Truck Wreck, Spine Damage? Get Info on Care and Your Legal Rights
Truck accidents in Los Angeles often result in serious spinal injuries. If you or someone close to you suffered this type of harm, a Los Angeles spinal injury lawyer can help. These lawyers are experienced in managing such cases and will walk you through the legal process. Learning about your legal rights is the first step toward getting the fair compensation you deserve.
A spinal injury disrupts the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. Collisions involving large trucks frequently cause these injuries. Such harm can lead to ongoing medical challenges and expenses. Continue reading to learn more about spinal injuries, long-term care requirements, and how to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Quick Summary:
- Truck accidents pose a high risk for spinal cord injuries due to the size and weight of trucks. The force of impact can cause severe spinal trauma. These accidents can result in complete or incomplete injuries, impacting body function.
- Immediate medical help is important after a truck accident. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and loss of bowel control. Difficulty breathing and unusual lumps should also warrant immediate attention.
- Spinal cord injuries require long-term care and rehab. This includes medical treatment, therapy, and assistive devices. Home modifications and ongoing support may also be needed. The costs can be greatly significant to severe.
- Knowing your rights after a truck accident is important. Negligence by the driver or trucking company may be a factor. You may be able to recover costs for medical care, lost wages, and pain.
The Impact of Truck Accidents on Spinal Cord Injuries
Truck accidents are a major cause of spinal cord injuries. The large size and heavy weight of trucks make them more dangerous in crashes. Knowing why these accidents are so risky and the injuries they cause is important when you’re getting compensation and long-term care.
What are Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) block messages between the brain and body. These injuries can cause lasting problems with movement and feeling. SCIs happen from sudden injuries or health conditions.
Traumatic injuries often come from sudden forces that hurt the spine, like those in car crashes. Truck accidents are especially risky for this type of injury.
Why Truck Accidents are a High-Risk Factor for SCIs
Truck accidents often lead to severe spinal injuries because of the extreme force involved. The big size difference between trucks and cars plays a great role in making spinal damage more likely. In fact, trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than cars. The weight difference means more force hits passengers in a crash. People in smaller vehicles especially face higher risks during these crashes.
Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
The type and severity of a spinal cord injury from a truck accident depend on where the impact occurs and how serious it is. Knowing the differences can help determine the right medical care and treatment.
Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries
A complete injury means losing all feeling and movement below the injury spot. An incomplete injury means some feeling or movement stays. The amount of loss can vary. For example, someone with a complete injury might not feel or move their legs. Someone with an incomplete injury might still feel sensations or move their toes, even if they can’t walk.
Paralysis
Tetraplegia (quadriplegia) affects all four limbs. Paraplegia affects the lower body and legs. Both are life-changing conditions. Tetraplegia often impacts breathing and digestion, while paraplegia may involve bladder/bowel challenges, requiring daily care routines.
Other Potential Complications
Loss of bowel and bladder control is common after spinal cord injuries because the brain can’t send signals to these organs. Breathing issues may also occur if nerves controlling breathing are damaged. Chronic pain can also be a frequent issue, often caused by nerve damage or muscle strain.
Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a truck accident, getting medical attention as soon as possible is critical. Spotting the signs of a spinal cord injury (SCI) early can lead to faster treatment and better recovery chances. If you suspect an SCI, don’t wait—seek medical help immediately. Watch for symptoms like:
- Intense pain or pressure in the neck or back
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual lumps on the head or spine
Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. These costs can be significant for individuals and families. SCI-related expenses can span a lifetime, covering both immediate needs and long-term support. Planning ahead helps manage these financial challenges.
Immediate Medical Treatment
Right after an injury, surgery or hospital stays are often necessary to stabilize the spine and prevent further harm. These early costs can be substantial, but quick treatment may improve recovery outcomes. Emergency care might also involve using braces or breathing aids to handle complications.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy play key roles in recovery. These therapies help patients regain abilities and independence. Therapy is often a long-term process that should be adjusted regularly to match individual progress and goals.
Assistive Devices
Wheelchairs and braces are commonly needed to help people move safely. These tools support mobility and independence. While they can be expensive, insurance or community programs may cover some costs. Regular upkeep ensures they remain functional.
Home Modifications
Homes may need changes for accessibility, such as ramps or wider doorways. These modifications can be costly. Local groups sometimes offer financial aid or affordable solutions for families needing these changes.
Ongoing Support and Care
In-home care or assisted living may be required, depending on the injury’s severity. These options provide daily help with tasks like bathing, cooking, or mobility. Costs vary based on the level of care needed, such as basic assistance versus full-time medical support.
Your Rights After a Truck Accident and Spinal Cord Injury
Truck accidents can leave victims with serious spinal cord injuries. It’s important to know your rights and what steps to take. This knowledge helps you protect yourself and seek justice.
Negligence and Liability
Negligence plays a key role in truck accident claims. Finding out who is legally responsible is the first step to getting compensation. Negligence happens when someone acts carelessly and causes harm.
As expected, truck drivers must follow traffic laws. Breaking these laws can be considered negligence. The truck driver, the trucking company, and the maker of faulty truck parts could all share blame. All parties involved might need to help pay compensation.
Recoverable Damages After a Truck Accident
Victims of truck accidents can seek different types of compensation. Damages in these cases help address the harm caused by the injury. Understanding your recovery options is important. When seeking a truck accident spinal injury in Los Angeles compensation, consider these important factors:
- Medical Costs: You can claim costs for medical care tied to your injury. This includes bills from past treatments and future care. Keeping detailed records of all expenses is important here.
- Recovering Lost Wages: Wages lost due to missed workdays are recoverable. This applies to both past and future earnings. The court may also consider reduced earning capacity over time.
- Other Types of Compensation: Compensation for pain and suffering is possible. This accounts for physical discomfort and emotional challenges. Such awards often make up a large portion of settlements.
- Covering Future Costs: For spinal cord injury victims, long-term care costs can be substantial. This covers ongoing medical requirements. A precise evaluation of these needs is important.
Fight for Maximum Compensation – Call Our Los Angeles Spinal Injury Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a truck accident, seek medical help and advice from a Los Angeles spinal injury lawyer right away. Remember, you are not alone. Support is available, and Haffner Law is here to help.
Our spinal injury lawyer fights for your rightful compensation by thoroughly investigating the accident, calculating all present and future losses, and negotiating aggressively with insurance companies.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court. We handle the legal process so you can concentrate on recovery. We also handle disability and medical malpractice cases. Call us to schedule your free case review.
