Of the injuries people can receive in a motor vehicle accident in Louisiana, one that is to the spinal cord is one of the most devastating kinds. People who suffer spinal cord injuries may end up being permanently paralyzed, greatly reducing their quality of life and limiting their ability to care for themselves.
According to the World Health Organization, victims of a spinal cord injury are between two and five times more likely to die earlier than are people who do not have them. Those who do have a risk of developing conditions that are secondary to the injury, and these can be deadly. Examples include deep vein thrombosis, the development of pressure ulcers, chronic pain and others.
People in car accidents may suffer injuries to their backs, and when their spinal cord is injured, they may have permanent nerve damage, such as loss of sensation in their hands, fingers and feet, tingling and chronic pain in addition to paralysis. The WHO identifies car accidents as one of the leading causes for spinal cord injuries, and it has called for preventative measures, such as improvements in driver behavior, roads and the safety features of vehicles.
Many car accidents are preventable, and it is sad when someone is seriously injured in an accident that could have been avoided. Those who suffer spinal cord injuries may become completely paralyzed and need a lifetime of personal care. They may also be unable to work, thus incurring huge medical expenses while also suffering significant financial losses. If the accident that resulted in the injury was caused by the negligence of another driver, an attorney may assist with the filing of a personal injury lawsuit seeking appropriate damages from the responsible party.
