Vehicle Accidents are the Leading Cause of Spinal Cord Injuries

 Posted on November 07, 2022 in Personal Injury

Nearly 300,000 people have a spinal injury in the United States and most people sustain spinal cord injuries through no fault of their own. For the last seven years, vehicle crashes have led to about 39 percent of all spinal cord injuries. After a spinal cord injury, things you may take for granted, such as driving or cooking, become more difficult and, in severe cases, impossible. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Whenever there is a stressful situation, we have a fight or flight response. At the time of a violent crash, back injuries are not always obvious right away. If the symptoms are delayed, you may not even link the pain to the car accident. But spinal cord injuries could cause problems if left untreated, including the following:

• Paralysis – Numbness, and paralysis occur when there is swelling and bleeding in or around your spinal cord

• Back Pain – Slowly developing back pain caused by strained muscles could develop into long-term back problems

• Disc Damage – A vehicle accident can cause discs to tear, shift or rupture causing radiating pain throughout the body

• Spinal Fractures – The impact of a crash can put pressure on the spine, causing a spinal fracture. This can cause spondylolisthesis, a condition in which the fractured vertebra places pressure on the spinal column. Symptoms include pain and numbness as well as issues with bladder control

• Whiplash – One of the most common injuries during car accidents is whiplash. In some cases, the tendons and ligaments in the neck and spine can stretch as a result of the crash, causing pain and mobility challenges

Delayed Prognosis

People can suffer from significant short and long-term problems if they sustain a spinal cord injury. Some people will need surgery, opioids, and physical therapy. Your treatment will depend on the specific injury. But remember sometimes symptoms will only become noticeable over time. 

We understand just how devastating these injuries can be. Often testing and lab work takes time before you have a prognosis for recovery. However, some insurance companies will try to offer you a quick settlement before you even have a full picture of all of your injuries. Our goal is to determine the extent of your injury and the impact it will have on the quality of your life. Before you accept a settlement, you should consult with a skilled attorney at Newland & Newland, LLP.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident our experienced attorneys will review your medical records and provide guidance. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have obtained many favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients. Call 847-797-8000 for a free consultation with an Arlington Heights spinal cord injury attorney who will try to help you with your legal matter.

Sources:

https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/

https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf