Recognizing Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury

Car accidents that involve violent roll-overs and impacts have a higher chance of leading to spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering and life-threatening depending on the site of the injury and how the injury is handled after the accident. Any wrong move after suffering damage to the spinal cord could worsen the injury. This is why recognizing the common signs of a spinal cord injury is essential for providing yourself, or anyone else with a spinal cord injury, safe care. Talk to a Delaware personal injury lawyer if the car accident was caused by a negligent driver.

SIGNS OF A SPINAL INJURY

There are common signs of a spinal cord injury to look out for when determining what to do after a car accident. If you or someone else displays some of these signs, be sure to keep them still until paramedics arrive. A spinal cord injury involves fractured vertebrae, which can further pierce and damage the spinal cord if the person moves the wrong way. Further damage could worsen symptoms and that person’s lifetime prognosis.

Signs of a serious spinal cord injury include:

• Intense back pain or pressure.
• Problems with coordination when walking.
• Struggles with breathing.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Sense of weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations in hands, feet, or other body parts.

Less serious signs may indicate a minor spinal cord injury, but should still be addressed by medical professionals. These signs can involve a loss of movement, muscle spasms, unexplained pain, and changes in your sense of touch. Not all spinal cord injuries are apparent. This is why you should carefully look for other signs of this type of injury if you experience any kind of back pain after a hit to your spine.

The consequences of not seeking medical help or experiencing a serious spinal cord injury can be lifelong. Some people may no longer be able to walk, breathe, or care for themselves.

FILING A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

With a life-altering injury like this, you might be wondering how you could receive compensation. You may be eligible for compensation if the car accident was caused by the negligence of another driver. Negligence can mean breaking traffic laws, driving recklessly, or making a serious driving error. Proving negligence can be a complex process. This is why collecting evidence after the accident by taking pictures and consulting with a lawyer can be important for building a strong personal injury claim.

The types of compensation you could be eligible for include medical expenses and lost wages. Spinal cord injuries with permanent disabilities tend to warrant additional compensation for pain and suffering along with future lost wages and loss of enjoyment.

CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN DELAWARE

Consider hiring a Delaware car accident lawyer if you experienced a spinal cord injury after a car accident caused by another driver. Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (302) 295-5050 for a consultation today. We are located in Wilmington, Deleware. Working with an experienced lawyer sooner than later is often vital for securing your claim for compensation.