Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

Some spinal cord injury symptoms to look for immediately after a motorcycle accident in Georgia include:
 

  • extreme pain in the back, neck or head;
  • weakness;
  • numbness;
  • inability to control bladder or bowel movements;
  • difficulty breathing; and
  • difficulty walking. 


Spinal cord injuries will reveal differing symptoms in the days and weeks after a motorcycle accident in Georgia as swelling occurs in the spinal column. Once swelling has decreased, it will be easier to gauge the injury's permanent effects.

Some long-term or permanent symptoms of severe spinal cord injuries include:
 

  • paralysis;
  • loss of bladder control;
  • loss of bowel control;
  • loss of special senses (inability to feel hot or cold, including sense of touch);
  • loss of sexual function;
  • pain; and
  • breathing problems. 


Severity of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries vary in the severity of their symptoms, depending on whether the injury is complete or incomplete. Complete spinal cord injuries result when all feeling and function is lost, while victims with incomplete spinal cord injuries will retain some motor and sensory functions below the level of the injury.

Some spinal cord injuries result in quadriplegia, which means your arms, torso and legs are all paralyzed. Other types of spinal cord injuries, such as paraplegia restrict all or some of your torso and legs while use of the arms is retained.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can drastically alter the course of a motorcyclist's life after an accident. If another motorist or party caused your spinal cord injury, you can seek compensation through a personal injury claim.

Filing a personal injury claim is especially important, because it may allow you to obtain damages for the following:
 

  • medical expenses;
  • lost wages;
  • at home care (help with childcare, cooking, cleaning, etc.);
  • mental strife; and
  • pain and suffering. 


An Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney can help you determine who is liable for your injuries, can gauge the possible compensation you stand to receive and can help defend your claim. 

Contacting an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a motorcycle accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you may be eligible for to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case.