Spinal cord injuries from Chicago car accidents are among the most severe and life-altering injuries one can experience. Understanding the nature of these injuries and knowing the steps to take following an accident are crucial. Roger D. Rudich, a car accident attorney in Chicago, understands the severity of these incidents and is dedicated to helping victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Spinal Cord Injury From a Car Accident in Chicago
When a car accident in Chicago occurs, the forces involved can be severe enough to cause traumatic injury to the spine. Here is how these injuries occur:
- High-Speed Collisions: On highways, high-speed collisions can exert tremendous force on the occupants of a vehicle. The sudden deceleration upon impact can cause the body to jerk violently, leading to the spine bending or twisting in unnatural ways.
- Rear-End Collisions: Common in congested city traffic, rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, where the rapid back-and-forth motion can injure the cervical spine (neck region).
- Rollovers and Side-Impacts: In more severe accidents, such as rollovers or T-bone collisions, the spine may be subjected to direct trauma or severe bending and twisting forces.
These mechanisms can lead to various spinal injuries, from herniated discs to fractures and dislocations of the vertebrae, which can, in turn, damage the spinal cord.
Severity of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves running down the middle of your back that carries signals between your brain and the rest of your body. A car accident injury to this vital component of the central nervous system can have significant consequences:
- Complete Injury: A ‘complete’ spinal cord injury means there is a total loss of sensation and muscle control below the injury level.
- Incomplete Injury: An ‘incomplete’ injury implies some level of function remains below the injury point – this might mean some movement or sensation can still occur.
- Paralysis: Depending on the level and severity of the injury, paralysis can occur. Paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) are potential outcomes of severe spinal cord injuries.
- Secondary Complications: Apart from loss of movement and sensation, spinal cord injuries can lead to secondary health issues like bladder and bowel dysfunction, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of infections.
The medical response to a spinal cord injury is often immediate and intensive, involving a combination of surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury
The consequence of a spinal cord injury from a car accident in Chicago can be overwhelming. It is crucial to understand the key steps to take to ensure your health and legal rights are protected.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize medical care to assess and stabilize your condition.
- Document the Accident and Injuries: Collect and preserve evidence from the accident scene and keep detailed records of all medical treatments and related expenses.
- Consult a Car Accident Attorney: Engaging with a skilled attorney is crucial. They can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.
In the wake of a spinal cord injury, taking the right actions is critical for your recovery and legal recourse. Seeking medical attention, documenting everything, and consulting with a knowledgeable car accident attorney are essential steps to safeguard your future.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury
In the aftermath of a spinal cord injury due to a car accident in Chicago, victims may face not only physical and emotional challenges but also financial burdens. Compensation sought in such cases typically covers:
- Medical Bills: This includes emergency care, surgical costs, hospital stays, medications, and any specialized medical equipment needed.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation are crucial for recovery and adaptation.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If the injury impacts your ability to work, compensation for lost wages and future earnings can be claimed.
- Pain and Suffering: This encompasses the physical pain and emotional trauma experienced as a result of the injury.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Costs associated with modifications to your home, vehicle, and lifestyle to accommodate new physical limitations can also be included.
If you or a loved one is dealing with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury from a car accident in Chicago, do not hesitate to seek the professional guidance and support of Roger D. Rudich, Ltd., our experienced car accident attorney in Chicago is dedicated to your cause.
