Victims of Albuquerque Trucking Accidents that Need Cervical Fusions May Be Entitled to Compensation
The spinal column is a series of stacked vertebra from the base of the skull (forum magnum) to the coccyx (the tailbone). Inside of this spinal column is the spinal cord. This originates from the brain and travels down just before your coccyx into the top of the lumbar spine. The cervical spine, or the neck, is one of the weakest points of the cervical spine and susceptible to serious injury in any type of personal injury such as a slip and fall or motor vehicle crash. This is particularly true in 18 wheeler wrecks that damage the cervical spine, which can cause very serious and powerful collisions.
If you have been injured in an Albuquerque trucking accident which caused spinal injuries requiring a cervical fusion, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, future expenses, lost wages, and lost future earnings. Please contact the NM Truck Accident Attorneys if you have had a cervical fusion by dialing (505) 308-1556 to learn your rights.
What is a Cervical Fusion?
A cervical fusion is a two part surgery. The first part is the discectomy/laminectomy which is to remove the injured disc which cushions between each vertebra in the spinal column. This creates a gap for a filler to be placed. The laminectomy is the removal of the lamina, or the back of the vertebra where the hardware will go to stabilize the fusion.
The second part of the surgery is fusion. This is when a replacement for the disc is put into the “gap” created. This could be a bone graft, surgical cement, plastic, metal, or some other object. A bridge could also be used between the two vertebrae. A fixture device like a rod or plate is used to keep the new structure stable. These are affixed to the top and bottom vertebra which immobilize the section of the spine. The goal is to stabilize this injured portion to no longer impinge on the spinal cord or irritate the nerves originating from the spinal cord.
Why Albuquerque Trucking Accidents Cause Cervical Fusions
Albuquerque trucking accidents cause such devastating injuries that cervical fusions are almost always likely when a patient has a horrific whiplash injury. This is the violent back-and-forth motion of the head in a collision. When this occurs, a patient’s spinal cord is flexing and bending before being whipped down back onto itself and compressing again. This whipping motion caused damage in the forward and snapback motion.
Because of this, the nerves, vessels, muscles, and even the bone can be damaged. These injuries are extremely painful and even more difficult to treat. Even the best surgeons may not be able to achieve full relief. The reason is simply because of the devastating impact caused. Trucking accidents are some of the most powerful of these impacts, and make repairing cervical injuries difficult.
Individuals may experience years of pain and debilitating effects, which may include even after the surgery. It may be difficult to hold a bag of groceries or lift a baby. Individuals may also be unable to permanently turn their neck in one or both directions-this is guaranteed to some extent after a cervical fusion. This means that some victims will not be able to return to the same job or same recreational activities.
Victims of Albuquerque Trucking Accident that Require Cervical Fusions Need to Call Us
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, call the experienced New Mexico trucking accident attorneys at the NM Truck Accident Attorneys today by dialing (505) 308-1556 You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
