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Nerves perform a critical function in the body. They are an extensive system that transmits messages throughout your body. Nerves send electrical messages that allow parts of your body to communicate with each other. If you suffer a physical injury, the ability of the nerves to transmit these messages can be disrupted. In some cases, these injuries may heal on their own after time. In other cases, the injury may be more serious, requiring surgery. If you have suffered nerve injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation.
There are three primary types of nerve damage that you may suffer in the wake of a car accident. These injuries may vary in severity, and some may even require surgical treatment.
Neuropraxia means that there is some damage to the nerve, but this is generally the least serious type of nerve injury. There may be a block that forms along the nerve that keeps messages from passing elsewhere in the body. You would generally suffer neuropraxia from some type of trauma, whether it is impact or whiplash. These types of injuries often heal on their own within two months. Still, during that time, your physical activity may be limited, and you may not even be able to work.
Axonotmesis is a moderate injury that results when a nerve is crushed. While the nerve remains intact, its ability to transmit messages is partially disrupted. This type of injury generally results when there is a traumatic stretching of the nerves. Axonotmesis usually does not require surgery, although there will be a more extensive recovery period than you would experience in neuropraxia. Here, it could take six months to a year for the injury to heal on its own. In the meantime, you could be left with limited physical function and discomfort.
Neurotmesis is the most serious type of nerve injury that you can suffer. Here, the trauma of the car accident may completely sever a nerve. You would not be able to receive any type of message in the area that is served by the nerve. You may even suffer some type of paralysis or damage to the muscle. It is virtually impossible to recover from neurotmesis without some type of surgical intervention. These injuries do not resolve themselves on their own. Even with surgery, you may not experience a full recovery.
Nerve damage can require extensive medical treatment. Whether you recover from nerve damage, and how quickly you may get better, depends on the type of injury that you have suffered. There is a chance that you can get better without the need for surgery and rehabilitation. Still, during that time, you may experience extensive symptoms and discomfort that can take away from the quality of your life.
You may be entitled to substantial financial compensation for car accident nerve injuries. Not only can you be paid for the complete cost of your medical care and lost wages, but you may also be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Nerve injuries can limit your range of motion and they could leave you in lasting discomfort. The responsible driver would have a legal obligation to pay you for all of the effects of the injuries that their carelessness has caused you. Before you can file a claim, you would need an experienced car accident attorney to review your case and medical records to determine how much you may be due in compensation.
The Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can get to the bottom of your motor vehicle crash case and work to put you in the best possible position to obtain full compensation for your injuries. All you need to do is call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our offices are in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, and we serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.