Car crashes can lead to a spectrum of injuries, some of which can be life-altering. One of the most devastating potential outcomes of a severe car crash is paralysis. Paralysis broadly refers to losing muscle function in certain parts of the body, usually due to damage to the spinal cord.
The acuteness of paralysis depends on the location and extent of a crash victim’s underlying spinal cord injury, a crash-induced stroke or other paralysis-causing condition.
Car crash injuries leading to paralysis
The most common cause of paralysis in car accidents is a spinal cord injury. A sudden impact can cause the vertebrae to compress or fracture, damaging the spinal cord. Such injuries can lead to various types of paralysis depending on the affected area.
Additionally, although typically associated with less severe outcomes, whiplash can sometimes lead to spinal cord injury and subsequent paralysis. Whiplash happens when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and then snapped back, causing damage to the neck area.
Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also worth mentioning, even though they don’t generally cause paralysis. Due to the interdependence of the orthopedic and neurological systems of the human body, cognitive and motor impairments that a car crash victim sustains may compromise their ability to move.
Vertebral fractures are another car crash injury that might result in paralysis. When a vertebra fractures during high-impact collisions, the adjacent section of the spinal cord could sustain enough damage to render the victim paralyzed.
Long-term impact on victims
The consequences of paralysis resulting from car crash injuries are profound and life-changing. Physical limitations can restrict a person’s independence, mobility and daily activities. Psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss, often accompany these physical changes.
Moreover, victims of car crash-related paralysis often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy and assistive devices. It’s, therefore, safe to say that the financial burden of medical bills and ongoing care can be overwhelming for both a victim and their family. Seeking legal guidance can potentially help to alleviate crash-related financial burdens and better help to ensure that paralysis victims receive the care that they deserve.