In a split second, someone’s negligence can cause a car crash that could result in spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries from a car crash can be truly devastating for the victim and their loved ones. These serious injuries often force victims to rely on extensive medical care and assistive care, putting emotional and financial strain. Fortunately, injured victims of car crashes caused by another person’s negligence are entitled to file for compensation. When seeking compensation, it is crucial to consistently and accurately document everything, from immediate medical expenses, treatment, and other damages, as well as future medical expenses.
At MacGillis Wiemer, LLC, our team of Milwaukee car accident attorneys is here to investigate your case and fight to ensure you get the fair and complete compensation you deserve. We are here to support you every step of the way.
What are the Common Spinal Cord Injuries Caused in Car Crashes?
The impact of a car crash can be severe, causing damage to the spine and tissues surrounding it. The violent impact of a vehicle causes the body to push aggressively forward and backward, causing serious or permanent damage to the spinal cord.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: This condition is due to the damage caused to the spine between cervical vertebrae one through eight (C1-C8). This injury can cause paralysis and weakness in the arms and legs, resulting in tetraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Severe Spinal Trauma: This is an injury that happens when the nerve connections in the spinal cord are damaged, causing permanent paralysis or loss of sensation around the damaged area.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition develops when the crash impact damages and constricts space within the spinal cord. This can compress the surrounding nerves, causing pain and weakness.
- Partial Spinal Damage: A particle spinal damage can leave a few nerves intact, while injured victims have limited movement or weakness below the injured area.
Fractured Vertebrae: The impact of the car crash can cause the areas within the spine to crack from pressure and, at times, cause the bone fragment to enter the nearby tissues.
What are the Other Complications That Can Occur & Impact Car Crash Injury Claims?
Other complications from injuries can affect your claim significantly and, over a period of time, add to your medical expenses and recovery time. Document all these complications for complete and fair compensation.
- Many victims face depression, anxiety, and trauma that require mental well-being treatment.
- Limited mobility can develop UTI (urinary tract infections) and bladder dysfunction.
- Severe pain could lead to long-term disability and continuous medical expenses.
- Other body parts are injured due to the primary injury caused by the crash.
- Infections caused by surgical procedures could delay recovery.
What is the Recovery Process From Spinal Cord Injuries?
The main goal when it comes to spinal cord injuries is to prevent further damage and improve the victim’s quality of life. The treatment is a combination of immediate medical care and rehabilitation to promote long-term recovery and well-being.
Immediate Care:
- Stabilizing the Injury: The initial step in the recovery is stabilizing the injury, which involves immobilizing the spine to prevent further any damage that could worsen the condition.
- Primary Medication: Medication is administered to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain around the spine.
- Surgical Procedures: In serious cases, surgery is needed to address fractured vertebrae or stabilize the spine.
Rehabilitation:
- Physiotherapy: These non-invasive treatments help victims regain strength and mobility to improve the recovery process.
- Occupational Therapy: This focuses on helping victims adapt to mobility restrictions and be as independent as possible.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Car Crash-Related Spinal Cord Injury?
Wisconsin’s Modified Comparative Negligence allows victims who are partially at fault to seek compensation for the damages caused to them. If you are found to have a percentage of fault for the car crash, the compensation awarded to you will be deducted by the specific amount.
Compensation for a Car Crash-Related Spinal Cord Injury
- Medical Expenses: This covers immediate medical care, surgeries, and other rehabilitation costs, as well as current and future medical costs.
- Lost Employment & Earning: Compensation for lost income and future earnings that impact your ability to earn a living.
- Pain & Trauma: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
Injured in a Car Crash? Get in Touch with MacGillis Wiemer, LLC
At our trusted law firm, we understand how overwhelming the legal procedures can be. Our compassionate team of car accident lawyers in Milwaukee is helping you fight for justice. We have a proven track record of helping injured victims and cases that involve spinal cord cases. So, if you or your loved one is a victim of another person’s negligence, let us protect you. Schedule an appointment with us today.