Do Spinal Cord Injuries From a Car Accident Last a Lifetime? 2024

Any injury involving the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, muscle weakness, chronic pain, and other serious health problems. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be asking yourself, do spinal cord injuries from a car accident last a lifetime?

In many cases, people who suffer spinal cord injuries can seek compensation for their injuries. Settlements could cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, modifications to your home, and the cost of rehabilitative therapy.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Vertebrae fractures, herniated or ruptured disks, and other injuries can damage or sever the spinal cord, leading to chronic pain and missed time from work. Even when injuries to the spinal cord do not lead to paralysis, they can impede motor function. Spinal cord injuries can lead to a wrongful death.

Every year in the United States, there are around 18,000 new cases of spinal cord injury reported. An estimated 300,000 Americans live with a past or current spinal cord injury. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include these and other types of accidents.

• Motor vehicle accidents. Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or trucks can cause traumatic spinal injuries.
• Workplace accidents. Injuries sustained on the job due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence can cause back injuries.
• Slip-and-fall accidents. Falls caused by hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper safety measures can seriously injure the neck or spine.
• Medical malpractice. Doctors can make errors that result in surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or other forms of medical negligence that can injure a patient’s spinal cord.
• Sports injuries. Traumatic injuries sustained during high-impact sports or due to inadequate safety protocols and equipment can cause serious back or neck injuries.

No matter what type of accident led to your injury, you can rely on a personal injury attorney to find the proper source of compensation for your spinal cord injury so you can benefit from high-quality medical care.

Recovery Timeline for Spinal Cord Injuries

The first stage of recovery after a spinal cord injury involves immediate hospital care and sometimes surgery. Doctors take steps to ensure the airways are clear and the heart is functioning properly. They may assess movement and sensation in the limbs.

A device called a cervical collar is often used for spinal stability. Imaging tests using MRI or CT scans are often conducted. The focus during this early stage is on limiting damage and preventing complications. Long-term care is often planned before discharge.

The second stage focuses on rehabilitation outside the hospital, including physical and occupational therapy and sometimes counseling. Patients typically stay in a rehabilitation facility for multiple hours per day as part of daily therapy.

Regular doctor checkups may be needed in the first year, along with ongoing rehabilitation. Recovery of bodily function can continue up to 18 months or, in rare cases, even longer.

The quality of a patient’s medical care can greatly influence the recovery timeline. Patients can improve their recovery by relying on the services of a personal injury attorney who can pursue compensation for the injured party.

How Can I Be Compensated for My Spinal Cord Injury?

If you are seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury, your first step should be to hire an attorney who has experience representing clients who have suffered serious back and neck injuries. Your attorney can review your case to see who is financially liable for your injury.

If your spinal cord injury occurred at work, your attorney can file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf that seeks fair compensation that can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses that resulted from your injury.

The claim process for injured workers can be complicated. Any errors can lead to delayed or rejected claims. An attorney who understands the state’s workers’ compensation program can carefully word the claim filing so the insurance carrier understands the extent of your injury and the compensation that you are due.

When the spinal cord injury occurred outside of work, your lawyer can seek compensation from that at-fault party’s insurance carrier or directly from the person who caused the back or neck injury. Spinal cord injuries often occur as a result of a car accident. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance carrier to help you receive a fair settlement.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to pursue additional damages for pain and suffering. When the at-fault party committed serious misconduct, such as physical assault, you can seek punitive damages that punish the defendant for causing you physical harm.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Life Expectancy After a Spinal Cord Injury?

A: Like any serious injury, the life expectancy of someone who suffered a spinal cord injury varies widely. In some cases, the victim can live a full life if they recover or live with certain disabilities. A spinal cord injury can be fatal.

When someone dies as a result of someone else’s misconduct, a representative of their estate can work with an attorney to file a wrongful death claim.

Q: Are Most Spinal Cord Injuries Permanent?

A: Each spinal cord injury is unique. Some people experience mild symptoms and are able to fully recover with proper medical treatment and rehabilitation. When the spinal cord is severely injured or severed, partial or full paralysis can result. The extent of the paralysis depends partly on which vertebrae were injured. Most patients reach maximum recovery at around 18 months after the injury.

Q: Do Spinal Cord Injuries Ever Heal?

A: Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can heal to some extent, but full recovery is often limited. The degree of healing and recovery depends on the severity and location of the injury. The quality of medical care is one factor that can determine whether a spinal cord heals. Receiving compensation from that at-fault party can allow you to access proper care following a spinal cord injury.

Q: What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?

A: When the motorist is uninsured, you can hire a personal injury attorney who can take direct legal action against the at-fault driver. North Carolina laws allow injured parties to demand compensation from the person who caused their injury. Receiving compensation often requires the legal help of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Schedule Your Spinal Cord Injury Consultation Today

A spinal cord injury can lead to high medical bills. Back and neck injuries often require months of treatment and rehabilitation. You do not have to suffer the financial consequence of someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one recently suffered a spinal cord injury, you can hire an attorney to find fair compensation for your pain and suffering and financial losses.

The attorneys at Christina Rivenbark & Associates bring many years of experience to the table, helping clients receive the compensation they need to be properly treated for their neck and back injuries. Our lawyers will not rest until you are fairly compensated for your ordeal and injuries. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.