Motor vehicle accidents are always an inconvenience. Sometimes, they can be life-altering, too. In fact, nearly half of all spinal cord injuries are a result of such accidents. They can happen because of a poorly designed vehicle, neglected roads, dangerous weather conditions and poor driving. Regardless of the cause, these injuries can be serious and require a great deal of ongoing medical care.
Vehicle-related spinal cord injuries include many different types of injuries — from whiplash to vertebral fractures and herniated discs to a severing of the spinal cord, which can cause partial or full paralysis. Depending on your symptoms, you will likely undergo different types of testing to determine diagnosis and treatment plans.
Outcomes depend on the type and severity of injury
Treating your spinal cord injury depends on the type of injury and how severe it is. Something like whiplash may require chiropractic care and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, while more severe injuries may require consistent physical therapy, nerve blocks, corticosteroid shots and even surgery. Injuries resulting in full or partial paralysis may also require medical equipment such as wheelchairs and other devices to assist you.
It is unfortunate and frustrating that something like a split-second crash can have such long or permanent repercussions. Treatment and care can become a financial, physical and emotional hardship that you have to work through for months and years to come. This is why it may be wise to consider pursuing a personal injury claim.
If you were not at fault, you deserve to receive compensation for the costs associated with care. You may even be entitled to a recovery of lost wages and benefits resulting from your inability to work in the same capacity as you once could. With legal guidance, you can determine the best option for you.