Spinal Cord Injuries in a Truck Accident

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When a truck accident occurs, those involving the spinal cord are among the most severe. Spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening, and recovery often means dealing with catastrophic impairments. If you or someone you care about has suffered this type of life-changing injury, understanding the impacts and the effect they can have, both now and in the years to come, is essential for your recovery.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a truck accident, it may be a good idea to speak with a North Carolina truck accident lawyer.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be the result of a truck accident, as well as those involving a car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents. Damage to any portion of the spinal column or nerves can result in permanent changes in sensation, strength, and ability in the areas of the body below where the injury occurred.

With incomplete spinal cord injuries, there may be varying degrees of sensation and function below the injured area, while complete injuries involve an almost complete loss of feeling and function. In terms of the body parts affected, paraplegia generally affects the trunk, legs, and pelvic regions, while tetra or quadriplegia impacts those areas as well as the upper body, such as the arms and hands. Our truck accident law firm has handled cases that have involved the following include complications which were due to spinal cord injuries:

  • Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
  • Pressure sores, due to the loss of skin sensation
  • Circulation problems, which can cause low blood pressure and swelling of the extremities
  • Respiratory issues, which can increase your risk of lung problems, such as pneumonia

Other impacts victims of spinal cord injuries often face include increased risk of cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, sexual issues, and depression.

Dealing with the Impacts of Your Injuries

Spinal cord injuries have catastrophic impacts on the life of victims and their loved ones, but support services are available. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is one of the largest groups for providing spinal cord injury resources and advocacy.

It was started after the former ‘Superman’ actor suffered a spinal cord injury during an equestrian competition that left him paralyzed in 1995. They offer information on the latest medical treatments, along with referrals to organizations that may be able to help in providing physical therapy, obtaining medical devices, making modifications to your home or car, and offering support for caregivers.

Your insurance provider may pay a portion of your expenses, but there are many services you will likely need to pay out of pocket. This is why it is so important to speak with an experienced North Carolina truck accident lawyer after your accident and before accepting any compensation offered. The Reeve Foundation estimates that these injuries result in between two and four million dollars in lifetime costs, money that should be included as part of your settlement.

Contact a Carolinas Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in any type of truck accident, contact a North Carolina truck accident attorney to discuss what legal recourse you may have. We also represent families of victims killed in truck accidents in wrongful death lawsuits.

Our NC personal injury firm also offers a free truck accident injury guide for accident victims. The guide covers topics such as the tactics used by truck companies to deny or reduce injury claims, common violations of trucking companies, and the difference between commercial truck insurance and other types of vehicle insurance. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you get the financial justice you deserve.

 

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