Motor vehicle crashes put considerable pressure on the body, which can lead to significant injury. One injury that’s possible is a spinal cord injury, which can have catastrophic impacts on the victim.
Spinal cord injuries typically produce symptoms at the crash site. Victims may have searing back pain or realize that they suddenly can’t move parts of their body. Anyone who believes that they suffered a spinal cord injury should seek immediate medical attention to help mitigate the effects of the injury.
Types of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are divided into two broad categories. Incomplete spinal cord injuries involve nerve pathways that are still partially connected. Complete spinal cord injuries involve fully severed nerves at the site of the injury.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries may allow the victim to have partial movement and sensation below the site of damage. That’s not possible with a complete injury.
Area of the body that’s affected
Spinal cord injuries can only affect the area of the body that’s below the injury. When the damage is on the cervical spine, which is in the neck, all four limbs and the trunk can be affected. Lumbar injuries, which occur in the lower back, wouldn’t affect the arms, but could affect the legs and possibly the lower trunk.
Victims of car wrecks who suffer spinal cord injuries often need considerable medical care, which can be costly. They may not be able to work, which stops their income. They may decide to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re dealing with. These cases can be complex, so working with someone who can assist with the process is beneficial.
