Spinal cord injuries from car accidents are common and impact a victim’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the US, ranging from minor fractures to complete paralysis.
Understanding the symptoms of spinal cord injuries and seeking medical treatment will increase recovery chances. This guide will show what to do after a spinal cord injury and why an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can help you while you deal with these ailments.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Cervical Injuries
Cervical injuries occur in the neck and are the most severe type of spinal cord injuries. High-speed collisions can cause severe injuries like spinal fractures or spinal cord damage, leading to permanent disabilities and interrupting essential central nervous system function. The cervical spine has 7 vertebrae C1 to C7 and injuries here can cause quadriplegia which is paralysis of both arms and legs. Damage here can affect breathing and requires ventilator support. The higher up the cervical spine the more function lost.
Thoracic Injuries
The thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae T1 to T12 and is in the upper and mid-back. Spinal fractures in this region, often resulting from car accidents, can cause paraplegia which affects the lower body and legs and typically leaves the arms and upper body functions intact. These injuries can cause significant impairment but often allow the patient to be independent with proper rehab and adaptive devices.
Lumbar Injuries
Lumbar injuries affect the lower back which has 5 vertebrae L1 to L5. Herniated discs can also occur in the lumbar region, often as a result of trauma such as car accidents, leading to leaked fluid that affects the spinal nerves. Damage to the lumbar spine can also cause paraplegia but the level of impairment is less severe than thoracic injuries. Patients may lose function in the hips and legs but have control of the upper body and can often manage with mobility aids and physical therapy.
Sacral Injuries
Injuries to the sacral spine which is below the lumbar spine and has 5 fused vertebrae (S1 to S5) are less common but can still cause significant impairment. These injuries often affect the pelvic organs, lower limbs and bowel and bladder control. Sacral injuries may not cause complete paralysis but can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and requires medical and rehab care.
Symptoms and Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
Immediate
Spinal injury symptoms can cause immediate pain, weakness or paralysis below the injury site. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling and loss of sensation. Severe cases can affect breathing especially with high cervical injuries.
Long term effects
Paralysis is the major long term effect, quadriplegia from cervical injuries and paraplegia from thoracic and lumbar injuries. Chronic pain often persists and requires ongoing management.
Autonomic Dysfunction
Injuries can affect the autonomic nervous system and can cause blood pressure, heart rate and temperature control issues. Autonomic dysreflexia a serious condition causing sudden hypertension is common with injuries above T6.
Respiratory Complications
High cervical injuries can weaken breathing muscles and increase the risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia. Long term mechanical ventilation may be required for severe cases.
Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
Injuries can cause incontinence, urinary retention and constipation and requires catheters and bowel management programs and can impact daily life greatly.
How a Car Accident Causes Spinal Injuries
Impact Forces
Traumatic spinal injury in car accidents is caused by the impact force. A sudden blow can fracture or dislocate vertebrae and compress or sever the spinal cord. Even minor accidents can cause significant trauma if the force is directed to the spine.
Seat Belt and Airbag Injuries
While seatbelts and airbags are important for safety, they can sometimes cause spinal injuries. Seatbelts can cause hyperflexion or hyperextension of the spine and airbags although designed to protect can deliver a powerful force to the upper body and can injure the cervical spine.
Head and Body Position
The position of the head and body at the time of impact is crucial. A turned or tilted head can cause asymmetric loading on the spine and increase the risk of injury. Improper seating position can also magnify the forces on the spinal column during a crash.
Speed and Impact Angle
The speed of the crash and the angle of impact greatly affects the severity of spinal injuries. High speed crashes generate more force and increases the chances of severe spinal damage. The angle of impact whether head on, rear end or side impact also determines the type and extent of spinal injury.
Vehicle Safety Features
While modern vehicles have many safety features, they don’t always work as expected. Malfunctioning seatbelts, defective airbags or inadequate structural integrity can fail to protect the occupants and increase the risk of spinal injuries.
Treatment and Recovery
Immediate Medical Attention
Injury from a car can lead to a spinal cord injury, making immediate medical attention crucial. Immediate evaluation and stabilization can prevent further damage. X-rays and MRIs are used to determine the extent of the injury and guide treatment.
Medication
Medications are given to reduce swelling and inflammation around the spinal cord. Steroids is given to minimize secondary damage in the first few hours after the injury. Pain management is also important to relieve acute pain.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine, remove bone fragments or decompress the spinal cord. Surgical intervention is to prevent further injury and to maximize recovery. Timing and type of surgery depends on the injury.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a big part of recovery. Physical therapy is to improve strength, mobility and function. Occupational therapy is to help patients adapt to daily activities and regain independence. Consistent and tailored rehabilitation program is key to long term recovery.
Long-term Care
Long term care involves ongoing medical supervision and support. This may include periodic checkups, adjustments to treatment plans and ongoing rehabilitation. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or braces and home modifications may be needed to adapt to changes in mobility and function.
Legal Considerations
Victims of spinal injuries from car accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. Filing a claim requires medical documentation and evidence of the accident to prove the extent of the injuries.
If another driver is at fault, victims can sue for damages including economic losses (medical bills, lost income) and non-economic losses (pain, emotional distress). An experienced personal injury lawyer is needed to guide you through the process.
Insurance companies may deny injury claims and argue about severity and necessity of treatment. Legal representation will ensure victims get what they are entitled to.
Having legal support is important for negotiations, court appearance and guidance throughout the process so victims can focus on recovery. Knowing the legalities is key to getting compensation and long term support for spinal injuries from car accidents.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Spinal cord injuries are a serious matter and can have devastating effects if they are not treated immediately. While you are dealing with this injury, our dedicated team at GMV Law Group can help with the legal matters. We understand how stressful and costly these kinds of injuries can be, so let us help you with your claim.
New clients get a free case evaluation, so contact us today at 404-975-4878!
