Spinal cord injuries can affect your quality of life.The force of the impact during a motorcycle accident may damage the spinal cord, potentially putting a person at risk for paralysis. If you’ve suffered spinal cord damage in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you should consult a personal injury attorney in Omaha to learn how to protect your right to compensation.  

Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

After a motorcycle accident, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel okay, the damage to your spinal cord may be difficult to pinpoint initially. However, you may notice some symptoms or changes to your day-to-day function over the coming days and weeks. Look for symptoms of spinal cord injuries such as:

  • Weakness in your arms or legs 
  • Loss of sensation in the arms, legs, hands, fingers, feet, or toes 
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Pain in the neck or head area
  • Pain located in any area of the back 
  • Numbness or tingling, especially in the arms and legs

Over time, these injuries can cause mobility problems as well as changes in quality of life. They may worsen over time as well. If you suspect injury from these or other symptoms, do not hesitate to contact a medical professional. Reach out to our legal team at the same time.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Several types of spinal cord injuries are possible after a motorcycle accident. The most common include:

  • Complete spinal cord damage. In this type of accident, the spinal cord damage is significant and leads to paralysis. A person is likely to suffer paralysis in the spine at the location of the injury and lower. Paraplegia may occur if the damage occurs at the T1 vertebrae.
  • Incomplete spinal cord injury. This type of injury results in some level of motor skill function loss or some type of sensory loss. The amount varies based on the level and extensiveness of the damage.
  • Spinal stenosis. The trauma of the accident can cause the vertebrae to become dislocated. A fracture can also develop in this area. When this occurs, it creates pain, weakness, or tingling in the associated areas, commonly the back or legs. 

These descriptions of spinal cord injuries are just the start. There are numerous types of injuries possible, including damage to the specific areas. Because of how complex these injuries can be, it’s best to work with an attorney with knowledge of the potential risks and damage. That may give you more confidence in seeking our fair compensation.

How Spinal Cord Injuries Impact Life

Protect your rights after a spinal cord injury. While there may not be medications or surgeries to provide 100 percent improvement after this type of loss, there are resources that can help you to ease back into life in the best manner possible. Spinal cord injuries can impact you in various ways, including:

  • Limiting mobility 
  • Changing your ability to do your job
  • Causing chronic and debilitating pain
  • Changes in your ability to engage in activities you love
  • Limitations in your ability to work at all

In some cases, wrongful death can occur. That may lead to claims made by family members for losses.

How a Nebraska Motorcycle Attorney Can Help You

After a motorcycle accident, get the medical care you need as soon as possible. Then, take the necessary steps to protect your right to compensation for your losses. Working with a motorcycle accident attorney ensures proper representation for all that you’ve lost. It helps minimize the risks of mistakes when working with insurance adjusters. It can also reduce the risk of missing opportunities to file a claim in a timely and comprehensive manner. 

The Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, provides comprehensive support after a motorcycle accident. If you’ve been in an accident, take the proactive approach by contacting your personal injury attorney right away. Call us for a free consultation