Motor vehicle accidents can have devastating consequences, and one of the most serious and life-altering outcomes can be spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord, a crucial part of the human central nervous system, is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in severe, often permanent, impairments.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can occur as a result of trauma to the neck, mid-back, or lower back, affecting the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. These injuries can be catastrophic, leading to chronic pain, partial or complete paralysis, and a significantly diminished quality of life.
In the event of a motor vehicle collision, it’s imperative to pay close attention to any signs of pain or discomfort. Even seemingly minor injuries can escalate into debilitating conditions without prompt medical care. Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is crucial, as spinal injuries can worsen over time without proper treatment.
Causes of Spinal Injuries in Car Accidents
The sheer force and impact involved in a car accident can cause various types of spinal injuries. The human body absorbs the force generated during a collision, often exceeding what the body can withstand. The result can be damage to the spine, either from the direct force of impact or from being thrown against structures within the vehicle.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injury cases. The force involved in a car accident, even seemingly minor ones, can cause injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, spinal fractures, and spinal stenosis.
Types of Spinal Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs due to the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck during a collision. It affects the soft tissues of the cervical spine, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
2. Herniated Discs
A herniated disc happens when the soft interior of an intervertebral disc leaks out through a crack in its exterior, pressing on spinal nerves and causing numbness, tingling, or shooting pain.
3. Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures involve partial or complete breaks in the vertebrae of the spine, which can pinch or damage spinal nerves or the spinal cord.
4. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, often caused by injuries that damage the vertebrae and discs protecting the spinal canal.
5. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips out of place and pushes on the bone below, potentially pressing on spinal nerves and causing pain and numbness.
6. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Spinal cord injuries involve direct damage to the spinal cord itself, resulting in loss of sensation and mobility below the affected area. These injuries are classified as either incomplete or complete, and severe cases can lead to paraplegia or tetraplegia.
Seeking Medical Attention for Spinal Injuries
Symptoms of a spinal injury may not always be immediately apparent after a car accident. It’s essential to pay attention to any signs of neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, or loss of sensation. Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial to prevent potential long-term damage.
Emergency signs of a spinal injury should never be ignored, including difficulty standing or walking, intense pressure in the head, neck, or back, weakness or paralysis in any part of the body, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.
Legal Assistance for Spinal Injury Victims
A spinal cord injury from a car accident can have a profound impact on a person’s life, physically, emotionally, and financially. The cost of medical care and ongoing treatment for spinal cord injury victims can be substantial. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s vital to seek legal representation to pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Morris Injury Law, we understand the complexities of spinal cord injury cases resulting from car accidents. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping spinal injury victims navigate the legal process, holding responsible parties accountable, and securing the compensation needed for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and more.
Contact Morris Injury Law Today
Morris Injury Law is dedicated to ensuring our clients benefit from efficient communication, a welcoming environment, and trustworthy advice. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Morris Injury Law. Our experienced and compassionate team is here to help. We are dedicated to providing personalized, effective representation and will strive relentlessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, discuss your options, and guide you through the legal process. It’s time to take the first step toward recovery and justice – with Morris Injury Law by your side.
We’re here to help! Contact Morris Injury Law at 702-749-4717.
