3 Common Spinal Injuries Caused Due to an Auto Accident

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe adverse consequences of a high impact auto accident as it carries a significant part of the peripheral nervous system to the brain. Due to its complex structure, it is one of the highly sensitive areas of the human body. A patient suffering from spinal cord injuries may experience a considerable amount of pain and anguish and must seek immediate medical care, which may prove to be quite expensive.

Therefore, if you have become a victim of an auto accident and sustained spinal injuries, it is important that you hire an experienced auto accident lawyer and file a lawsuit against the negligent party. Let’s check out the three most common spinal injuries that are caused due to an auto accident.

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures can cause excruciating pain and severe medical complications. They mostly take place due to seatbelt malfunction i.e. the lower half of the body is held in place, but the upper half is pulled around due to the pressure of the impact; consequently leading to spinal fractures.

Victims who suffer a compression may feel numbness, bladder problems, weakness in muscles, and acute pain in the affected area. Depending on the severity of the impact, a patient may be treated immobile while others may require surgery.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common types of injury that is sustained in an auto accident involving rear-end wrecks. It occurs when the neck and head are suddenly propelled forward due to the force of an impact while the body remains still. Common symptoms of whiplash are stiffness, pain, fatigue, or blurred vision.

However, it may take a few hours for the symptoms to show; so, a victim may feel completely fine at the scene of the incident. The recovery period is often a few days or weeks, but in some cases, physical therapy may be necessary to alleviate the pain.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs, also referred to as ruptured discs or slipped discs can lead to a serious medical condition and may require surgery. It occurs when the soft cushions or disc between spinal bones protrudes through a crack in the tougher exterior covering. A powerful impact during an auto accident can result in this extremely painful injury.

Due to the excessive pressure applied to the nerve, the pain can radiate through the body. The recovery period is usually two to four months, however, in many cases, surgery may become necessary.

Should I Hire a Lawyer?

Having your case represented by a veteran auto accident lawyer can be highly advantageous to your case. You might already be suffering from pain and recovering from spinal injuries due to an accident. Your attorney will take care of all the legal aspects of your case and devise a strong case in your favor, which, as a result, will allow you to obtain a maximum amount of compensation.

A skillful auto accident lawyer will try to reach a settlement so that you can avoid time-consuming trial and focus on your recovery. If unsuccessful, they will create a strong case in your favor by gathering facts and evidence including your medical records, CCTV footage of the scene of the incident, photos captured at the scene of the incident, amongst others to help you obtain damages for your pain and anguish.

If you wish to find out more about spinal injuries caused due to an auto accident or schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer.