A spine injury can occur during any motor vehicle accident. The sudden impact of motor vehicle accidents can cause the vertebrae to compress, leading to a spinal cord injury.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact a car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, guide you through the legal process, and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings. In addition, they will work to get you a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we have years of experience helping car accident victims get the money they need to rebuild their lives. We know how to fight for our clients, and we will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries After a Car Accident
Compression Fractures
A compression fracture is a common type of spine injury. It occurs when one or more vertebrae collapses, compressing the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs. In some cases, a compression fracture can cause permanent paralysis.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are a common type of injury after a car accident. A herniated disc is when the disc’s soft center pushes out through the tough outer layer. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the neck and arms.
Spinal Cord Contusions
A spinal cord contusion is a bruise to the spinal cord. This type of injury can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. A spinal cord contusion may also result in paralysis.
Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints are the small joints located in the cervical spine and aid in head and neck stabilization and mobility. When these joints are injured during a car accident, it can lead to pain and stiffness in the neck and back.
Lumbar Spine Injuries
The lumbar spine sits below the thoracic spine and consists of five vertebrae. These injuries can occur at any level of the lumbar spine, from the first vertebrae to the fifth vertebrae, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs. In some cases, a lumbar spine injury can cause permanent paralysis.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that can occur after a car accident. It occurs when the space within the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal column and the nerves throughout. This can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. Spinal stenosis may also result in paralysis.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing any of the following spinal cord injury symptoms, seek medical attention right away:
- Neck or back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Diagnosis of a Spinal Cord Injury
There are several ways to diagnose a spinal cord injury. The most common method is imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. These tests can help determine the extent of the injury and whether or not there is damage to the spinal cord.
Other methods used to diagnose a spinal cord injury include electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). EMG is used to test the electrical activity in muscles. NCS is used to measure the speed of nerve impulses.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for a spinal cord injury will vary depending on the severity of the injury. In some cases, rest and pain medication may be all that is needed. However, more severe injuries may require surgery or other forms of treatment.
It is important to seek treatment for a spinal injury as soon as possible. If left untreated, this type of injury can lead to long-term health problems.
Long-Term Complications of a Spinal Cord Injury
It is not uncommon for a car accident victim to experience a back or neck injury and believe that is the extent of their injuries. However, neck injuries such as whiplash and even general back pain can signify a spinal injury, and if left untreated, a spine injury can lead to long-term health problems. Some of the complications that may occur include:
Paralysis
Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in a part of your body. Paralysis can be partial or complete. Partial paralysis means you have some movement and sensation in the affected area. Complete paralysis means you have no movement or sensation in the affected area.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common problem for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists or recurs for more than three months. The cause of chronic pain after a spinal cord injury is not always clear, but it may be due to damage to the nerves or muscles.
Incontinence
Incontinence is the inability to control urination or bowel movements. Incontinence can be a major problem for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury. It can impact the quality of life and lead to social isolation.
Mobility Issues
People who have suffered a spinal cord injury may experience difficulty walking or balancing. This can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can help improve mobility.
Depression
Depression is a common problem for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Depression can be caused by the physical limitations of the injury and the emotional impact of living with a disability. Treatment for depression may include medication, counseling, and support groups.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Spinal Cord Injury After a Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident and have suffered a spine injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim can help you receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine if you are eligible to file a claim. A personal injury lawyer can help to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
What the Fran Haasch Law Group Auto Accident Attorneys Can Do For You
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 21 years of experience, we draw on constant legal research to help clients recover after being injured in auto accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
We Will Get You the Compensation You Deserve
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in cases involving car accidents, as well as claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. Here are a few of our case results:
- $1.8 million for our client in Pinellas County who was injured in a car accident.
- $1.8 million for a 33-year-old female client in Hillsborough County who was lawfully stopped for a left-turning vehicle ahead when she was rear-ended by the defendant vehicle, which was then rear-ended by the vehicle behind it, causing the client to feel two impacts. This resulted in multiple back surgeries and an infection which caused the client to be hospitalized several times.
- $1.6 million for a 25-year-old female passenger on a motorcycle when the defendant cut across the client’s path. The client was thrown over 200 feet from the motorcycle. The accident resulted in a fractured leg, broken finger, back surgery, and many other injuries.
- $1.55 million for a 46-year old male in Pasco County who was stopped at a red light on U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco County and was rear-ended by the defendant at a high rate of speed.
- $1.35 million for a client in Pasco County. The defendant turned left in front of our client, causing the client’s vehicle to flip and resulting in many injuries.
- $1.34 million for a 69-year-old male client in Orange County who was in the left turn lane when the defendant came across his pathway while attempting to turn and collided with the client. The accident resulted in multiple severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, punctured lung, a broken arm that required surgery, and several lacerations.
- $1.3 million for a 33-year-old female client in Pinellas County who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light with her three children in the car with her. The accident resulted in multiple surgeries and complications.
- $1.025 million for our client injured in a car accident in Hillsborough County.
- $1 million for a client in Hillsborough County rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the families of the deceased secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and victims of bicycle, Uber and Lyft, and semi-truck accidents.
If you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 637-0100 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
