According to SciProgress.com, at least 243,000 individuals are affected by spinal cord injuries. The most common cause of a spinal cord injury is a car accident. While many car accidents only lead to minor injuries, other accidents can cause a spinal cord injury that might leave you paralyzed for life. If the car accident wasn't your fault, there's no reason why you should be expected to pay for your spinal cord injuries.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Work
The spinal cord is a long, tubular structure filled with nerves. This is encased in a column of bones known as the vertebrae, and each part is separated by discs made from cartilage. While a vertebra is very durable, the force of the crash can be enough to shatter it.
Unfortunately, most spinal cord injuries do not heal quickly and you will likely suffer from health problems down the road. The damage done to your spinal cord might leave you paralyzed underneath the point where you suffered the accident. For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury near your waist, you may be paralyzed from the waist down. Other health problems you might experience include:
- Pain and tingling
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Digestive issues
- Loss of feeling
- Spasms
- A stinging sensation in the back
Immediately after the car accident, you will want to be examined by a medical professional who can find out what type of health problems you may be suffering from as a result of a potential spine injury. In some cases, you may not only be entitled to compensation for medical bills, but you may also be entitled to lost wages and lost future potential earnings.
Seek the Compensation You Deserve
After a car accident, you may be contacted by the insurance provider of the other motorist when the evidence points to the other motorist being at fault. Most often, the insurance provider will attempt to offer a settlement that is much lower than what you deserve. Accepting a lower settlement can be catastrophic because spinal injuries may require years of medical treatment. You may be anxious to receive compensation quickly, but this can backfire when you burn through your settlement funds.
A car accident lawyer will understand the common tricks that an insurance provider may use to reduce your settlement. The car accident lawyer will also help you understand how much your settlement should be worth by calculating the common expenses you might face.
If the insurance provider does not want to offer the settlement you deserve, you'll have the option of taking the case to court and your car accident lawyer will prepare a case and present it on your behalf.
For more information, contact a car accident lawyer.