A spinal cord injury from a car accident can completely change someone’s life. That is because this part of the body houses crucial nerves that help the brain communicate with the body. These injuries can cause decreased motor skill function and lead to partial or full paralysis.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that about 40 percent of these injuries result from motor vehicle crashes. Car accidents from driver error or negligence are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. Other individuals experience these injuries after falling from heights, sports-related accidents, construction site incidents, and medical malpractice.
The impact can cause vertebral fractures and herniated discs in a severe car accident. When the spine is affected, there can be damage to the central nervous system. As a result, vital messages to the brain and body can be interrupted temporarily or permanently.
How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Diagnosed?
Spinal cord injury symptoms might include dizziness, headaches, confusion, or neck stiffness. Herniated discs might be more painful, or the patient might only experience muscle weakness and numbness. Vertebral fractures are not always severe and often heal with a physician and therapist’s care.
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is when the front of the vertebra collapses with the back part in the original position. A flexion/distraction fracture can happen when a person’s upper body gets thrown forward, but the bottom stays in place, usually from a seat belt. Burst fractures occur when vertebra fractures and bone fragments penetrate the spinal cord. These could cause lifelong pain, paralysis, or death.
Spinal cord injuries are diagnosed by medical professionals who start the process by reviewing a patient’s medical history. This is followed by testing the body’s nerve signals, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
How Will I Pay for My Spinal Cord Injury Expenses?
Your physicians will determine the best treatment for your spinal cord injuries. Mild ones might only require medication, physical therapy, and minimal time lost from work. Others require surgeries and long-term care. Those with serious car accident-related spinal cord injuries might not be able to return to work, could need medical equipment like wheelchairs, and might experience significant pain.
If another driver’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may be able to seek compensation from the insurance provider, but compensation might not be adequate to cover all of your losses. A car accident lawyer can help determine your legal options.
Contact a Media Car Accident Lawyer at Eckell Sparks if You Have a Spinal Cord Injury
If you suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident, a Media car accident lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help. Complete our online form or call us at 610-565-3701 for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.