Spinal cord injury after a truck accident can be devastating, leading to permanent disability, chronic pain, and a significant impact on your quality of life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury from a truck accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal options.
Seeking legal guidance from an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents, especially those involving large commercial vehicles, often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and force of the impact.
Among the most severe injuries caused by these accidents are spinal cord injuries (SCI).
In this blog, we will explore the causes, types, and consequences of spinal cord injuries after truck accidents, as well as why seeking legal guidance for spinal cord injury is crucial to ensure you are properly compensated for your suffering.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury and How Does It Happen After a Truck Accident?
A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the rest of the body.
Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or total loss of movement and sensation below the level of the injury.
In truck accidents, spinal cord injuries can occur in various ways, including whiplash, which is a sudden, forceful movement of the neck that can cause severe damage to the spinal cord.
Understanding how spinal cord injuries occur in truck accidents can provide insight into the severity of the injury.
The force of the collision may lead to a crushing injury to the spine, and if the truck rolls over, the impact and compression can cause significant injury to the spine.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Spinal cord injuries resulting from truck accidents often lead to severe spinal injuries in truck accidents, which can result in permanent disabilities like quadriplegia or paraplegia.
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
This occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed, resulting in complete paralysis below the injury site.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
This occurs when the spinal cord is partially damaged, allowing some sensation and movement below the injury site.
These injuries can result in varying degrees of paralysis, such as quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) or paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs).
Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries After Truck Accidents
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most severe injuries that can result from a truck accident.
The symptoms can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Below, we’ll explore the common symptoms of spinal cord injuries that may occur after a truck accident, and explain how these symptoms affect your body.
Loss of Movement
One of the most alarming symptoms of a spinal cord injury is the loss of movement below the level of the injury. This can result in partial or total paralysis.
The extent of the paralysis depends on the severity of the injury, the location of the damage, and whether the spinal cord is completely severed or partially damaged.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
If the injury occurs in the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, it can lead to quadriplegia, which is paralysis of all four limbs.
Paraplegia
If the injury occurs lower in the spine (thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions), it may result in paraplegia, which causes paralysis in the lower limbs (legs and torso).
In some cases, individuals may retain the ability to move their arms but experience severe limitations in their legs and torso.
The loss of movement can also affect motor control, which can impact your ability to perform daily tasks such as walking, lifting objects, or even controlling certain bodily functions like bladder and bowel movements.
Pain
Severe back or neck pain is a hallmark symptom of spinal cord injuries.
This pain can be a direct result of the trauma caused by the truck accident, especially if there is compression, dislocation, or fractures in the vertebrae.
Acute Pain
Immediately after the injury, you may experience sharp, excruciating pain at the site of the injury, often felt in the back or neck.
The pain can radiate outward to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs, and worsen with movement.
Chronic Pain
Even after initial treatment, some spinal cord injury victims develop chronic pain that persists over time.
This is often due to nerve damage or inflammation around the spinal cord.
Some patients may experience neuropathic pain, where nerve damage causes a constant sensation of burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the limbs or torso.
Numbness or Tingling
Following a spinal cord injury, you may notice unusual sensations such as numbness or tingling, especially in the limbs, hands, or feet.
This is often a sign that the spinal cord’s ability to transmit signals is compromised.
Paraesthesia
This sensation of “pins and needles” or a “falling asleep” feeling is often felt in the extremities and can be an early sign of nerve damage.
It may also be an indication that the spinal cord is not properly communicating with the brain, impairing sensory function.
Loss of Sensation
Over time, the numbness can develop into complete loss of sensation.
This can affect your ability to feel heat, cold, or touch, which can increase the risk of burns or injuries without you even noticing.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing problems are particularly concerning for individuals with spinal cord injuries at higher levels of the spine (e.g., cervical spinal cord injuries).
Since the spinal cord controls the muscles involved in respiration, an injury in the upper regions of the spine can disrupt this function, causing serious complications.
Diaphragm Paralysis
The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing.
If the injury affects the cervical spine, it can paralyze the diaphragm, leading to difficulty breathing and even complete respiratory failure.
This is a medical emergency and often requires mechanical ventilation.
Shallow Breathing
Even if the injury doesn’t fully paralyze the diaphragm, it may cause shallow breathing, leading to low oxygen levels in the body and requiring oxygen supplementation or more intensive care.
Difficulty Coughing or Clearing the Lungs
A spinal cord injury may also impair your ability to cough effectively, putting you at risk for respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other lung-related complications.
Why Legal Guidance Is Critical After a Spinal Cord Injury from a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury from a truck accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal options.
Seeking Spinal Cord Injury Truck Accident Legal Help from an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
You can learn more about the importance of having a lawyer in truck accident cases, especially for spine or brain injuries, by reading our detailed guide on Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer for Spine or Brain Injuries?.
Determining Liability
Spinal cord injury lawsuits can involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the vehicle manufacturer.
An experienced spinal injury lawyer can help determine who is responsible for your injury.
Maximizing Compensation
Legal guidance ensures that you pursue all potential forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
A personal injury lawyer can help you get the maximum settlement for your injury.
Navigating the Legal Process
Truck accident cases involving spinal injuries are often complex.
An attorney will handle all aspects of the case, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if needed.
The Legal Process for Spinal Cord Injury Truck Accident Claims
If you decide to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit after a truck accident, here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
Consultation with a Lawyer
During your first meeting with an attorney, you’ll discuss the details of your accident and the severity of your injury.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Your lawyer will gather all necessary documents, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Filing the Claim
Once all the evidence is collected, your lawyer will file a formal claim against the responsible parties.
Negotiation and Settlement
Most truck accident injury claims are settled out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for you.
Trial (if necessary)
If a fair settlement is not reached, your lawyer may proceed to trial to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Spinal Cord Injury Compensation: What Can You Expect?
The compensation you may receive after a truck accident spinal cord injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on your quality of life, and the long-term medical needs.
Common types of damages include:
Medical Expenses
Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages
If you are unable to work due to your injury, you may be compensated for lost income.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the emotional distress and physical pain caused by the injury.
Future Care Costs
If the injury requires long-term care or rehabilitation, this can also be included in the settlement.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injuries from big rig accidents often result in catastrophic consequences, including truck accident TBI and spinal cord injuries.
Seeking legal help is vital to ensure fair compensation for the victims.
Spinal cord injuries after a truck accident can have life-changing consequences, including permanent paralysis, chronic pain, and the need for long-term medical care.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it is essential to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Truck accident spinal injury lawyers play a crucial role in helping you navigate the legal process and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injury.
Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the legal process and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us now for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice and compensation.
FAQs
What causes spinal cord injuries in truck accidents?
Spinal cord injuries in truck accidents can occur due to the high impact of the crash, whiplash, or vehicle rollovers. The force of the accident can compress, fracture, or sever the spine.
How do I know if I have a case for a spinal cord injury lawsuit?
If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, such as a truck driver’s actions or the trucking company’s lack of maintenance, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Consulting with a truck accident spinal injury lawyer will help determine if you have a valid claim.
Can I sue a trucking company for a spinal cord injury?
Yes, if the trucking company or its driver was negligent, you can file a lawsuit against the company for compensation related to your spinal cord injury from a truck accident.
How much compensation can I receive for a spinal cord injury after a truck accident?
Compensation varies based on the severity of your injury, the extent of long-term care needed, and the impact on your life. A truck accident injury lawyer can help estimate your potential settlement.
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit after a truck accident?
The statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits typically ranges from one to three years, depending on your state’s laws. It’s important to act promptly to avoid missing the filing deadline.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company?
It is often best not to accept the first offer from an insurance company without consulting a lawyer. They may offer less than what you deserve, and an experienced attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement.
Can a spinal cord injury be permanently disabling after a truck accident?
Yes, spinal cord injuries can result in permanent disability, such as quadriplegia or paraplegia, depending on the level of the injury. These injuries can lead to lifelong medical and personal care needs.
How can a lawyer help with my spinal cord injury case?
A lawyer specializing in truck accident injuries can help gather evidence, identify liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injury.
How do I choose the right lawyer for my spinal cord injury case?
Look for a lawyer with experience in spinal cord injury claims and truck accidents. They should have a proven track record of successful cases and be able to provide a free consultation to discuss your legal options. You may be pleased to know that at Finch McCranie, we are experienced attorneys ready to handle your spinal cord injury case and any truck accident-related claims.