The spinal cord connects the brain to the body and consists of nerves and tissue. It carries sensation information from the body to the brain and movement information from the brain to the body. In Florida, car accidents often cause spinal cord injuries that leave victims totally or partially paralyzed.
The spinal cord runs from the base of the brain down to the lower back. From there, the branches of nerve roots go to the legs. Car accidents could cause acute spinal cord damage, and the movement and sensation below the injury level could be affected.
Types of spinal cord injuries:
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: The victim retains some level of function and sensation below the injury level, such as movement in either the limbs or more sensation on one side of the body.
- Complete spinal cord injuries: Severe trauma to the spinal cord leaves the victim with no movement or sensation in the area below the injury. It affects both sides of the body.
Spinal cord injuries cannot be cured currently, and damaged spinal cords cannot be mended. However, specialized rehabilitation and treatment have shown dramatic improvement over recent decades. Victims may benefit from these treatments, helping improve their lives.
Nevertheless, car accident victims with spinal cord injuries that leave them partially or totally paralyzed will suffer consequences for the remainder of their lives. Along with this will come ongoing medical expenses and the inability to earn an income. If there is proof that another party’s negligence caused the accident, they may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim in a Florida civil court.
