The Impact of Permanent Nerve Damage Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can be traumatic events that have far-reaching consequences, both physically and emotionally. Even what may at first appear to be minor injuries can end up leaving a person with permanent nerve damage. Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, can be a life-altering condition that affects one's quality of life. Having an Illinois personal injury lawyer who understands the long-term impact of this condition will ensure that your best interests are protected in any type of legal action that may be necessary in your situation.
Types of Nerve Damage
Many injuries are immediately visible, such as broken bones, limbs that have been crushed, open wounds, and contusions. Although nerve injuries are common car crash injuries, these injuries are often not immediately recognized. This is one reason why it is so important for anyone involved in a car accident to seek medical attention immediately, no matter how minor the crash was.
There are two types of permanent nerve damage that a person can sustain in an accident:
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Peripheral neuropathy – The peripheral nerves run outside the brain and spinal cord and are responsible for sending messages from these areas to the rest of the body. When these nerves become damaged, individuals often suffer from pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet.
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Neurotmesis – When a nerve has been severed, this is referred to as neurotmesis. The individual who sustains this type of injury is often left with motor and sensory issues and chronic pain.
Symptoms of Permanent Nerve Damage
The symptoms of permanent nerve damage after a car accident can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include:
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Pain - Chronic, often intense pain in the affected area, which can be burning, stabbing, or aching in nature
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Numbness or tingling - Loss of sensation or a constant sensation of pins and needles in the affected region
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Muscle weakness or atrophy - Difficulty in moving or controlling muscles in the injured area, leading to muscle wastage
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Coordination problems - Impaired coordination and balance, making simple tasks challenging
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Sensory changes - Altered perception of temperature, touch, or pressure in the affected area
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Autonomic dysfunction - In some cases, nerve damage can affect autonomic functions like blood pressure and heart rate, leading to issues like hypotension
Contact a Lake Zurich Personal Injury Lawyer for Legal Assistance
If you have suffered permanent nerve damage in a vehicle accident caused by another party, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses your injuries have caused, including medical expenses, lost income, loss of future income, pain and suffering, and more. Call Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers at 847-721-2499 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Lake County car accident attorneys and find out what legal recourse you may have.