No one looks forward to a traffic accident, especially when there are injuries involved. Nerve damage, in particular, is a serious form of injury that can occur in traffic accidents. Even worse, they are not uncommon. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys handle hundreds of cases, many of which involve people that suffer nerve damage. Here are some key points you should know if you ever suffer from traffic accidents and nerve damage.
What is Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage occurs when nerve cells are stretched, compressed, or severed. Depending on how serious the injury is, such injuries could lead to anything from temporary numbness to permanent paralysis. The damage also depends on what kinds of nerve cells are affected, too. There are three types of nerve cells, and each one of them is crucial for proper bodily functioning:
- Autonomic—controls the various organ systems and functions of the body
- Sensory—regulates the senses and perception
- Motor—responsible for bodily movement
Of course, any nerve damage is to be taken seriously, and combinations of different nerve cells that suffer damage are even more concerning. Additionally, the method of injury contributes to the damage, as well. For instance, blunt force trauma may inflict damage different from that of a deep laceration.
What Are the Symptoms and Conditions?
After a car accident, it may take time for symptoms of nerve damage to appear. In fact, you may not feel anything at all until a week or two after the incident occurred. This is because some nerve damage is caused by soft tissue damage and isn’t easily detectable or felt. However, if you suffer any of these signs, you may have nerve damage:
- A “pins and needles” sensation
- Nausea or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Agitation or irritability
- Sloth, torpor, or lethargy
- Numbness or prickling
- Tingling
- Weakness in the muscles
- Muscle pain
- Twitching or muscle spasms
- Increased sensitivity to a sudden change of temperature
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble with urinating or with bowel movements
If you suffer any of these symptoms seek medical attention immediately. You may have an injury you are unaware of, especially if you don’t perceive any pain or discomfort.
With that said, here are some common conditions that involve nerve damage:
- Neuropathy—This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, i.e. the nerves at the furthest extremities of the body. Typically, there may be numbness/weakness starting at the fingertips/toe tips. The nerves begin to die backwards, increasing the numbness/weakness as the disease spreads inwards toward the center of the body.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)—When the brain suffers serious trauma or damage (not uncommon in traffic accidents), serious consequences can occur. Everything from temporary vision problems to impaired learning, attention, and intellectual capacities. The most severe TBI can even result in death.
- Radiculopathy—When the nerves that exit the spinal column suffer extreme pressure or compression, radiculopathy can be the result. Most commonly, this condition occurs in the lower back, but it can also occur in the neck and in the middle of the back. Typically, symptoms include weakness, numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas.
- Whiplash—During a car accident, your neck may rapidly jerk back and forth. This can cause your nerves to become stretched, pinched, or even severed. It’s important to drive with a properly adjusted headrest, and always wear your seatbelt! Whiplash is serious, and its symptoms may not appear until long after the accident.
What Are the Treatments?
Treatments vary depending on the condition, the severity, and many other variables. Sometimes, physical therapy or chiropractic care may be enough to restore motion in a weak limb or address painful injuries to your spine. Other times, surgery is required to put nerves back together. It all depends on the circumstances.
Regardless, make sure you’re dealing with a competent healthcare professional. Medical malpractice is more common than you’d think, and healthcare professionals shouldn’t get away with their negligent actions. If you suffer from negligent medical treatment, contact Lerner and Rowe immediately; we’ll work with you.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
A personal injury lawyer can help you seek your rightful compensation after an automotive accident. If you’ve suffered an injury that was due to the negligence of others, they shouldn’t get away with their reckless actions, leaving you suffering and with nothing to pay for your medical bills. A personal injury attorney can help in the following ways:
- Gather Evidence—The professionals from Lerner and Rowe can put together a team that will investigate the incident. Pieces of evidence will be gathered until our attorneys have a complete picture of what exactly occurred.
- Negotiate—Our attorneys know how to navigate the law and negotiate with insurance companies, medical experts, and others involved in your personal injury case. Rather than settling for the bare minimum, our team will assess what your case is worth to obtain a fair deal.
- Represent—You don’t have to worry about legal mumbo-jumbo. That’s what we are here for. We will represent you from beginning to end, inside and outside the courtroom. You should focus on healing and recovering, while your legal counsel focuses on the battle for your compensation.
Have Questions About Traffic Accidents and Nerve Damage?
If you have questions about traffic accidents and nerve damage, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys right away. Our professional personal injury lawyers know the law inside and out, and we will work tirelessly for your compensation. Consultations are absolutely free, and we don’t collect a penny until we win your case. So don’t wait; get in touch today!
Call us anytime at (702) 877-1500. You can also reach us online through a contact form or through our convenient LiveChat feature.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.