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    spinal cord injury

    About 373,000 Americans are living with a spinal cord injury, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). Since 2010, motor vehicle crashes have caused more than one-third of all new spinal injuries, making car, truck, and motorcycle wrecks the leading cause of paralysis in the U.S., ahead of falls and physical assault.

    For people who suffer a spinal cord injury in a crash, life is never the same. A car accident can result in a devastating spinal injury that affects all aspects of a person’s life, from their ability to work to their quality of life. Many spinal cord injury victims suffer from a permanent disability and require a lifetime of care.

    That was the reality for one South Carolina family traveling on I-95 when their pickup truck and trailer were violently rear-ended by a commercial vehicle. All five family members were hurt, but the driver suffered the most severe spinal injuries. Attorney Brent Arant, assisted by Case Manager Reyna Campagnoli, uncovered crucial dash-cam footage showing the trucker following too closely. That evidence, combined with expert analysis and a detailed life-care plan, led to a $1.9 million resolution, including $1.6 million for the driver’s spinal injury and disc replacement surgery, nearly the full policy limits.

    At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping people in South Carolina who have suffered spinal and paralysis injuries in car accidents. We understand how a severe injury can impact your entire family, and we know what it takes to help you obtain the compensation you need to move forward.

    Our motor vehicle accident lawyers can help you level the playing field against the insurance companies and hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions. Since 1968, we’ve been dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims.

    How a Car Accident Can Lead to Spinal and Paralysis Injuries

    A car accident can cause serious damage to the spinal cord in various ways. The spine is a column of bones, called vertebrae, that protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the brain to the lower back. It is part of the central nervous system, which controls the body’s motor functions and other bodily functions.

    When a person is involved in a collision, the sudden impact can cause the vertebrae to shift, dislocate, or fracture. This can compress or sever the spinal cord, resulting in spinal cord damage and often paralysis. The amount of damage and the level of paralysis depend on the location and severity of the spinal trauma.

    Even at low speeds, a motor vehicle crash can cause whiplash, which can injure the neck and spinal column. More serious traffic accidents, such as head-on collisions or rollovers, can cause severe and life-changing spinal trauma. These accidents can result in fractures of the vertebrae, herniated discs, or facet joint injuries. The force of the impact can cause the spine to twist or bend beyond its normal range of motion, leading to severe nerve damage and potential paralysis.

    Many people think paralysis is an all-or-nothing condition. In reality, paralysis can affect the body in varying degrees. The symptoms of a spinal cord injury can range from a tingling sensation or weakness in the limbs to a complete loss of ability to move or feel anything below the injury site. These symptoms may appear immediately after the accident or develop over time. A person with a spinal cord injury may experience difficulty moving, loss of bowel and bladder control, trouble breathing, or changes in heart rate and blood pressure. These injuries can also cause a range of other serious spine conditions.

    The Cost of Spine Injuries and Paralysis

    Spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur when the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal are damaged, causing permanent changes in strength, sensation, and body function below the injury site. They are classified as complete when all motor and sensory function below the injury is lost, and incomplete when some function remains.

    Paralysis is typically categorized as:Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries

    • Paraplegia: Loss of function in all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
    • Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Loss of function in arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.

    Injuries are further identified by the vertebra affected, which determines the extent of impairment. For example, a C4 injury (high in the neck) can impact nearly the entire body.

    Financial Impact

    SCI treatment and care are extremely costly, with expenses varying by severity. According to the NSCISC:

    • High tetraplegia (C1–C4): ~$1.04M in the first year, ~$181K annually thereafter
    • Low tetraplegia (C5–C8): ~$755K first year, ~$111K thereafter
    • Paraplegia: ~$509K first year, ~$67K thereafter
    • Incomplete motor function: ~$341K first year, ~$41K thereafter

    Lifetime costs often exceed $1 million, even for a patient injured at age 50. A 25-year-old with high tetraplegia can expect costs exceeding $4.6 million.

    Because these expenses can devastate individuals and families, those injured due to someone else’s negligence should seek full insurance coverage, disability benefits, and legal compensation to support long-term care and quality of life.

    Common Spinal Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents

    Spinal and paralysis injuries in car accidents can take many forms, from minor nerve damage to complete paralysis. The kind of injury depends on the nature of the crash and the forces involved. A direct blow to the head or neck can cause a spinal injury, as can a sudden, violent movement of the body.

    Here are some of the most common types of spinal cord injury sustained in vehicle accidents:

    Spinal Cord Contusion:
    This is the most common type of spinal cord injury. It is a bruise on the spinal cord caused by pressure from a fracture or a dislocated vertebra. A contusion can lead to a loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site.
    Spinal Cord Compression:
    This occurs when a portion of the spinal column applies pressure to the spinal cord. This can be caused by a herniated spinal disc, a bone fragment, or swelling from surrounding tissues. Compression can lead to a loss of motor function and a tingling sensation in the affected area.
    Spinal Cord Laceration:
    A tear in the spinal cord. A fracture or a sharp bone fragment can cause this kind of spinal cord damage. A complete laceration of the spinal cord can result in complete paralysis below the injury site.
    Herniated Discs:
    The spinal discs are cushions between the vertebrae. They can be pushed out of place or ruptured in a car accident, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can cause severe pain, numbness, and a loss of motor function.
    Facet Joint Injuries:
    The facet joint injuries are small joints in the spine that connect the vertebrae. A sudden jolt or twisting motion can dislocate these joints, resulting in pain and a loss of mobility.
    Spinal Cord Transection:
    This is a complete severing of the spinal cord. This is a catastrophic injury that results in total paralysis below the injury site.

    How Medical Treatment for a Spinal Injury Can Help

    The right medical treatment can make a huge difference for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury but getting that care often depends on having the financial resources to afford it. Medical treatment begins at the scene of the accident and continues for weeks or months afterward.

    At the injury site, first responders will take steps to stabilize the spinal column to prevent further spinal cord damage. At the hospital, doctors will use imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, to obtain a clear picture of the injury. They may also perform a neurological examination to assess loss of sensation and motor function.

    There are many different treatment options available for people with a spinal cord injury. These can include:

    • Surgery: Surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or to remove bone fragments or herniated discs. This can help prevent further damage to the spinal cord.
    • Medication: Steroids and other medications can be used to reduce swelling and inflammation around the spinal cord.
    • Physical Therapy: This is a key part of recovery. It can help people regain their strength and mobility.
    • Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs can help people with paralysis learn how to live with their condition. This may include learning how to use a wheelchair or other assistive devices.

    The cost of medical treatment for spinal and paralysis injuries in car accidents can be enormous. That’s where we come in. Our law firm has a proven track record of helping individuals obtain the necessary funds to cover their care expenses. We understand the financial challenges that come with a spinal cord injury, and we want to help.

    The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

    A spinal cord injury is a catastrophic event that can change a person’s life in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these  injuries is often overwhelming for spinal cord injury victims and their families. A person with a severe spinal cord injury may face permanent disability and require a lifetime of medical care. This can include extensive rehabilitation, home care, and expensive medical equipment.

    The effects of a spinal cord injury can be widespread, affecting nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Depending on the location of the injury site, a person may lose the ability to move their arms and legs (quadriplegia) or their lower half (paraplegia). This loss of motor function can make even simple tasks, like getting dressed or eating, a challenge. Beyond the physical limitations, spinal cord injury victims may also experience other medical problems, such as breathing problems, trouble breathing, and changes in bowel control and bladder control.

    Moreover, the emotional toll of a spinal cord injury is also significant. Many people with a spinal cord injury struggle with depression and anxiety as they adjust to their new reality. The loss of independence and the inability to participate in activities they once enjoyed can be challenging to accept. For car accident victims with spinal cord injury, the path to recovery is a long and challenging one. The impact on their quality of life can be devastating.

    FAQs About Spinal and Paralysis Injuries in Car Accidents

    Car Accident Spinal Injuries

    Is a spinal cord injury always permanent?

    Not all spinal cord injuries are permanent. While many are, especially if the spinal cord is completely severed, some people with incomplete injuries may recover some or all function over time with extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The extent of recovery depends heavily on the severity and location of the initial injury.

    Can spinal injury from a car accident be prevented?

    While not every spinal injury is preventable, certain measures can significantly reduce the risk. These include wearing a seatbelt, driving at safe speeds, avoiding distracted or impaired driving, and purchasing vehicles equipped with modern safety features such as airbags and advanced crumple zones.

    How do I know if I have a spinal cord injury after a car accident?

    After an accident, you may not immediately realize you have a spinal cord injury. Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in your limbs, difficulty moving, severe pain or pressure in your neck or back, loss of bladder or bowel control, or trouble breathing. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after any serious car accident to be evaluated by a professional.

    How long does a personal injury case for a spinal cord injury typically take?

    The timeline for a personal injury case varies depending on the case’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case proceeds to trial. A settlement may be reached in a few months, but more complex cases involving severe, long-term injuries may take a year or more to resolve.

    How do you determine the value of a spinal cord injury claim?

    The value of a claim is based on several factors, including the severity and permanence of the injury, medical expenses (both past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the need for long-term care, rehabilitation, and medical equipment. An attorney can help you calculate these costs and fight for full compensation.

    Contact Our South Carolina Spinal Injury Lawyers

    Since 1968, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has been helping South Carolina residents who have suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents. We understand the devastating impact that a spinal cord injury can have on a person’s life and the lives of their family members.

    At Joye Law Firm, everything we do is guided by our core values of Compassion, Bravery, Continuous Improvement, and Respect for the Common Good. These principles shape how we treat our clients, how we practice law, and how we fight for justice across South Carolina.

    Our attorneys approach every case with compassion, taking the time to understand what you’re going through and what you’ll need to move forward. We act with bravery, standing up to powerful insurance companies and corporations that try to minimize your claim. Through continuous improvement, we’ve built decades of experience and a track record of results in complex spinal and paralysis cases, using cutting-edge technology, expert testimony, and proven trial strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes. Above all, we act with respect for the common good, fighting not just for our clients, but for safer roads, safer workplaces, and a more just community.

    We know that a spinal and paralysis injury in a car accident case is not just about a lawsuit; it’s about a person’s life and their future. We are committed to helping our clients receive the best possible medical care and the financial resources they need to manage their injuries effectively. We will fight for you every step of the way, from the initial investigation to the final settlement or verdict.

    If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury or paralysis in a car accident, call us at (888) 324-3100 to schedule your consultation. We are ready to help you.

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    Attorneys at Joye Law Firm's Myrtle Beach office