Many injuries are possible when a person is involved in a motor vehicle crash. While many of these are minor, others are more serious. A spinal cord injury is one that’s typically catastrophic because it can lead to significant effects.
Some spinal cord injuries cause paralysis and other permanent medical conditions. These can make it difficult for the victim to live the life that they’re accustomed to.
Type of injury is important
When a person suffers a spinal cord injury, the injury will be classified as either complete or incomplete. This is determined by the condition of the nerves at the location of the injury. If there are nerves still connected, the injury is incomplete. If the nerves are all severed, the injury is complete.
Because there are still nerves to transmit signals through and beyond the injury in an incomplete injury, the person is more likely to have a better recovery than what’s possible for a person who has a complete injury. Proper medical care and therapy can help people with both types of injuries to have the best healing possible.
When a spinal cord injury is the result of a negligent driver slamming into the victim, a claim for compensation may occur. This is the victim’s opportunity to hold that driver accountable for the financial damages from the crash. This can include things like the cost of medical care and therapy, as well as missed wages. These claims are time-sensitive because of time limits built into state law.