You Could Suffer Many Secondary Conditions If You Are Paralyzed in a Truck Accident

Becoming paralyzed as a result of a truck accident in Dallas or Fort Worth can be devastating and change your life forever. Depending on what body parts are affected, your mobility and ability to care for your basic needs can be significantly limited. In addition, you could suffer a number of complications associated with paralysis. It is important to understand what they are and the likelihood that you will suffer them so that you request compensation for the medical treatments you will need as part of your settlement with the negligent trucker and trucking company that caused your collision.

What Complications Could You Experience If You Are Paralyzed?

Paralysis can occur when the spinal cord is injured by a sudden, traumatic blow in a truck accident. This can cause damage to the spinal cord and nerves, which interrupts the signals from the brain to other parts of the body. The paralysis can affect one side of the body, a limb, or the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. A person can experience complete paralysis when all sensation and motor control is lost in body parts below the injury site or incomplete where he retains some mobility and sensation.

There are a number of secondary conditions associated with paralysis. Some other medical problems a truck accident victim can experience include:

Bladder Control

When a person is paralyzed, his brain may not be able to control his bladder as well. This can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and kidney or bladder stones.

Bowel Control 

Bowel control can also be problem. This can cause complications, such as constipation and accidents.

Circulation

Being paralyzed can also result in circulation problems, such as low blood pressure or swelling of the limbs. A person is at greater risk of blot clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and autonomic hyperreflexia, which is a dangerous rise in blood pressure. These medical conditions can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

Respiratory 

Paralysis can make it more difficult, or impossible, for a person to breathe on his own or cough. This can cause him to develop respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other serious lung problems.

Chronic Pain 

An accident victim can suffer with chronic pain due to overuse of a muscle or joint or nerve damage. He may need long-term treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, to manage the debilitating pain.

Sepsis 

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that results when the body’s reaction to an infection is to injure the tissues and organs. It can result in organ failure, shock, and death. An accident victim who is paralyzed may be in danger of developing this condition if a urinary infection, pneumonia, or other infection is not treated properly and quickly.

Have You Been Injured In A Texas Truck Accident?

If you've been injured in a truck accident you need to speak with an experienced truck accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.