Motor vehicle crashes are leading cause of spinal cord injuries

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center says more than 300,000 Americans are living with spinal cord trauma, and motor vehicle crashes caused nearly half of those injuries. Devastating spinal injuries bring long-lasting or permanent consequences and profound financial impacts.

Damage to any part of a person’s spinal cord often causes permanent changes to their strength, sensation and affects other body functions below the site of an injury. Those who are injured are likely also to suffer mental, emotional and social repercussions.

Symptoms of a spinal injury

Emergency medical treatment for a spinal cord injury may be necessary if you experience any of these signs:

• Excessive back pain or pressure in your head, neck or back
• Paralysis or weakness in any part of your body
• Loss of sensation or numbness and tingling in your hands, toes or feet
• Losing control of your bladder or bowels
• Difficulty walking or balance issues
• Breathing problems after an accident

Err on the side of caution

Anyone who suffers a severe blow to their head or neck should immediately call 911. The Mayo Clinic recommends assuming anyone with significant back or neck pain has a spinal cord injury because:

• Severe spinal injuries aren’t always apparent, and if symptoms are not recognized, more severe injuries can result
• Paralysis or a loss of feeling may happen immediately, but can also take longer to appear as bleeding or swelling occurs in or near the spinal cord
• The time between a crash and treating a spinal cord injury can be crucial for the severity and extent of complications as well as recovery time

Seek compassionate legal representation

Spinal cord injuries can happen in an instant requiring extensive medical treatment and causing overwhelming expenses. If you or a family member have been injured as a result of someone’s negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney here in Texas can help you recover the compensation you deserve.