Spinal Cord Injuries from Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Spinal cord injuries that lead to civil claims typically occur when a person receives a blow to the back, causing damage to the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. Many injuries will likely cause short- or long-term paralysis.
According to North Carolina Digital Collections, spinal cord injuries are a significant cause of long-term disabilities and death in this state. Furthermore, statistics show the most typical causes are car accidents and falls. For legal help or more information on spinal cord injuries, contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer at Edwards Injury Law.
Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
According to reports from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, about 17,810 injuries occur in the United States each year. Damage to the spinal cord could affect sensory and motor functions and often leads to paralysis. Most individuals who sustain damage to the spinal cord have long-term or permanent disabilities after the accident.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
There are some common causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States.
Car Accidents
Many spinal cord injuries occur in car accidents. Some of the common symptoms a person may show after the accident include:
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling sensations
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of control of body movement
- Symptoms may be apparent immediately or develop later after swelling occurs.
- Truck Accidents
When a passenger car is in an accident with a commercial truck, the results are often devastating. The truck’s size and weight elevate the chances of sustaining severe damages, such as a spinal cord injury, drastically.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are at a high risk of sustaining severe and life-threatening injuries in collisions. They do not have the same protections as other motorists, and about 25% of motorcycle accidents lead to various types of spinal cord injuries.
Slip & Fall Accidents
Falls are the second leading cause of all spinal cord injuries and the leading cause for adults over 65 years of age. In many cases, these slip and fall injuries are the result of negligence of a property owner.
Acts of Violence, Including Assault
Violent acts, including blunt force trauma and gunshot wounds, may lead to severe injuries to the spinal cord. Physical assault and other acts of violence absolutely can result in spinal cord injuries, oftentimes resulting in paralysis.
Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries
Currently, there is no remedy to reverse the damages from serious and permanent spinal cord injuries. Yet, treatment is available to prevent further damage and help people live a more productive life. After an accident and spinal cord injury, medical professionals will focus on:
- Neck and back support to avoid further damage.
- They provide respiratory support to prevent breathing problems.
- Pain management to prevent shock.
- They provide medical care to avoid potential complications, such as blood clots and cardiovascular difficulties.
- Physical rehabilitation services and medical devices allow many people to lead independent and productive lives.
The Different Forms of Paralysis Resulting from Spinal Cord Injuries
A person may suffer one of the four major types of paralysis after a spinal cord injury. The type of paralysis largely depends on where the damages occur on the back or neck. The four types of paralysis include:
- Monoplegia is paralysis that affects one arm or leg, although the arm is most common.
- Hemiplegia is a partial paralysis that affects one side of the body, including an arm, leg, and one side of the face.
- Paraplegia is paralysis that affects the lower portion of the body, including the legs and trunk.
- Quadriplegia is paralysis affecting all four limbs and the torso.
Individuals may also suffer from partial or total paralysis, which could be temporary or permanent.
What To Do If You Suffered A Spinal Cord Injury
If you suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. A civil court will often consider a spinal cord injury and paralysis a catastrophic injury and award damages accordingly. Compensation could cover costs, including all medical expenses related to the accident, losing pay and future income potential, home modifications and transportation, and mental anguish and pain and suffering.
Because catastrophic injuries are expensive, the defendant and their insurance company will often argue the plaintiff’s actions caused the damage. The insurance agencies also commonly attempt to settle quickly at much too low amounts. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can handle insurance company communication and negotiations on the injured party’s behalf. We have the experience to fight for the full and just award amount you need for recovery.
The Statute of Limitations
After an accident and suffering a spinal cord injury, the statute of limitations restricts the plaintiff’s time to file the legal action for damages. Under the North Carolina General Statutes section § 1-52, the claimant must sue within three years of the cause of action. Every action is unique, and there are various exceptions to the statute. A knowledgeable attorney at Edwards Injury Law, experienced with spinal cord injuries, can help answer questions and help you understand these civil law statutes.
How Edwards Injury Law Can Help You After Your Spinal Cord Injury
If negligence caused you or someone you love to suffer a spinal cord injury in an avoidable accident, you have legal rights. An injury of this type will have catastrophic and devastating effects on your life, and the court will hold the careless party accountable. A compassionate and trustworthy lawyer at Edwards Injury Law can help you collect the compensation necessary for quality medical care and other expenses. Contact us today.
Related
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Negligent Security
Slip and Fall Accidents
