Long-term effects of nerve damage from St. Louis car accident compensation
Nerve damage from a St. Louis car accident can have a significant impact on your life, causing both physical and emotional challenges. Here's a detailed analysis of the long-term effects and how they might influence compensation:
Types of Nerve Damage:
- Neuropraxia: Mildest form, with temporary loss of function. Nerves can usually heal on their own.
- Axonotmesis: More severe damage affecting the nerve fiber. Recovery might be possible with treatment, but can be slow and incomplete.
- Neurotmesis: Most severe, with complete severing of the nerve fiber. Recovery is usually not possible without surgical intervention.
Long-Term Effects:
- Pain: Nerve damage can cause chronic pain, burning sensations, or throbbing aches. The pain might be constant or come and go.
- Numbness and Tingling: Loss of feeling or a prickly sensation in the affected area.
- Muscle Weakness: Damage to nerves supplying muscles can lead to weakness, atrophy (wasting), and difficulty with movement.
- Balance and Coordination Problems: Nerve damage can impair signals to the muscles and inner ear, affecting balance and coordination.
- Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction: Nerves control bladder and bowel function. Damage can lead to incontinence or difficulty with control.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Nerve damage can affect sexual arousal and orgasm in both men and women.
- Psychological Impact: Chronic pain, disability, and loss of function can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
Impact on Earning Capacity:
Nerve damage can significantly impact your ability to work, depending on the severity and location of the injury. For instance, hand or arm weakness might limit your ability to perform manual labor tasks. Compensation can account for lost wages and potential future limitations on your earning capacity.
Treatment Options:
- Medication: Pain relievers, anti-seizure medications, and antidepressants might be prescribed to manage symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination in the affected area.
- Occupational Therapy: Training to relearn daily living skills and adapt to limitations caused by the nerve damage.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery might be necessary to repair severed nerves or remove scar tissue compressing nerves.
Medical Evidence for Compensation:
- Detailed Medical Records: Documentation of your diagnosis, treatment plan, prognosis, and ongoing medical needs strengthens your compensation claim.
- Expert Opinions: Neurologists or physical therapists can provide expert testimony on the severity of your nerve damage, the long-term consequences, and potential future treatment needs.
Maximizing Compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve recovery outcomes and establish a clear link between the accident and your nerve damage.
- Maintain Detailed Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical bills, therapy sessions, lost wages, and any other expenses related to your nerve damage.
- Consult a Qualified Lawyer: An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can navigate the legal complexities, gather evidence, fight for full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential future needs arising from your nerve damage.
Remember:
- Compensation varies depending on the severity and long-term impact of your nerve damage.
- Missouri is a pure comparative negligence state. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault attributed.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consulting with qualified medical professionals and a lawyer specializing in personal injury cases in St. Louis is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and navigating the legal aspects of your specific situation.