CHICAGO, IL – Severe car accident injuries can lead to spinal cord injuries and can potentially impact a victim for a lifetime. The car accident attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group understand the unique issues that victims face when an accident results in a spinal cord injury. If you or a loved one is facing an injury, there are important things that you should know.
Not all spinal cord injuries are the same
Spinal cord injuries in car accidents may involve various components. The spine is comprised of both the spinal cord and the vertebral column, and the vertebrae protects the spinal cord. Between the vertebrae, there are protective disks that provide cushion and shock absorption. There are many pairs of nerves and nerve roots in the spinal cord that send and receive signals throughout the body.
When a spinal cord injury happens, there are many parts of the spine that are impacted. The exact nature of the injury depends on what is injured, the extent of the trauma and the personal characteristics of the person injured. Full and fair recovery for a spinal cord injury claim requires understanding the exact nature of the injury and its impact on the victim.
Symptoms can be deceiving
Spinal cord injuries may not be immediately apparent following a car accident. If there are symptoms, they may not be easily recognized as spinal trauma. If the injuries are not sufficiently stabilized, movement may cause additional injury.
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may manifest as pain, numbness, difficulty moving, muscle spasms, loss of control of the bladder or bowel and difficulty breathing. A victim may think they need rest or mistake their symptoms for something that isn’t serious. If you’re involved in a car accident, you should know that symptoms of serious injury may not appear for some time after the accident. Seek emergency medical care if there is any possibility of an injury.
Car accident injuries can cause severe spinal cord injuries
Car accidents can produce severe spinal cord injuries. The most common car accident event resulting in a spinal cord injury is car rollover. Younger adults, particularly the ages of 21 to 40, tend to be affected disproportionately. Because of their young age, it causes a great negative impact on their social and economic outlook.
Evaluation of the patient and the creation of a medical care plan should occur with an appreciation of the potential severity of the injuries.
A spinal cord injury claim will likely require expert testimony
Some of the highest-value car accident claims are ones involving spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries may cause a range of physical limitations in victims, including paralysis. A full recovery may be unlikely in any case where paralysis persists for three or more days following injury. However, there are still important quality of life and medical care provisions that the victim can benefit from throughout their lifetime. Available treatment has improved over time, like the availability of antibiotics for addressing complications.
Receiving fair compensation for a car accident spinal cord injury is likely to require expert testimony. South Carolina law allows the use of an expert to assist the trier of fact to understand evidence or a fact in issue. Medical experts can explain the nature and extent of the injury as well as the long-term prognosis and care needs of the victim. Economic experts may explain the costs associated with future care needs and the likely impact on the victim’s career and overall economic outlook.
Illinois does not cap damages for pain and suffering
A damage cap places a statutory limit on how much a plaintiff can recover from a defendant. Illinois has no limitation on how much compensation a claimant can receive for pain and suffering damages in a personal injury case.
Victims may face extensive and potentially lifelong medical care needs. Medical bills alone are likely to be extensive for any spinal cord injury claim. If the defendant is legally liable for the victim’s damages, the victim may claim them. With diligent case preparation, all appropriate damages can be claimed and compensated.
Competent medical care is critical
The medical care that a victim receives following a spinal injury is important. Medical malpractice after an accident can make injuries much worse, even catastrophically worse. If medical care fails to meet professional standards, the victim may claim medical malpractice in addition to injuries from the accident. The entire medical record should be reviewed for the possibility of a medical malpractice claim, especially if additional injuries or irregularities in care occurred.
Attorneys for Spinal Cord Injuries in Car Accidents
If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident injury involving the spinal cord, the Dinizulu Law Group is here to represent you in claiming the compensation you deserve. It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible due to the statute of limitations allowing a limited amount of time to pursue a lawsuit for your car accident, truck accident or motorcycle crash. Contact us by filling out this form or by calling us at (312) 384-1920 for guidance on your rights, insurance filing requirements and legal options toward damage compensation. Don’t wait – contact us today!
