Motor vehicle crashes can lead to significant injuries, some of which can cause lifelong changes in the victim’s life. One of these is a spinal cord injury. In some cases, the spinal cord injury is only temporary, but there are times when it’s catastrophic.
The way this type of injury will affect a person depends on a variety of factors. Three of the most important are the location of the injury, the type of damage and the speed of getting medical care.
Location of the injury
The location of the injury is a primary factor because the part of the body that’s impacted is always below the place that’s damaged. This means that if the injury is in the neck, more of the body will be affected than if the damage is in the lower back.
Type of damage
The type of damage can also affect the way it impacts the individual. If the injury is incomplete, there are still nerve pathways in the area, so there’s a better chance of recovery. If the injury is complete, the nerve pathways are fully severed, so there’s less of a chance of a full recovery.
Speed of getting medical care
In the hours immediately following the injury, the spinal cord and surrounding tissues may become inflamed and swell. Being able to control the swelling could limit the damage that’s done in the area. Additionally, swift access to medical care enables the spine to be immobilized, which may also limit worsening damage.
When a spinal cord injury occurs in a crash that’s caused by another’s negligence, victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim. These cases must be filed within a time set by law, so it’s critical for them to work with someone familiar with these matters.