Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Treatment after Car Accidents

Spinal cord injuries are a life-changing neurological condition with significant socioeconomic impacts on the patient and their loved ones. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injury, followed by falls. These injuries can cause long-term disability and increase the risk of other conditions and illnesses. As a result, car accident victims who experience spinal cord injuries often face lengthy hospital stays, costly rehabilitation services, and ongoing treatment.

Those who have suffered a spinal cord injury from a car accident should consult an experienced Arkansas personal injury attorney. Our firm’s spinal cord injury lawyers have an extensive history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients and their families. Contact the Law Office of Jason Hatfield at 479-361-3575 to schedule a free initial consultation with a spinal cord injury attorney on our team.

Purpose of Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue that runs from the lower part of the brain down the center of the back through the lower back. It is a delicate structure that contains nerve bundles and cells that carry messages from one’s brain to the rest of the body. There are three main parts to the spinal cord:

Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar

The spinal cord’s primary purpose is to carry nerve signals throughout the body. The primary function of the spinal cord is the following:

Control body movements
Report senses
Manage reflexes

Injury to the spinal cord can cause severe symptoms in the parts of the body below the injury.

Cause and Types of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury typically results from a sudden, traumatic impact on the spine that fractures or damages the vertebrae. Studies indicate that nearly 90% of spinal cord injury cases result from auto accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, and motorcycle accidents. Generally, healthcare providers classify spinal cord injuries as either complete or incomplete.

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent damage to the area of the spinal cord that experienced the trauma. In these cases, all ability to control movement is lost below the spinal cord injury.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Incomplete spinal cord injury refers to cases where the person experiences partial damage to their spinal cord. In these cases, the spinal cord can still transmit some messages to and from the brain.

Depending on the severity of the spinal cord injury, patients may experience the following:

Paraplegia: impairment of the sensory or motor function in the lower extremities.
Tetraplegia: partial or total sensory or motor function loss in all four limbs.

Individuals should receive prompt treatment following a car accident to ensure appropriate treatment.

Common Spinal Injuries and Symptoms from Car Accidents

There are four sections to the spinal cord, each controlling different nerves in the body. Injuries and symptoms of a spinal cord injury largely depend on the impact area.

Cervical Spinal Injuries

Injury to the cervical spine often occurs when a driver or passenger experiences a sudden jolt or trauma to their head or neck. These often lead to injuries such as the following:

Slipped discs
Whiplash
Facet joint injury
Neck fractures

Cervical injuries often cause neck pain, radiating pain, dizziness, and headache.

Thoracic Spinal Injuries

The impact from a rear-end or another collision may cause injuries to one’s upper and middle back. These injuries often cause radiating pain, weakness or tingling in the legs and genitals, and the inability to control urine or stool.

Lumbar Spinal Injuries

Lumbar spine injuries occur when a motorist or passenger suffers damage to their lower back. Depending on the location of the trauma, the victim might experience muscle weakness, difficulty bending limbs, spinal stenosis, and other pain.

Sacral Spinal Injuries

High-speed car accidents can cause significant damage to one’s sacral spine and the organs near the pelvis. Victims may lose some function in their hips and legs and experience bladder or bowel control issues.

In some cases, the full extent of one’s injuries does not manifest until after the collision. Thus, individuals in a car accident should be aware of the symptoms associated with spinal cord damage to ensure they do not exacerbate their pain or delay treatment.

Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries

The course of care a spinal cord injury victim must receive depends on several factors, such as the severity of trauma and the victim’s overall health. Some medical tests to diagnose a spinal cord injury include the following:

Magnetic resonance imaging,
Computerizes tomography, and
X-rays.

Car accident victims who suffer spinal cord damage might require acute care, rehabilitation, and life-long care for secondary medical complications.

Have You Suffered a Spine Injury in the Wake of an Arkansas Car Accident?

If you were recently involved in a car accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, it is important that you meet with an attorney to discuss your rights. A spinal cord injury will impact the rest of your life, and the financial burden of your medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages shouldn’t rest on you.

At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, we proudly represent car accident victims, helping them recover fair compensation for what they’ve been through—and what they will continue to go through. We take each of our client’s cases personally, aggressively advocating on your behalf at every stage of the process.

To learn more about how we can help you bring a legal claim against the driver responsible for your injuries, give us a call at 479-361-3575 to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach us through our online contact form.

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Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyer

Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawyers

We pursue fair compensation on behalf of accident victims throughout Sebastian County

Suffering a serious injury can throw your life into a tailspin. You may suddenly find yourself in the hospital, missing weeks of work, and wondering what your future will look like. When will doctors say you can go home? When will you be able to return to work? Will there be any additional follow-up medical treatment you’ll need to pursue? How are you going to pay for all of this? These are common questions anyone would ask themselves if they were in your position. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., we are a compassionate team of Fort Smith personal injury lawyers who are here to help accident victims on their road to recovery. Our lawyers will take the time to sit down with you and listen to your story because we believe the more we know about your case, the better we can help.

We handle a variety of Fort Smith personal injury cases

For more than 20 years, the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield has provided exceptional representation to Fort Smith accident victims and their families. We believe that by holding people accountable for the harms caused by their negligent actions, we are not only helping clients, we are also helping make Arkansas a safer place.

Accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable injury in Arkansas and across the United States. At the Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield, we proudly represent clients who suffered injuries related to any of the following accidents.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicles are necessary in today’s society; however, our reliance on them creates a situation where many drivers overlook the dangers these vehicles present. Motorists owe a duty of care to the others on the road. This means that a driver who negligently causes a car accident that injures another motorist, passenger, bicyclist or pedestrian can be held liable for the injured party’s damages. In most cases, these Fort Smith car accident lawsuits are filed against the at-fault driver, and that driver’s insurance company has a duty to assign that negligent driver an insurance defense lawyer to defend the case under the insurance policy. A knowledgeable Fort Smith car accident lawyer can help accident victims effectively prepare their claims.

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Over 500 people are killed in fatal Arkansas car accidents and another 2,000 seriously injured each year. Roughly 20 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in the state involve a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.

Truck Accidents

Arkansas truck accidents make up only a small percentage of the total number of traffic accidents in the state. However, they comprise a much larger portion of those accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

About one in six fatal Arkansas motor vehicle accidents involves a large truck like a semi-truck.

Most truck drivers understand the dangers of driving a huge vehicle and take the necessary precautions. However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. Truck drivers are under tremendous time pressure to travel as many miles as they can each day, which increases the chances of distracted driving or drowsy driving accidents. If you or a loved one were involved in a Fort Smith truck accident, speaking with an attorney is an excellent first step to gaining a greater understanding of how to hold a negligent truck driver accountable for their actions.

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Motorcycle Accidents

While many people think motorcycle accidents usually involve a single vehicle, that is not the case.

Motorcycles are involved in about ten percent of all fatal and non-fatal traffic accidents in Arkansas.

Many people are under the false impression that most motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents. However, that is not the case; more than half of all Arkansas motorcycle accidents involved at least one other vehicle.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer to riders, injuries in these accidents tend to be severe. Even if you are wearing a helmet, you can still suffer life-changing injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, severe burns and more. Fort Smith motorcycle accident victims should reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to help them prepare their claim.

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Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are among the most common causes of injury among older adults; however, every age group is at risk. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property safe for invited guests. The extent of a property owner’s duty varies, depending on the type of location they own and the nature of your visit. However, typically, a landowner must warn guests of known hazards that could threaten their safety. And when it comes to business, they have a heightened duty to conduct routine inspections to discover potential hazards that could be dangerous for customers. Fort Smith slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, including:

Grocery stores
Shopping malls
Department stores
Public buildings
Hospitals and doctor’s offices
Parking lots and parking garages

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FREE CONSULTATION

8 Stages of the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process in Arkansas

Sustaining an injury after a severe accident can be a very stressful experience. Most people considering a personal injury lawsuit have little to no experience with the process. Going through the personal injury process with an expert attorney can make the process less intimidating & more manageable. The Arkansas personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. have outlined the eight stages of how the personal injury process works in the state.

Damages in a Fort Smith Personal Injury Lawsuit

Those who successfully bring a Fort Smith personal injury lawsuit can recover financial compensation for their injuries. While every case is unique, and it’s impossible to pinpoint what a damages award will look like without an in-depth case analysis, Arkansas law generally allows accident victims to recover for their economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages pay you back for the money you were forced to spend (or could not make) because of the accident. For example, medical bills, lost wages, decreased earning capacity and property damage are all types of economic damages. Proving economic damages is generally pretty straightforward, as you can present objective evidence of the amount of damages. For instance, we can present the court with your total medical bills to prove the cost of your medical treatment.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. These damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological effect the accident had on your life. For example, the following are all types of non-economic damages:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of familial relationships

Arkansas Personal Injury Guide Infographic

If you have been injured by someone’s negligence, whether from a car crash or a construction site accident, you may be able to receive economic recovery to help you move forward with your life. Here is a quick guide to Arkansas personal injury law to help answer questions you may have.

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

What are common injuries for a personal injury case?

The most common personal injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Whiplash
Amputations
Crush injuries
Back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Fractures
Internal organ damage
Broken bones
Deep disfiguring cuts
Burns
Nerve damage
Paralysis
Scarring
Penetrating wounds from flying objects
Airbag injuries, including broken nose and/or jaw
Dislocations

Personal injuries are very common and each year across the nation, roughly 39 million Americans need medical treatment for a wide range of such injuries. Of great concern is the fact that medical errors and accidental injuries are the third leading cause of death.

What documents do I need for a personal injury lawsuit?

For your personal injury attorney to help you build a case seeking compensation for your injuries, several pieces of evidence would be helpful. Those documents include:

Police reports
Statements made by witnesses
Survivor/client statement – this is a crucial document that outlines, in the survivor’s words what happened and how it affects their life.
Medical documents, including E.R. Records, doctor treatment notes, rehabilitation reports, and autopsy reports.
Any reports dealing with past safety concerns of a vehicle and/or past safety violations.
Pictures and/or video of the accident scene and injuries.
Any private investigation reports available (can be obtained through discovery).
The service history of the vehicle involved in the crash.
The 911 call transcript.
Any audio recordings available captured on a smartphone.
Relevant W2 forms that indicate lost wages
All receipts of medical expenses related to the accident, vehicle rental, payments to others to transport you.
Keep all your files relating to the crash together and keep a digital and physical copy. Use a spreadsheet to indicate what you have and what you still need to obtain.

Your attorney may have other documents they could use to build your case. They ask for those when they discuss your case with you when you find out your legal rights, and determine if you want to proceed with a personal injury claim.

What to do after an injury in an accident?

If you have been hurt in an accident, there are some things that you need to do immediately, if possible. You want to protect your rights while seeking compensation for your injuries from an insurance company. Here are things you need to do as quickly as possible:

Call the police and make sure you get the accident report.
If possible, get the contact information of other witnesses.
Get medical help immediately or as soon as possible. Do not wait.
Describe all of your injuries no matter how small or big they are, as the doctor documents them for the medical record. These records are helpful for your personal injury attorney while seeking compensation for your injuries.
No matter what tests are ordered, get all of them done as instructed. Ask for x-rays, scans, or an MRI if the injuries are serious. Get the results of those tests for your attorney.
Do not provide “any” statement whatsoever to any insurance company, including your own. While you can notify them of the accident, do not provide any other details until you have retained a car accident attorney.
If you do not have an experienced car accident attorney, make sure you hire one as soon as you can.
Keep personal records of all your injuries, how you feel, your experiences, what medical treatment you obtained, what the outcome was, and keep receipts for all expenses related to the accident.
No matter how you feel, follow through on ALL doctor, therapist, and therapy appointments. Always show up and do what you were instructed to do, and do not skip any appointments.
Throughout this process of recovering from injuries in a car accident, dealing with insurance companies and your attorney, have patience. The process to recover compensation for your injuries can be a long one.

What's a type of personal injury case?

Personal injury cases can happen at any time and anywhere. The most common types of personal injury cases include:

Nursing home abuse, neglect
Traumatic brain injuries
Birth injuries
Aviation, boating accidents
Spinal cord injuries
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death claims
Slip and fall accidents
Car accident claims
Medical malpractice
Wrongful death claims
Dog bites
Defamation claims, as personal injury cases do not always involve physical injuries
Assault
Accidents in the workplace
Premises liability claims
Product liability claims
Construction injuries

Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

While almost every accident victim can point to some type of damage they suffered due to the accident, identifying the full extent of your damages is critical to your full recovery. You only get one chance to bring a case, so you want to make sure you get it right. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A., represents injured workers from all over Northwest Arkansas including Fort Smith, Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Berryville and Harrison.

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Fort Smith Wrongful Death Cases

Preventable accidents claim thousands of lives in Arkansas every year. Whether a loved one is lost after a motor vehicle accident, workplace accident or any other type of accident, the result is tragic. While many accident victims can physically recover from their injuries, sadly, many do not. Families who have lost a loved one in a preventable accident can pursue a Fort Smith wrongful death case against the at-fault party.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

A wrongful death claim is a type of personal injury case except that, instead of being brought by the accident victim, it is brought by their surviving family members. Wrongful death claims can be filed after any type of accident. The following family members can file a wrongful death claim:

Spouses
Children
Parents
Siblings
The personal representative of the accident victim’s estate

What damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?

The damages available through a wrongful death claim are similar to those in a personal injury claim and include:

Medical bills and expenses
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Lost benefits (such as health insurance premiums)
Compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering
Compensation for your own mental anguish

Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield P.A.

If you or a loved one was recently involved in a Fort Smith accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. In the aftermath of a fatal accident, families may be looking for answers that are hard to come by. At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, our compassionate wrongful death lawyers can help you understand your options so you can make the decision that is best for your family. For more than two decades, attorney Hatfield and his dedicated team have served Fort Smith and the surrounding communities. As skilled negotiators, we can often resolve our clients’ cases without the need for a trial; however, we are also aggressive litigators and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair settlement offer. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Fort Smith, personal injury lawyer, give us a call today at 479-361-3575. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

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Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Treatment after Car Accidents