Sep 25, 2015 | admin
Up to 34 people will suffer a serious spinal cord injury every day according to estimates from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. When it comes to spinal cord injuries, the sooner they can be diagnosed and treated, the better the chances a patient will fully recover. Given that time is such an important factor in the treatment of these injuries, it is concerning that many elderly victims of spinal cord injuries may be waiting a long time to receive the care they need due to the negligence of caregivers.
In September 2015, a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examined 1,440 patients who suffered a spinal cord injury. The Hamilton Spectator reports the results of that study show an increased rate in the number of senior patients who die in hospitals after suffering a spinal cord injury. This is particularly concerning because older patients tended to have less severe spinal cord injuries than the younger patients examined in the study.
The researches who wrote the study say there are several factors that could be causing the increased rate of death after these injuries, such as a patient’s reluctance to undergo treatments necessary to heal the injury. However, the negligence of caregivers could also be a factor, as doctors and medical staff may tend to prioritize the treatment of younger patients over elderly patients who may have several complications and shorter life expectancy due to their age.
Everyone has a right to quality, informed, responsible medical care, no matter their age or type of injury. Our Virginia personal injury attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO are here to help if you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, especially if you believe you did not receive the care and attention your injury deserved. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our website.
