Injuries to the neck and spine are common in car accidents. In fact, vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These injuries can range from mild to severe, and can cause catastrophic injuries and death. Once a spinal cord injury has occurred, it may be irreversible. And even when recovery is possible, spinal cord injuries can take months – and sometimes years – to heal.
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF A SPINAL CORD INJURY
After an accident, if you suspect someone has sustained a neck or spinal cord injury, do not attempt to move that person. This could result in serious complications, and possibly permanent paralysis.
Symptoms of spinal cord injuries vary depending both on the severity of the injury, as well as the location of the injury on the spinal cord. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should assume someone has a spinal cord injury if you observe one or more of the following symptoms:
- A person complains of severe neck pain or severe back pain
- Evidence of a head injury, where the person is going in and out of consciousness
- Injury that includes substantial force to the back or the head
- A person cannot move their neck
- A person’s back or neck is positioned strangely or twisted
- Difficulty walking
- Unconsciousness
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis
- An inability to control one’s limbs, bowel, or bladder
IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE HAS A SPINAL CORD INJURY
The first thing you should do if you suspect someone has a spinal cord injury is contact 911 to get emergency medical help. It is also important to keep the person as still as possible. If the person is wearing a helmet – either a motorcycle helmet or a bicycle helmet – leave it on. Stay calm and let the person know that help is on the way.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT
If you have been injured in a car accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Miller Kory Rowe, LLP, our attorneys specialize in car accident cases and spinal cord injuries. We know that spinal cord injury cases require careful review, and that often times, these cases not only involve past medical bills, but future medical bills as well. Neck and spinal cord injury cases are complicated and should always be handled by an experienced attorney.
Contact our office at (602) 648-4045 to set up an appointment to discuss the facts in your case. Our experienced car accident attorneys will meet with you to discuss the accident, your injuries, and your future. We look forward to exploring potential options with you.
