Research indicates that motor vehicle accidents are responsible for about 40% of spinal cord injuries. Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of spinal cord injuries because the force of vehicles colliding with one another can be powerful, and the spine takes on the brunt of the trauma in a collision.
The car accident lawyers at Caruso Law Offices have extensive experience working with spinal cord injury victims. Spinal cord injuries can dramatically impact every aspect of your life. Potential implications of the injury largely depend on whether you suffer a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury. Every case is different. Some victims experience a full recovery, while others suffer from full paralysis. Contact our compassionate personal injury attorneys for help navigating the personal injury claim process.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when the spine is hit with such force that it fractures or dislocates vertebrae. The bone, discs, or ligaments bruise surrounding tissue. In some cases, the injuries destroy nerve cells that transmit information to and from the brain and the rest of the body.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury cuts off all sensation and motor function below the site of injury, resulting in paralysis.
Paraplegia can result when damage occurs to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral region of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of feeling and function in the lower half of the body, including the hips and legs. Tetraplegia, in which the cervical spine is damaged, causes loss to the arms, legs, and all body regions below the site of injury. The higher the injury occurs on the spinal cord, the more severe the symptoms.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when there is some feeling and motor function below the injury site. The brain can still send and receive some messages to other parts of the body. With an incomplete spinal cord injury, an accident victim may have some muscle movement. They may be able to move one side of the body more than the other.
Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries may need assistance with activities of daily living. However, research indicates they have a higher likelihood of recovering from a loss of motor and sensory function in the affected limbs than someone with a complete spinal cord injury.
Emergency Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Emergency symptoms that you may have suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident include:
- A twisted back or neck
- Difficulty breathing after an injury
- Extreme pain or pressure in the back, neck, or head
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Weakness, incoordination, or loss of control in any part of the body
- Difficulty balancing or walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Spinal Cord Injury Treatment and Recovery
Whether you suffered a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, you are likely facing a long road to recovery and a permanently altered future. Potential treatment options will depend on various factors, such as the area of injury, your overall health, and the effectiveness of physical therapy. You may have to relearn basic skills and rely on rehabilitative assistance. Your earning power may be permanently affected by your injuries.
Caruso Law Offices can help you seek full and fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to take advantage of a free case review with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney.