A spinal cord injury is considered one of the most disabling injuries you can have. If it happens to you, you may wonder how you can possibly continue to meet your financial needs while also enduring medical treatment and rehabilitation. For many, New England Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits are an answer to this question.
The other most pressing question deals with the injury itself. What can you expect when your spinal cord has been injured? As Massachusetts SSA disability experts, we understand the importance of this question and provide some basic spinal cord injury information here.
What is a spinal cord injury?
If your spinal cord has been injured, then most likely you were involved in some type of accident that caused a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine. This injury usually damages the vertebrae, which in turn may destroy the axons that carry signals up and down the spine from the brain to the body. Depending on the number and location of axons destroyed, people with spinal cord injuries can recover almost completely, suffer some paralysis, or be completely paralyzed.
How does a spinal cord injury affect the body?
This type of injury is classified as either complete or incomplete. How much control the patient has over his or her limbs after the injury is determined by how high or low on the spinal cord the injury is and how severe the damage is.
A spinal cord injury is called “complete” if almost all feeling and ability to control movement has been lost below the site of the damage. It is termed “incomplete” if some feeling and function is still intact.
What are the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury immediately following the accident?
Any of the following symptoms or signs could indicate that an injured person has experienced a spinal cord injury, which constitutes a medical emergency, and he or she should receive immediate medical attention.
- Pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back.
- Paralysis, lack of coordination, or weakness in any part of the body.
- Problems with walking and/or balance.
- Problems with breathing.
- Twisted or improper position of the back or neck.
- A loss of bowel or bladder control.
What if the injury has caused me to be disabled and unable to work?
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury that has resulted in disability, you most likely will need some financial assistance. The SSA disability program was created for people just like you.
At Keefe Disability Law, we can help you with the sometimes confusing and complicated process of applying for New England disability benefits. We can provide assistance with everything from the initial application through the appeals process, if need be.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
