Damage to the spinal cord is one of the possible injuries a person can face when they’re involved in a motor vehicle crash. These injuries can lead to significant life changes and they require considerable medical attention.
Most spinal cord injuries are noticeable at the scene of the crash. Some of the more common signs that may occur include loss of movement in the limbs, pain in the back, numbness, loss of sensation, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty breathing, pressure in the neck, head or back, weakness and lack of coordination.
Types of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete. The difference has to do with the nerve connections at the site of the injury. If there are nerves that are still connected, the injury is incomplete. If the nerves aren’t connected at all, the injury is complete.
A complete injury usually leads to paralysis in the affected area. Incomplete injuries typically have some movement or sensation below the area of the injury. Typically, incomplete injuries are more likely to fully heal than complete injuries.
Anyone who suffers this type of injury will have a sudden increase in expenses because of medical care and other associated costs. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim that seeks to have the party liable for the crash cover the expenses. Working with someone familiar with these cases is beneficial for the victims, so their case can proceed while they focus on healing as much as possible from the catastrophic injury they suffered.
