Spinal Cord Injuries

Dedicated Savannah Car Accident Attorneys Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Clients Throughout Georgia

Back and spine injuries can range from mild discomfort to life-altering paralysis. While every injury is unique, what most have in common is that they have a tremendous impact on your ability to work, perform daily tasks, and enjoy life. At Suthers & Harper, we understand the long-term impact that back and spine injuries can have on your life, and we are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. We believe that you shouldn’t bear the brunt of another’s negligence and are prepared to do everything we can to connect you with fair compensation for what you’ve been through. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, our experienced Savannah car accident attorneys are ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.

Back and Spine Injury Statistics

Back and spine injuries are common in car accidents. For example, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are approximately 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases each year in the United States. In fact, motor vehicle accidents account for nearly 38% of all spinal cord injuries, making them the leading cause of these injuries. More than 80% of spinal cord injury victims are men, and the average age at the time of injury is around 43 years.

Back and spine injuries are also among the most serious of all types of injuries. For example, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the lifetime costs for a person with a spinal cord injury can range from $1.2 million to over $5 million, depending on the severity of the injury and age at the time of injury. For example, individuals with paraplegia face average yearly healthcare and living expenses of over $550,000 in the first year alone, with subsequent years costing around $75,000 annually. These costs do not include lost wages or other indirect expenses.

Types of Spinal Injuries

There are several types of spinal injuries that commonly occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident. These injuries can vary in severity, from minor strains to catastrophic damage that leads to permanent disability. 

Herniated Discs: A herniated disc occurs when one of the soft, gel-like discs between the vertebrae in your spine ruptures or bulges out of place. This can compress nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, legs, or arms. Herniated discs often require physical therapy, medication, or even surgery in severe cases.

Fractured Vertebrae: A fractured vertebrae, or broken bone in the spine, can result from the high impact of a car accident. This type of injury can cause intense pain and may lead to spinal instability, requiring surgical intervention to repair the damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe back and spine injuries. These injuries occur when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to a loss of function below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Victims of spinal cord injuries often require lifelong care and may face significant physical and financial challenges.

Paralysis: Paralysis can occur when a spinal cord injury results in the loss of motor function or sensation below the point of injury. Paraplegia affects the lower half of the body, while quadriplegia affects both the arms and legs. Paralysis can dramatically change a person’s quality of life, requiring long-term medical care, physical therapy, and adjustments to daily living.

Regardless of the nature of your injuries, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and consult with a Savannah car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights. Remember, symptoms of a serious back or spine injury may not be immediately apparent, and the only way to rule out a more serious injury is to have a doctor check you out. 

When Should You See a Doctor for Your Symptoms?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor right away, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Back and spine injuries can sometimes take hours or even days to present symptoms. Waiting too long to seek medical attention can worsen your condition and potentially hurt your ability to recover damages in a personal injury claim.

Below are a few signs that you should see a doctor immediately after a car accident:

Severe or persistent back pain: If you experience intense or ongoing pain in your back or neck, it could be a sign of a serious injury, such as a herniated disc or fractured vertebrae.

Numbness or tingling: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, legs, or other parts of your body may indicate nerve damage or a spinal cord injury.

Difficulty moving or walking: If you have trouble moving or walking after an accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. These symptoms could be related to a spinal cord injury or other serious back and spine injuries.

Loss of bladder or bowel control: This can be a sign of a serious spinal cord injury and requires immediate medical care.

Seeking medical attention is not only important for your health but also for documenting your injuries as part of your case. This is because medical records help prove the extent of your injuries as well as that they were caused by the accident and not due to some pre-existing condition. 

Get Started on Your Case by Speaking with Our Savannah Car Accident Lawyers

If you’ve suffered back and spine injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Suthers & Harper, our experienced team of Savannah car accident attorneys is here to help you effectively prepare a claim and obtain the compensation you need to move on with your life without carrying the financial burden of your accident-related expenses. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that back and spine injuries can take on your life, and we are committed to securing the justice you deserve. You can reach us by calling 800-320-2384 or by filling out our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.