Dealing with Nerve Damage after a Serious Accident

Any type of serious accident has the potential to cause damage to the central nervous system. Accidents that stretch, sever, compress, or lacerate the nerves, can cause a host of problems that range in severity from mild to debilitating.

Signs and Symptoms of Nerve Damage

Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, serious slip and fall accidents, and bicycle accidents can all cause trauma to the nerves, causing various degrees of damage. In some cases, the symptoms will be immediate, while in others, they take days to manifest.

Some of the signs of nerve damage include:

  • general weakness;
  • muscle atrophy and numbness;
  • paralysis;
  • twitching;
  • burning and tingling;
  • sensitivity;
  • sensory damage;
  • constipation and bladder dysfunctions; and
  • pain (sharp, mild, and a “pins and needles” sensation).

Complications of Nerve Damage

The symptoms of nerve damage are frightening. Victims begin wondering whether the damage is permanent, if they will become paralyzed, and how it will affect their lives.

The complications that arise when a victim suffers nerve damage in a serious accident pertain not only to their physical, but also their emotional and financial state.

Issues that may arise include:

  • numbness and paralysis that impairs movement and restricts activity;
  • serious health complications that puts the victim’s life at risk;
  • gravity of the injury can lead to severe emotional distress, depression, and impaired relationships;
  • the victim may be unable to work in the same capacity and have a major loss of income;
  • physical pain can cause decreased enjoyment in and quality of life;
  • medical bills will quickly amass, causing huge financial strain; and
  • the entire family might be adversely affected, particularly if the victim was a main contributor to the family’s income.

Treatments for Nerve Injury

Treatments depend upon the severity and location of the injury. If the damage occurred in the spinal cord and was irreparable and permanent, lifelong paralysis may result, for which there is no cure.

Even when central nervous system damage is less severe, some victims never fully recover from their injuries. Treatments center around helping the patient stay independent and on pain management.

Possible treatments that physicians may recommend include:

  • topical therapies;
  • physical and occupational therapy;
  • anti-inflammatory diets; and
  • prescription medications (anticonvulsants, antidepressants, pain killers).

Seeking Compensation after an Accident

If you sustained nerve injuries in an accident for which someone else was responsible, you may be eligible to file an injury claim or file a suit against the responsible party.

For severe nerve damage cases, you can seek restitution for damages including:

  • medical bills;
  • future rehabilitative therapy;
  • lost wages;
  • pain;
  • mental anguish; and
  • the impact the injuries have had on your life.

For help with your personal injury case in Denver, contact injury attorney D.J. Banovitz. Call D.J. Banovitz today for a free consultation at 303-300-5060, and determine whether you have a valid case on your hands, and what kinds of compensation for which you may be eligible.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.