The impact of a car crash can do significant damage to the body. Some areas, such as the spinal cord, are more delicate than others.
A spinal cord injury can dramatically alter a person’s life. This is a catastrophic injury that can lead to life-long changes. In the most serious cases, victims may suffer from paralysis or even death.
What kind of problems can spinal cord damage lead to?
Spinal cord injuries always affect the area of the body below the damaged part of the spinal cord. A person who has a lower back injury won’t have as much of the body affected as someone who has an upper back injury.
The functions of all bodily systems can be altered by a spinal cord injury. These can lead to:
- Changes in the ability to feel sensations
- Inability to move limbs and digits
- Trouble breathing or inability to breathe
- Changes in muscle movements
- Incontinence of the bowels or bladder
- Alterations in heart rate
- Sexual dysfunction
Some spinal cord injuries are more likely to heal than others. When the nerve pathways are severed, the injury is complete, and it isn’t as likely to heal as an incomplete injury. The nerve pathways still remain at least partially functional in an incomplete injury.
Individuals who suffer a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle crash can pursue a claim for compensation if the crash was due to another driver’s negligence. Laws in North Carolina limit how long people have to get these claims filed. With experienced legal guidance, you have the best chance of obtaining the compensation you need to deal with your injuries.
