Despite Advances, Spinal Cord Injury Victims Suffer Severe Disability
A spinal cord injury is one of the most traumatic injuries a victim of an accident can be diagnosed with. Damage to the delicate spinal cord results in lifelong disability, given that there is no way to reverse the damage. Recent research in this area has uncovered some potentially promising avenues for future treatment options, however.
The spinal cord injury attorneys at Ellis Law of Los Angeles are excited by this encouraging news. Yet, it can be incredibly frustrating for disabled victims to wait for new treatment options to be developed, a process that typically takes years, if not decades. In the meantime, our lawyers can help families recover the compensation they need to provide the intensive care their loved ones deserve.
Advances in spinal cord injury treatment
For years, researchers have been puzzling over how to help damaged spinal cords regenerate themselves, particularly since molecular processes and the development of scar tissue impedes the regrowth of nerve fibers. A team of researchers from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) recently published a report in the journal Science regarding their breakthrough in solving this problem. The team’s research establishes that the stabilization of microtubules can inhibit scar tissue development and support the growth of new nerve fibers. They can accomplish this with a drug called epothilone, which is currently on the market as an anti-cancer treatment.
Spinal cord injury challenges
While new treatments are still in the research stages, the victims of spinal cord injuries face immense challenges. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by negligent drivers and property owners, along with assaults and construction site accidents. One simple mistake can lead to a lifetime of disability for an accident victim. First, the victim must receive intensive emergency care, which includes preventing shock, immobilizing the neck, and maintaining respiration. Surgery is often necessary and the hospitalization can be quite lengthy.
Even after the victim is stabilized, returning home may be out of the question. Often, victims must be transferred to a rehabilitation facility, where they need to cope with challenges such as complete or incomplete paralysis, the loss of sensation, loss of bowel or bladder control, intense pain, and difficulty breathing.
These medical and rehabilitation requirements certainly aren’t cheap. Injured parties and their families do have the option of retaining the services of experienced personal injury attorneys Los Angeles has come to trust in cases stemming from negligence or lax property maintenance.
Ellis Law empowers victims of personal injury
Over the past 20 years, the legal team at Ellis Law has developed a keen understanding of the challenges that accident victims face. Our legal team has the resources and the experience needed to serve as effective advocates for those with disabilities. We understand that it can be difficult to think of little else besides your injury, and the feelings of helplessness and anger it can give rise to; however, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate lawyers, who can explain your legal options.
In the event that a lawsuit is warranted, you can demand compensation for all related medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care needs. Call 310-641-3335 to schedule a case evaluation here in our LA offices.