Violent car accidents can lead to violent injuries. Some of the most severe injuries caused by car accidents involve the brain and spine. However, if your spinal cord injury was caused by a Missouri car accident involving negligence, you might be able to obtain significant compensation. All you have to do is talk to a Kansas City car accident attorney about what happened.
Top Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury
One of the most important steps to take right after a car accident is to assess yourself for injuries. Some injuries can worsen with movement and leave lasting damages. Spinal cord injuries are one of them. The most common signs of a spinal cord injury are:
- Loss of movement in parts of your body
- Severe back pain or pressure
- A sense of weakness in your arms or legs
- Lost bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty standing up, walking, or keeping balance
The best thing you can do is call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms and avoid moving your back. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, definitely call 911 as soon as you can. Try to move away from oncoming traffic if possible.
However, be cautious about how you move your neck or back because this could significantly worsen your injury. All it takes is one wrong move to cause permanent damage. Some spinal cord injuries are lifelong and result in complete paralysis below the injury site.
Is There Additional Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries?
Since spinal cord injuries can result in so many major life changes, many people wonder if they can receive additional compensation. You could receive compensation for medical bills and vehicle repairs, but you may also be eligible for:
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
When it comes to compensatory damages like emotional distress, this can be hard to prove. You might need witness testimonies and therapist notes. The same goes for when your spinal injury made you lose the enjoyment of life. Loss of consortium is when your relationships have been strained by your injury.
Depending on how much treatment and care your spinal injury requires, you might receive compensation for future medical expenses. This can help cover at-home nurse care and physical therapy treatments. If you missed work or had to quit your job because of your injury, you could be compensated for lost earning capacity. Proving this can also be difficult. Try contacting a Kansas City personal injury lawyer if you are not sure what evidence you need.
Kansas City Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with lifelong impairments caused by a spinal cord injury can be one of the hardest ordeals to go through. Call Peterson and Associates P.C. if this happened to you by dialing 816-888-8888 to speak with a Missouri auto accident lawyer for a free consultation today. Our Kansas City personal injury attorneys might be able to help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future lost income. We serve clients in Kansas City, Missouri.
