitive to them. Things like walking around their neighborhood or even reading a book would require a lot more physical and mental energy than usual.
Not only is their physical wellness affected by their spine injury, their mental health is as well. This is reflected in the findings of University of Michigan disability and healthcare researchers Mark D. Peterson, Ph.D., M.S., Michelle Meade, Ph.D.,M.S, and Elham Mahmoudi, Ph.D., M.B.A., M.S. Their study suggests that “chronic centralized and neuropathic pain among adults living with a spinal cord injury were found to be robustly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.”
This UMich study further affirms that the wellness of both mind and body should be cultivated for a genuine attempt of spinal recovery. For this reason, it’s important that the elderly go to both physical therapy appointments as well as mental health sessions with a professional. Physical therapy may provide them a sense of purpose and eventually satisfaction the more that they go. And therapy sessions with a mental health professional may give them the proper tools to cope and wade through their feelings about their disability.
Call Omega Law Group
The elite team of attorneys at Omega Law Group has acquired prestigious features from publications in the likes of the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Business Journal for their excellent work in the field of personal injury. With more than millions of dollars accrued in compensation for their clients, Omega’s award-winning legal team will stop at nothing to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Well-respected by their peers in the field and awarded accolades from industry-vetted organizations such as SuperLawyers.com, Omega Law Group is the right fit for your spinal cord injury case.
At Omega Law, they believe that quality legal service should be accessible to all, not just a select few. So no matter your financial circumstances, the elite personal injury law firm has got your back! With no upfront fees for their personalized client service, Omega ensures equitable access to elite legal representation for people from all walks of life. Schedule a free consultation now to learn more!