Car wrecks often involve a significant impact that jars the body. This can have many different effects on various parts of the body, including the spinal cord. Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most catastrophic injuries that a person can face because of a motor vehicle crash.
Spinal cord injuries are often evident at the scene. Typically, a person with this type of injury will experience back pain or an inability to move part of the body. Those are signs that immediate immobilization is necessary. These victims should be taken for emergency medical care, likely at a trauma center.
Spinal cord injuries vary greatly
The spinal cord stretches from the base of the skull to the tailbone. When any portion of the spinal cord suffers damage, the area below the injured spot is likely to be impacted. This means that injuries in the lower back can affect the lower limbs, but not the upper limbs.
The extent of damage to the nerves can also affect how much the injury impacts the individual. If the nerves are fully severed, the person isn’t likely going to recover complete function. Injuries that involve nerves that are still connected, even partially, may have a better recovery.
Victims of motor vehicle crashes who suffer a spinal cord injury often need considerable medical care, which can be costly. They may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re dealing with. State law limits the time victims have to file their claim, so it may be beneficial for them to work with someone familiar with these matters.
