Car accidents that result in head and neck injuries can leave victims with permanent disabilities, cognitive deficits, and life-altering conditions. Medical bills, prescription medications, physical and cognitive therapy, hospitalizations, and surgical bills can add up quickly and devastate a family’s financial health. Holding those responsible for the wreck liable for injuries can help alleviate some of these financial burdens.
Neck Injuries
Injuries to the neck often result in devastating consequences. The impact from a motor vehicle accident crash can fracture vertebrate, damage soft tissue, and affect the joints that connect the spinal column to the brain. The neck serves as a central nervous system portal that connects the nerve endings throughout the body. When the neck is injured, pain and trauma can be experienced all over the body.
Whiplash is a common neck injury incurred in automobile accidents. When a car hits a vehicle from behind, drivers and passengers are thrust forward, and when the momentum stops, the head is thrust backward. This movement can cause whiplash. Whiplash is often misdiagnosed and can lead to cervical spine damage, lumbar back pain, chronic headaches, and paralysis.
Additionally, neck trauma from a car accident can lead to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a condition caused by the compression of nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib. TOS can result in debilitating symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand, as well as serious complications like blood clots, gangrene, and amputations.
Paralysis of the voice box or larynx can compromise the ability to speak and breathe. If the vocal cords become paralyzed, the condition can be permanent. Identifying and treating this type of injury is paramount to long term recovery.
Neck injuries can significantly impact the quality of life for injured victims. Jaw pain, muscle spasms, limited range of motion, shoulder pain, lower back problems, chronic headaches and fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness and vertigo, inner ear problems, and frequent infections or abscesses can limit a victim’s movement and independence, and even lead to lost wages if they cannot work due to their injuries. Prompt medical attention and a correct diagnosis can prevent some of these conditions from becoming permanent.
Head Injuries
The brain is a delicate organ and essential to all life functions. Trauma to the head or brain is a severe injury. Car accident victims often suffer head injuries when they are thrown against hard surfaces, experience turbulence and thrashing of the head and neck, or when glass or metal pierce through the skin or skull.
Bleeding in the brain is a very dangerous situation. Depending upon the location of the injury, blood from vessels in the brain can become trapped between the brain and the skull, putting extreme pressure on the brain. If the bleeding continues to accumulate in that area, the pressure can be so great that parts of the brain shut down. Permanent cognitive and physical consequences can result from this type of trauma.
Neurological damage can leave victims unable to speak, walk, perform activities of daily living, or even breathe on their own. Mental and emotional changes often occur from brain injuries and can interfere with a victim’s ability to live independently. Simple tasks such as brushing teeth or bathing can become great obstacles.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen when the brain slams against the skull from the impact of a car accident. A TBI can affect a victim’s ability to think clearly, make decisions, or function independently. If the skull is fractured, victims can lose their sight or experience other ocular complications. Skull fractures can cause loss of hearing, tinnitus, and loss of senses, such as taste or smell, that leave victims with sensory deficits that impact their emotional and physical wellbeing.
Seeking Justice for Head and Neck Injuries
Head and neck injuries can result in life altering complications requiring ongoing medical intervention, prescription medications, physical and neurological therapy, home care, and assisted living devices. Some victims may be unable to work. These conditions can create a monetary crisis that many families are unable to overcome. Seeking the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer is essential to recovering the compensation that can ease this burden.
Columbia Car Accident Lawyers at Chappell, Chappell and Newman. Help Clients with Head and Neck Injuries Claim Compensation
If you or someone you know has suffered a head or neck injury from a car accident, the Columbia car accident lawyers at Chappell, Chappell and Newman. can help you claim the compensation you deserve. Call us or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
Our South Carolina offices serve clients throughout the state, including Columbia, Aiken, Camden, Sumter, Orangeburg, Greenville, Florence, Beaufort, Irmo, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, West Columbia, Rock Hill, Charleston, Lexington, Winnsboro, Summerville, and throughout the counties of Lexington County, Richland County, Sumter County, Charleston County, Aiken County, Florence County, Lancaster County, York County, Spartanburg County, Orangeburg County, Kershaw County, and Newberry County.