When motorcycle riders are thrown from their bikes in a crash, spinal cord injuries are not uncommon. Helmets do provide some degree of protection for the neck and top of the spinal column, but the rest of your vertebrae are left exposed. Even in a relatively minor crash, these motorcycle spinal cord injuries can occur.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries | Personal Injury Lawyers
- Paralysis or lack of sensation
- Tingling or buzzing sensation
- Numbness or unusual sensations, especially in the lower extremities
- Loss of bladder/bowel control or difficulty sensing if the bladder is full
- Weakness
- Back pain or pressure
A spinal cord injury is common in many motorcycle crashes. All spinal cord injuries should be taken seriously because even a minor injury can cause devastation. When a motorcycle accident occurs, the biker is often thrown off their bike and makes a forceful impact with the road or ground. This impact can jar the body and can cause damage to the spinal cord. Any spinal cord injury should be assessed and treated immediately. Swelling and damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis if not treated quickly.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, especially if you have any neck or back pain, remain in place and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. They will likely move you onto a backboard and place a brace around your neck. This is to hold the spinal column in place and prevent any further movement. At the hospital, scans will be done to determine the extent of your injuries. Sometimes, when an accident occurs that involves the spinal cord, the doctors will not be able to tell the long term effects immediately.
If you have a spinal cord injury, you likely face a period of hospitalization followed by ongoing physical and occupational therapy. You will be unable to work for a period of time and may need to have someone around to help care for your day to day needs. Your medical bills will start to come in and you may feel overwhelmed.
This is where the Law Firm of Kass & Moses comes in! Our team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers have handled hundreds of cases involving motorcycle crashes. We have worked with many bikers with spinal cord injuries. We know you need to focus on your immediate physical needs. That is why we will work with the insurance adjuster to get you a just settlement. Remember, insurance companies are looking out for themselves. They may offer you a small settlement in order to close your case inexpensively. We believe you are entitled to more and will fight to get you what you deserve under the law.
A spinal injury is serious and require extensive medical care. Rest assured that we will work to get you compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Even if you may have been partially at fault in your case, we may be able to help you. Reach out to us today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.
Researchers with the Journal of Trauma performed a thorough analysis of 1100 motorcycle accidents. They found that in 10 percent of the cases, the motorcycle rider experienced a serious spinal injury. In a car accident, the seat belt and airbags help secure the driver and passenger and prevent stress on the spine during impact. Motorcycle riders do not have this protection in place. This is why traumatic injuries are much more common in motorcycle accidents.
A severe injury is upsetting not just for the motorcycle rider, but also for the family involved. It is difficult to see a loved one in pain. The days spent in the hospital are stressful and exhausting. Serious injuries like spinal injuries can cause many families to question their future. Often, the injured person is the one most responsible for providing for the family financially.
With severe injuries like spinal injuries or neck injuries, there are many unanswered questions. You may wonder whether or not you can return to work. The medical bills from cervical spine injuries can be devastating. Wondering about the stability of your job while contemplating these unpaid bills simply adds to the anxiety.
At the Law Firm of Kass & Moses, our aim is to reduce the stress that families face after a motorcycle crash. We do this by seeking compensation that is fair and just for any injuries occurring in your accident. Our goal is to get the law to work in your favor, and to cover all expenses and pain and suffering associated with your spinal injuries. We value the attorney client relationship and pride ourselves in being available at any time to discuss your case.
Common Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
There are a number of common injuries that involve the spinal region. Sometimes, multiple injuries occur at one time and can complicate treatment. The clinical outcomes vary based on the nature of the injury. Any neurological or spinal injury should be assessed and treated as soon as possible after your motorcycle accident.
Common Spinal Injuries include:
- Spinal fracture – any of the vertebrae of the spine can crack or fracture, often resulting in intense pain.
- Spinal stenosis – this is a narrowing of the space between the vertebra. It places pressure on the spinal cord and can result in numbness, pain, and sensitivity.
- Whiplash – this is a painful straining or tearing of the tendons along the neck.
- Herniated disc – the cushioning discs in place between the vertebrae can be pushed out of alignment and place pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spondylolisthesis – Vertebrae can move out of alignment, placing pressure on other bones.
- Damage to the spinal cord – Any damage to the spinal cord, even a minor nick, can result in paralysis, impaired movement, or impaired sensation.
Often, spinal cord injuries are only part of the picture. Other injuries can be a part of the picture, as well, resulting in chronic pain and an extensive period of recovery. For a significant number of motorcycle riders, full recovery will not be possible.
Injuries in motorcycle crashes are often severe and many bikers will require ongoing care for weeks, months, or even years following their accident. For this reason, we seek the maximum compensation under the law. We believe that lost wages and pain and suffering should be compensated. Although no amount of money can make up for your suffering, a fair settlement will allow you to be able to focus on healing rather than on medical or other bills.
For more information on how our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get compensation for your spinal cord injury, contact the Law Firm of Kass & Moses today at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE. We are the experienced go-to team to seek when you have a spinal injury. Our experience and our role in the motorcycle world sets us apart from other law firms. Do not let your spinal injury hold you back. Call us today for a free, thorough case evaluation.