When you’ve sustained spinal cord injuries in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, you may need to pursue compensation in a personal injury claim.
Injuries that occur to the back and neck are not uncommon in a motorcycle accident. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, you may experience symptoms ranging from pain to paralysis.
If a motorcyclist suffers from paralysis, the severity will depend on which part of the spine was injured. Injuries to the neck generally lead to paralysis of the legs and arms. Injuries below the neck will generally affect the legs and the abdomen, either partially or completely.
Not only is there the risk of suffering a loss of movement and sensation, but there are other symptoms that can be experienced, including:
• respiratory difficulties;
• loss of control of the bladder/bowel;
• weakness;
• chronic pain;
• circulatory problems;
• spastic muscles (uncontrolled tightening);
• flaccid muscles (soft and limp):
• sexual dysfunction (including infertility); and
• muscle spasms.
This can diminish your qualify of life and affect your ability to work, enjoy recreational activities and socialize. Psychological damage is also a hard reality after a spinal cord injury.
Regardless of the specific spinal cord injury and potential complications you face after your motorcycle crash someone else caused, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t have to shoulder these losses; compensation from the liable party may be an option.
Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to a spinal cord cannot be reversed, so treatment will depend on the extent of the injury. Much of the treatment is geared toward preventing further injury and enabling you to return to a fulfilling, productive life.
During treatment, you may come into contact with a number of health specialists including spinal cord medicine specialists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, psychologists and social workers. They will implement the best treatment plan for your situation.
Medication can be given for an acute spinal cord injury, which if given within a few hours of the injury, may help to reduce inflammation and nerve damage.
You may also need to be immobilized through a neck collar or traction. Surgery is commonly performed to stabilize the spine and prevent further problems. Surgery also may be required if there are other injuries, such as a herniated disc or fractured vertebrae.
Ongoing care will usually include rehabilitation, assistive devices and medicine. These expenses may be recoverable if someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle crash in Illinois. You should speak immediately with a Chicago spinal cord injury lawyer to get a better idea of your legal rights.
