Spinal Cord Injuries and Car Accidents

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Uncategorized

Although injuries to the spinal cord can be caused by violence, disease, and falls, auto accidents account for half of all new spinal cord injuries. An injury to the spinal cord can have lasting effects, including permanent paralyzation. Advances in technology have allowed people with nervous system damage to live comfortable and productive lives, but there is still no cure for spinal cord injuries. If a person is injured severely due to the negligence of another driver, they deserve compensation for their pain and suffering.

Damage to any part of the spinal cord, or nerve ends of the spinal canal, will impact functionality or sensation based on the location and severity of the injury. Depending on the injury caused by the car, truck, or motorcycle accident, a victim of spinal cord damage may experience the following:

• Loss or lack of feeling,
• Complete loss of or limited mobility,
• Spasms,
• Loss of bladder or bowel control,
• Loss of fertility and sexual function,
• Pain from nerve damage.

The classification of spinal cord injuries calls into two categories - complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury is the loss of feeling and function of the body below the injury. An incomplete injury leaves the victim with some motor and/or sensory functions remaining after the trauma. A victim who loses the use of their lower body/limbs is a paraplegic. A victim who loses the use of their arms and legs is a quadriplegic.

Doctors hope to one day be able to reverse the effects of spinal cord damage. However, until then, patients will work with physical therapists and technology to regain functionality in their everyday lives. There are also medications that can ease the effect of the injury on the body, such as bladder control, or the pain caused by the damage.

Getting in a car accident can be the difference of getting in the car to drive somewhere, to never being able to drive again. After medical professionals have done their best to prevent further damage, it is a long road after a spinal cord injury. If recovery is estimated to be possible, it can take upwards of years to regain function and sensory.

Contact an Orland Park Car Accident Attorney

Wherever the effects of spinal cord damage or permanent or temporary, everyday life will be altered. It is possible you may not be able to go back to work or be able to take care of your family. An experienced Orland Park car accident attorney will work with you to ensure you receive compensation for your pain and suffering following an auto accident that caused spinal cord damage. Set up a free consultation by calling our office at 708-966-2408.

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890