Many spinal cord injuries begin with a car crash. While some people might sustain spinal cord injuries due to slip-and-falls, crashes are a leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
There are numerous symptoms that may develop after a spinal cord injury, and symptom onset is not always immediate. Anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision or similar incident may need to screen themselves carefully for warning signs of a spinal cord injury and take steps to protect themselves from the possibility of their injuries progressing and producing new symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
The most obvious sign of a spinal cord injury is a lack of motor function and sensation. A complete injury can cause numbness and loss of motor control. Incomplete injuries that involve pinching or tearing of the spinal cord can cause a lack of coordination, muscle weakness, tingling, difficulty breathing, muscle spasms and a loss of bladder or bowel control.
These symptoms may not all present immediately after an injury, especially in cases of incomplete spinal cord injuries. They may worsen over time if people do not receive care to treat the injury. People may experience muscle atrophy and other complications long after the initial trauma.
The complexities of a spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injuries can occur anywhere from the top of the neck down to the base of the spine where it meets the hips. The placement of the injury determines the degree of physical impairment the injury may produce.
There are numerous different spinal injuries, including slipped discs and disc herniation, which may improve with physical therapy or surgery. People can also fracture the vertebra or individual bones in the spine.
Spinal cord injuries involve the compression of the spinal cord or traumatic damage to the spinal cord that interferes with motor function. Even whiplash is technically a spinal injury, although most people do make a full recovery with proper treatment.
How to handle spinal injuries
Those who suspect an injury to their neck or back likely need emergency transportation to the hospital to ensure their stability and reduce the risk of secondary trauma worsening the injury. Immediate medical examination can help diagnose the injury and improve the prognosis of the patient.
Speaking with a personal injury attorney is often necessary, as spinal cord injuries are expensive. They can generate tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and may also have a negative impact on earning potential.
The team at Williams DeClark Tuschman Co. L.P.A. can help those with spinal cord injuries from car crashes or other incidents evaluate insurance coverage and liability to address their losses effectively. Timely legal representation can be as important as prompt medical attention after sustaining a spinal cord injury. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling 419-387-5568 or clicking here.