Individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury may experience a range of medical complications, including neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction, chronic neuropathic pain, pressure ulcers, muscle atrophy, respiratory compromise, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
- Personal Injury
- Common Medical Issues After a Spinal Cord Injury
From breathing difficulties to psychological trauma, spinal cord injuries often result in a lifetime of medical issues, specialized care and rehabilitation. Our Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers help secure funding for the full spectrum of recovery needs.
Common Medical Issues After a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are the most devastating type of trauma a person can experience. They often result from high impact accidents such as car accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian impacts, bicycle collisions or truck accidents – all of which can generate enough force to damage or sever the spinal cord. These injuries can lead to permanent neurological deficits including partial or complete paralysis, sensory loss and autonomic dysfunction. The level and severity of the spinal cord injury (SCI) – cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral – will determine the extent of motor and sensory impairment and the long term care required.
From a medical perspective, spinal cord trauma initiates a cascade of secondary physiological complications beyond the initial mechanical damage. These may include neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction, chronic neuropathic pain, pressure ulcers, muscle atrophy, respiratory compromise and a significantly increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders. Recovery is often uncertain and typically requires a lifetime of coordinated medical care, rehabilitation and assistive supports. Unfortunately, even the best medical outcomes don’t always lead to full independence or employment reintegration.
Spinal cord injuries are often the result of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. High speed car crashes, truck drivers making unsafe lane changes, inattentive drivers hitting pedestrians or negligent motorists causing bicycle or motorcycle collisions can all result in traumatic spinal cord damage. When someone’s life is permanently altered due to someone else’s negligence, the law provides a way to seek compensation – not only through civil claims against the at fault party but also through Ontario’s no-fault accident benefits system. But this path is not straightforward or automatic. The early days following a spinal cord injury are critical and legal counsel must act quickly to ensure vital accident benefit entitlements are protected and evidence of negligence is preserved.
That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced Hamilton spinal cord injury lawyer right away. Our pesonal injury lawyers specialize in representing spinal cord injury victims will ensure occupational therapy, attendant care, rehabilitation services, income replacement and case management support are secured quickly and we will lay the groundwork for a strong civil claim against the negligent party who has ruined your life. At Lalande Personal Injury Lawyers, our focus is to protect your legal rights, secure your financial future and ensure you or your loved one gets the lifetime care needed after such a catastrophic event. Call us today at 905-333-8888 or fill in a confidential contact form to get your case started.
Serious Mental Health Struggles
While spinal cord injuries are often defined by their physical impact, the psychological effects can be just as devastating — and far less visible. For many survivors, the emotional toll of the injury becomes one of the most difficult and enduring challenges they face.
Depression and Grief After a Spinal Cord Injury
After a spinal cord injury, it’s not uncommon for a person to grieve the loss of their former life. Depression can settle in quietly, as daily challenges begin to replace familiar routines. Many struggle in silence, mourning their independence, mobility, and even identity. The emotional weight can be just as heavy as the physical burden.
Adjustment Disorder Following Spinal Cord Trauma
Life can change in an instant — and with it, a person’s entire sense of control. Adjustment disorder is common in the months following a spinal injury, when the emotional demands of adapting to a new reality can feel overwhelming. It’s more than sadness; it’s a psychological response to immense upheaval.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After a Catastrophic Injury
Spinal cord injuries are often sudden, violent, and terrifying. Many survivors relive the moment of impact through flashbacks, nightmares, or persistent anxiety. PTSD can linger in the background, making recovery feel unsafe or even impossible without trauma-informed care.
Anxiety and Fear of the Future
The fear of “what comes next” can be paralyzing. Questions about financial stability, relationships, or needing lifelong care often dominate a person’s thoughts. It’s not just fear of physical limitations — it’s fear of a future that now feels completely uncertain.
Body Image and Identity Struggles
A spinal cord injury doesn’t just change your body — it can reshape how you see yourself. Many people feel disconnected from their own reflection or worry about how others will perceive them. These changes in body image can erode confidence and leave people feeling invisible or undesired.
Cognitive-Behavioral Impact of Chronic Pain
Chronic neurogenic pain is more than physical discomfort — it chips away at your spirit. Constant pain can affect sleep, concentration, and even your willingness to engage in rehab. Over time, it can trigger irritability, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion.
Suicidal Ideation and Psychological Crisis After SCI
Some days, the darkness can feel too heavy to carry. Individuals with spinal cord injuries face a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in the early stages of recovery. These moments require immediate attention — because behind the silence, there’s often profound despair.
Isolation, Loneliness, and Social Withdrawal
Injury can be isolating, even in a room full of people. Many lose social circles, feel left behind, or withdraw out of embarrassment or fatigue. Over time, loneliness becomes more than a passing emotion — it becomes a condition that deepens the emotional toll of injury.
Resilience and Post-Injury Personal Growth
While trauma leaves scars, it also reveals strength. Many individuals go on to rebuild their lives in meaningful ways, finding new passions, deeper relationships, or a renewed sense of purpose. Resilience doesn’t erase the pain — but it does help people live beyond it.
Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care
Too many people are left without support due to lack of access, physical barriers, or financial limitations. Even when help is needed most, mental health care isn’t always available. Bridging this gap is not a luxury — it’s a critical part of recovery.
Breathing Issues
Breathing complications are a serious and often life-altering consequence of spinal cord injuries, particularly when the damage occurs at the cervical level — specifically between the C1 and C4 vertebrae. These segments control the phrenic nerves, which are responsible for activating the diaphragm, the main muscle involved in breathing. When these nerves are impaired, the lungs may not fully expand, and the individual may struggle to draw in air on their own. Spinal cord injuries at the cervical level can also result in a reduced range of motion and function, further complicating respiratory and physical rehabilitation. Roughly one-third of people with spinal cord injuries will experience some degree of respiratory difficulty, and many require ventilatory support — either temporarily during recovery or permanently. Beyond breathing, issues with swallowing and clearing secretions can increase the risk of aspiration and infections. Fortunately, respiratory therapists and rehabilitation teams offer specialized training and adaptive strategies to help patients and caregivers manage these challenges together, improving safety and quality of life.
Pneumonia
Respiratory complications such as pneumonia are a common issue in those with a spinal cord injury. Those who struggle with breathing are often placed on a ventilator, which can increase the risk of pneumonia. It’s important to closely and carefully monitor an SCI patient using a ventilator, routinely clearing the throat and ensuring food and liquid aren’t getting into the lungs. They should be promptly treated with antibiotics at the first sign of pneumonia symptoms and constantly monitored.
Autonomic Dysreflexia
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level. AD happens when a painful or irritating stimulus below the level of injury, such as a full bladder or bowel, triggers an exaggerated and uncontrolled response from the autonomic nervous system. This can cause a rapid spike in blood pressure, leading to severe headaches, sweating, flushing, and in extreme cases, seizures, stroke, or even death. Prompt recognition and removal of the triggering stimulus are crucial to prevent serious complications associated with AD.
Pressure Ulcers (Pressure Sores)
Also known as pressure sores, these painful wounds develop when skin and underlying tissue break down due to prolonged pressure and reduced blood flow. They are a common complication among spinal cord injury survivors, especially those with paraplegia or tetraplegia who may be unable to reposition themselves. Individuals confined to a wheelchair or bedridden during recovery are particularly at risk, especially if they are newly injured and unaccustomed to long periods of immobility.
Preventing pressure ulcers requires regular repositioning to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas such as the heels, hips, and lower back. For many, this isn’t possible without assistance. That’s why caregiver education is vital — learning how to safely move and shift the person not only prevents ulcers but helps promote circulation and overall health.
Home modifications, such as installing specialized beds or accessible bathrooms, are often necessary for spinal cord injury survivors. These adaptations can help prevent pressure ulcers and promote greater independence and safety in daily living.
Bladder and Bowel Issues
Bladder and bowel control problems are also common in those with a spinal cord injury, as these injuries can impact the functioning of pelvic organs, including the bladder and bowel, if the spinal cord can no longer transmit proper signals to the bladder and bowel muscles. Individuals may need to use a catheter to help them and/or learn new ways to empty their bladder. Some may benefit from changing their diet, such as an increase in water intake and consuming more fiber. If not addressed, bladder issues can lead to additional complications such as kidney stones, UTIs, constipation, abdominal pain, and bladder cancer.
Chronic Pain
Pain is one of the most common complications of a spinal cord injury. This can be as a result of the injury itself or of untreated secondary complications causing pain and discomfort. For example, if a spinal cord injury victim must now use a wheelchair to get around, they’re suddenly relying on their arms and shoulders far more than before.
Not only is the body unused to this, but the arms and shoulders aren’t designed to carry the weight of the whole body. Thus, the strain and overexertion of the arms and shoulders can cause musculoskeletal pain and potential injuries to this area. Individuals with spinal cord injuries are also at risk for musculoskeletal injuries due to altered movement patterns and increased reliance on certain muscle groups.
Regular physical therapy is a good way to ensure individuals aren’t overworking other areas of their body and unwittingly causing themselves more pain. Doctors may also prescribe pain medication, depending on the severity.
Circulation Issues
Those with a spinal cord injury can be at greater risk of circulatory issues like blood clots due to the stagnation of blood flow, particularly in the large veins in the legs. In addition to blood clots, changes to circulation can lead to things like abnormal heart rhythms and unstable blood pressure that tend to appear within a few days of the injury. Those with a spinal cord injury should be closely monitored for each of these issues, especially in the first few days. Things like compression stockings and anticoagulant drugs can help increase blood flow and reduce the risk of these complications.
Sexual Function
Depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury as well as an individual’s recovery, fertility and sexual function may be affected. This can impact an individual’s sense of worth and self-esteem while also affecting relationships with current and/or future partners. This can play a major role in the development of depression symptoms and other mental health concerns. Working with a urologist, among other specialists, can help spinal cord injury victims restore and support sexual health and functioning.
Infections
After a spinal cord injury, the risk of developing serious infections rises sharply due to limited mobility, catheter use, and changes in the immune system. Urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and skin infections from pressure sores are particularly common and can significantly hinder recovery. Even a minor wound or pressure ulcer can escalate quickly without careful monitoring and proper wound care. Individuals with higher-level injuries are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections, as weakened lung function can make it difficult to clear secretions. Pneumonia remains one of the most serious risks and requires prompt medical attention.
Recurrent infections can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased use of antibiotics, and setbacks in rehabilitation progress. In some cases, systemic infections such as sepsis may develop, which can be life-threatening. Family members and caregivers play a crucial role in recognizing early symptoms—such as fever, chills, changes in breathing, or unusual fatigue—and ensuring timely medical follow-up. Coordinated care, ongoing prevention strategies, and proper hygiene protocols are essential to protect overall health and support long-term recovery.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disturbances are a common and often overlooked consequence of spinal cord injuries. Many individuals experience fragmented or poor-quality sleep due to chronic pain, muscle spasticity, breathing difficulties, or psychological stress such as anxiety or depression. Over time, sleep deprivation can compound physical symptoms, reduce tolerance to rehabilitation, and worsen emotional wellbeing.
Thermoregulation Issues
Spinal cord injuries – particularly those at the cervical or upper thoracic level – can impair the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature. This condition known as thermoregulatory dysfunction can cause the individual to feel hot or cold without warning, regardless of the environment. Many become highly sensitive to temperature changes, with heatwaves or cold snaps being a serious health risk.
Circulatory Issues
Reduced movement and muscle activity after a spinal cord injury can lead to significant circulatory problems. Blood may pool in the lower limbs, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or life-threatening blood clots. Cold extremities and swelling in the legs are also common, often making mobility even more difficult. For individuals living with this condition, a Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer can help ensure that future care planning accounts for these long-term vascular complications and the risks they carry.
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory impairment is a serious and often life-threatening consequence of spinal cord injuries, particularly when the damage occurs at the C1 to C4 levels of the cervical spine. These segments control the phrenic nerves, which activate the diaphragm—our primary breathing muscle. When those nerves are disrupted, a person may lose the ability to breathe independently, requiring mechanical ventilation either temporarily during recovery or permanently. Even when full-time ventilatory support isn’t required, weakened chest and abdominal muscles can make it difficult to take deep breaths, cough effectively, or clear mucus from the lungs. This significantly increases the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia, which remains one of the leading causes of death among individuals with high-level spinal injuries. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and low oxygen levels can also hinder participation in rehabilitation. A Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer understands the profound impact respiratory complications have on long-term care needs and works to ensure that the full scope of support—ventilators, respiratory therapy, home modifications, and 24-hour care—is accounted for in every case.
Spasticity
Spasticity—characterized by involuntary muscle tightness or spasms—is a common complication after spinal cord injury. It can make even simple movements painful or unpredictable, affecting everything from transferring out of bed to sitting in a wheelchair. Spasticity can also disrupt sleep, increase fatigue, and reduce independence. These symptoms are often progressive and require careful medical management. A Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer can help ensure that the legal claim reflects the full extent of these limitations and the therapies required to manage them.
Cold Extremities and Swelling in Legs
Impaired circulation frequently causes spinal cord injury survivors to experience cold feet, swollen ankles, or discoloured limbs. These symptoms may seem minor, but they can indicate underlying vascular insufficiency and lead to discomfort, infection risk, or reduced mobility. Managing these issues may require compression garments, elevation techniques, or physical therapy. When building a case for compensation, a Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer considers even these less obvious symptoms, as they impact day-to-day comfort and functional independence.
Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures
Lack of weight-bearing activity following a spinal cord injury often leads to accelerated bone loss, especially in the hips, femurs, and lower spine. As bones become more brittle, the risk of fractures from even minor falls or transfers increases significantly. This vulnerability can limit rehabilitation progress and result in recurring hospitalizations. A Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer will factor in the risk and reality of osteoporosis when advocating for long-term medical funding, mobility aids, and home safety modifications.
Future Care Costs and how a Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer can help.
The financial consequences of a traumatic spinal cord injury are staggering and often lifelong. Beyond the initial trauma and emergency care, individuals with SCI face a complex web of ongoing medical needs, including hospital readmissions, routine specialist visits, prescription medications, respiratory support, skin care, and ongoing rehabilitation. For many, this care is not optional—it is essential to survival and daily functioning. According to life care planning literature, individuals with high-level cervical injuries may require 24-hour attendant care, adaptive equipment replacements every few years, home modifications, and regular evaluations by a multidisciplinary medical team. These costs can easily exceed $100,000 to $300,000 annually and reach several million dollars over a lifetime, depending on age, severity, and level of independence.
Depending on your age and where your injury or lesion is located = the cost can easily range into the tens of millions over your lifetime.
Beyond medical costs, the injured person often experiences a per – nent loss of income and employability, compounded by the loss of household services they once performed. The family, too, often bears financial and emotional consequences—parents leave jobs to provide care, homes are modified or sold, and savings are depleted to bridge gaps left by insurance. These realities are not adequately addressed by public healthcare alone.
Ontario’s no-fault accident benefits system, governed by the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), is notoriously difficult to navigate—particularly for individuals recovering from a catastrophic injury such as a spinal cord injury. The SABS is a highly technical and intricate legal framework—arguably as complex, if not more so, than the Income Tax Act. Although intended to provide timely and accessible medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits, the system has become adversarial in practice, with insurers often disputing entitlements, limiting funding, or delaying approvals. For a seriously injured person, this is not a system you want to face alone.
An experienced Hamilton Personal Injury Lawyer can play a critical role in guiding you and your family through every step of the process. We can ensures that benefits are not only accessed but properly quantified and maximized. This includes challenging insurer denials, coordinating expert medical and functional assessments, and ensuring strict compliance with procedural timelines and documentation requirements. Just as importantly, a personal injury lawyer can preserve and advance your right to sue the at-fault party for additional compensation—such as pain and suffering, income losses, and future care needs not covered by the SABS. Our personal injury law firm has a long-standing track record of success in spinal cord injury cases, particularly in securing fair and substantial compensation for future care and long-term support. When your life has been forever altered by a traumatic injury, you deserve an and experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the legal landscape—and how to use it to protect your future.
My son became quadriplegic after a single car accident. Matt and his team made all the difference in the world in terms of his finances and health care. It is so sad that my own car insurance company became our enemy – but Matt helped us secure the compensation he needed for 24-hour care, accessible housing, and specialized equipment—things we never could have managed alone. Their compassion, dedication, and expertise gave us hope when we felt lost. – Joan
Finding a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Hamilton Near Me
Finding the right spinal cord injury lawyer in Hamilton requires more than just a quick online search—it takes careful consideration and research. Start by asking trusted sources: friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, or even your family doctor. Often, personal recommendations lead to experienced lawyers who’ve earned respect in your community. From there, take time to read Google reviews, search online, and visit law firm websites. Look for firms that offer detailed, informative content—not just slogans or flashy promises. Traditional advertising like bus ads, billboards, or TV commercials can introduce you to potential firms, but don’t stop there. There are excellent lawyers who advertise and others who don’t—but what matters most is their reputation, experience, and the time they take to educate you about your rights. Do your homework. Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery and your future – a strong lawyer-client relationship based on trust and open communication is essential for a successful case.
How much does a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Cost?
If you’re facing the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, legal fees should be the last thing on your mind. At our Hamilton personal injury law firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly rates, and no surprise invoices. We advance the expenses needed to build your case—including expert reports, medical assessments, and court filings—and we only get paid if your claim is successful.
This model ensures that anyone, regardless of financial means, can access experienced legal representation after a catastrophic injury. It also aligns our interests with yours: our goal is to maximize your recovery because our success depends on it. A contingency agreement provides peace of mind and financial security at a time when you’re already dealing with enormous challenges. When you work with our team, you can focus on your health and your future, knowing that we’re fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Have a Question? Ask Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Hamilton Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury, the road ahead may feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our firm is here to provide the legal support, resources, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. We invite you to contact our office for a confidential consultation. Let a dedicated Hamilton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer help you understand your rights, access the care you deserve, and secure the compensation your future depends on.
Call us today at 905-333-8888 or fill in a contact form through our website for your free no-obligation consultation to evaluate your situation.We are more than happy to discuss your circumstances and provide our best legal advice.
Article FAQ
How does the level of spinal cord injury affect the severity of complications?
The specific level and severity of the spinal cord injury—whether cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral—determine the extent of motor and sensory impairment. Higher-level injuries, such as cervical injuries, often result in more significant functional limitations and may require more intensive long-term care.
Why is early legal intervention important after a spinal cord injury?
Prompt legal action is crucial to ensure that accident benefit entitlements are protected and that evidence of negligence is preserved. Engaging an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer early can help secure necessary services like occupational therapy, attendant care, rehabilitation, income replacement, and case management support.
Can spinal cord injuries lead to psychological issues?
Yes, individuals with spinal cord injuries have a significantly increased risk of developing psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. These mental health challenges can stem from the profound lifestyle changes and physical limitations resulting from the injury.
What are pressure ulcers, and why are they a concern for spinal cord injury patients?
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. Individuals with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk due to reduced mobility and sensory loss, making regular repositioning and skin care vital to prevention.
How does a spinal cord injury impact respiratory function?
Spinal cord injuries, particularly those at higher levels, can compromise respiratory function by affecting the muscles involved in breathing. This can lead to difficulties in breathing and an increased risk of respiratory infections, necessitating specialized respiratory care and monitoring.