Car crashes can lead to a host of injuries, including those to the spinal cord. This is one injury usually evident at the scene of the wreck because it can cause severe pain. In some cases, victims may notice an inability to move one or more limbs.
There are several things that victims and their family members know about spinal cord injuries. Consider these three points as a starting point for learning about this type of injury:
1. Stabilization and urgent care are necessary
One of the most critical things to know about spinal cord injuries is that the spine must be stabilized before the person is moved. This can help to prevent further injury to the spinal cord. Immediate medical care is critical because it addresses the issues and can also help prevent spinal shock from becoming a more serious issue.
2. The location of the injury matters to the consequences
The body area affected by the injury is always below the damaged spot on the spine. This means an injury to the cervical spine in the neck area will involve a more significant part of the body than a lumbar injury in the lower back.
3. The type of injury also matters
All spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete based on movement or sensation below the area of damage. Typically, incomplete spinal cord injuries have a better recovery than complete ones.
Victims who have a spinal cord injury will often face considerable medical care costs and other expenses. Seeking compensation from the liable party is possible, but it must done quickly because of time limits set by Maryland law.