Nerve damage can take many forms after a car accident. Whiplash, pinched nerves, radiculopathy, and neuropathy could significantly affect your life for years to come. You could miss days from work, require extensive medical care, and generally feel less than your best.
Here, you can learn all about the types of nerve damage caused by car accidents, along with your legal rights. If another party caused your accident, you could file a claim or lawsuit to recover damages––and a collisions lawyer from our firm can help.
There Are Three Types of Nerve Damage Stemming From Car Accidents
Nerve damage may happen when:
- A nerve’s roots get torn from the spinal cord. Cureus notes that traumatic collisions can cause these severe conditions.
- A nerve gets stretched but not severed. While one can recover from this condition, it could take years.
- A nerve gets severed in two. This can affect how the brain sends messages to different parts of the body.
As noted, one can recover from nerve damage, but this process could take years. What’s more, one may never fully regain their body’s range of motion even after finishing treatment.
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Examples of Nerve Damage Conditions
After suffering a car accident, it could take weeks for nerve damage to become apparent. That’s why it’s so crucial to seek immediate medical attention following a collision. A doctor can diagnose your condition and render the appropriate treatment.
Examples of nerve damage-related injuries include:
Whiplash
Mayo Clinic reports that whiplash commonly follows rear-end collisions. This condition happens when the force of impact makes the neck snap back and forth, like the cracking of a whip. The severity of this condition determines a patient’s recovery period.
While this condition generally heals within a few weeks, BMC Public Health notes that some patients struggle with this condition for years.
Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves may seem like a minor car accident injury. However, some people need immediate medical attention to promote their comfort and well-being. Mayo Clinic reports that symptoms of pinched nerves include:
- A “pins and needles” sensation in the affected area
- Sharp pain
- Numbness or decreased sensitivity
- Weakness in the problem area
- Radiating pain
A pinched nerve can affect any part of the body. Yet, they commonly affect the arms, wrists, legs, and hands.
Peripheral Neuropathy
The peripheral nervous system lies outside of your brain and spinal cord. Damage to this system can cause pain, numbness, swelling, and sensitivity in the hands and feet. It can affect other parts of the body, as well.
How Medical Professionals Treat Nerve Damage
Your treatment plan depends entirely on the type of nerve damage you experience, the severity of your injury, and other factors. Some potential treatment options could include the following:
- Prescription medications to address pain and discomfort
- Nerve ablation
- Occupational or physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Surgery
If you suffer from a nerve injury, your doctor may recommend using an orthotic or losing weight. Both considerations could put less strain on your body.
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How You Could Get Your Nerve Damage Costs Covered
There are a few ways in which you can recover compensation for your nerve damage after a car accident. For instance, you could file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. Here, you could seek damages up to the liable policy’s limits.
You could also file a lawsuit against the at-fault party if a fair insurance settlement isn’t possible. Damages through legal action could offer coverage for:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Property damage expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs, like temporary transportation arrangements
- Rehabilitative care
- Lost wages and other revenue streams
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages, including scarring
You have every right to partner with an attorney after a car accident causes you to suffer nerve damage. A lawyer can take on your case’s many obligations, from gathering evidence to advocating for financial justice.
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You Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer Promptly
Every car accident claimant must follow the civil statute of limitations to pursue damages. Louisiana has a very short filing period, with CC Art. 3492 usually granting one year from the collision’s date to sue.
If you wait too long to file your case, the state could bar you from recovering damages. You don’t want this to happen. So, it’s in your best interest to consider partnering with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can manage your case’s obligations while you seek treatment for your nerve injury.
Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has recovered millions in damages for survivors of car accidents in Louisiana. If you’re interested in retaining legal help, we offer free case reviews where you can learn more. We encourage you to ask us about our payment structure, commitment, and experience. Call today to get started.
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