Oklahoma Car Crashes and the Likelihood of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are many types of serious back injuries that can result from Oklahoma car accidents. It is common for victims of devastating collisions to suffer back injuries including herniated discs, which can result in shooting pain and numbness. In the most severe cases, however, someone may actually suffer spinal cord injuries. When this occurs, the resulting symptoms can be long term and life changing.
The spinal cord is the link between the body and the brain. A healthy spinal cord carries messages involving sensory functions and motor control. When a high-speed collision occurs, it is possible to damage the vertebrae protecting the spinal cord and even for the fragile bundle of nerves in the surrounding areas to suffer trauma.
Spinal cord injuries that are the result of Oklahoma car accidents can impair the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. In severe cases, this can result in paralysis and a lack of sensation throughout the body. This type of disability can be complete or incomplete. When spinal cord damage results in lack of sensation in the legs, it is called paraplegia. When the trauma is in the neck or upper back, the victim may suffer physical disabilities in all four limbs, in which case the condition is known as quadriplegia.
These types of serious injuries can be extremely expensive because they require extensive and long-term medical care and treatment and often prevent the victim from being able to work. Victims can, however, pursue financial compensation for their losses if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious neck or back injury in an Oklahoma car accident, please call the law offices of Maples Law Firm. We will provide you with a free consultation at (405) 705-5050 regarding your legal rights and options.