Long-Term Implications of Rollover Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries

A rollover accident can have far-reaching consequences, both physically and emotionally. These types of car accidents often lead to severe spinal cord injuries that alter the victims’ lives in ways they could never anticipate.

In this post, we take a look at spinal cord injuries resulting from rollover accidents, the long-term implications they carry, and how working with an Oklahoma City car accident lawyer from Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers can help pave your path to recovery and justice.

Why You Need an Attorney After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury in a Rollover Accident

The aftermath of a rollover accident resulting in a spinal cord injury can be daunting and overwhelming. In these challenging times, having the guidance and expertise of an experienced lawyer is not just recommended—it’s crucial. Here is how the right lawyer can make a significant difference:

Investigation: In the wake of a devastating rollover accident, time is of the essence. An experienced personal injury lawyer will initiate a meticulous investigation and gather crucial evidence to determine liability. This evidence may include the accident report, witness statements, and expert analysis that will help ensure a comprehensive understanding of the accident, how it happened, and who is to blame.
Settlement Negotiations: Navigating the complexities of insurance negotiations requires skill and experience. With the help of a skilled attorney, car accident victims can better negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll the accident has taken.
Litigation: In cases where negotiations fall short, litigation may become necessary. An experienced attorney with a strong litigation background can build a robust case, and present evidence, expert testimonies, and legal arguments in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose an Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer from Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers?

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we understand that personal care and transparency are paramount in a client-attorney relationship. We believe that clients have the right to be informed every step of the way. Our team is not only well-versed in the legal intricacies involved in car accident cases, but also committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

How a Rollover Accident Can Cause a Spinal Cord Injury

Regardless of how a rollover accident happens, it subjects the human body to violent forces that can result in catastrophic spinal cord injuries. The abrupt and forceful movement of the vehicle can lead to immense strain on the spine, causing fractures, dislocations, or damage to the delicate spinal cord.

Furthermore, the impact of a rollover accident can cause a vehicle’s occupants to collide with the roof of the vehicle. Such violent contact can result in traumatic injuries to the head and neck, including the spinal cord, leading to life-altering consequences.

The Long-Term Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. The long-term implications of such injuries can be profound, including:

Paralysis: Certain spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically affecting the victim’s mobility and independence.
Osteoporosis: Spinal cord injuries can accelerate bone loss, leading to the development of osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
Muscle Spasticity: Muscle spasms and spasticity can emerge, causing discomfort and impairing physical function.
Syringomyelia: Fluid-filled cysts known as syrinxes can form within the spinal cord, leading to pain and neurological symptoms.
Infections: Spinal cord injuries can increase susceptibility to infections, necessitating vigilant medical management.
Depression: The emotional toll of a spinal cord injury can lead to depression, affecting the victim’s mental well-being.
Loss of Enjoyment or Quality of Life: Engaging in once-enjoyed activities may become challenging, impacting the victim’s overall enjoyment and quality of life.
Long-Term Treatment: The treatment journey for spinal cord injuries is extensive and ongoing. Beyond initial medical care, individuals often require continued therapies, medications, and specialized treatments. Astonishingly, the lifetime treatment costs for a spinal cord injury victim injured at age 25 can reach up to a staggering $5 million.

Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages, including but not limited to:

Medical Expenses: Compensation to address medical costs, including surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
Costs of Long-Term Care for Permanent Disabilities: Your lifelong care needs must be taken into account to ensure you receive the necessary support for daily activities and medical management.
Loss of Wages or Income: Compensation for the financial impact of past and future lost wages and income due to the injury’s effect on your ability to be employed or your earning capacity.
Compensation for Pain and Suffering and Emotional Trauma: The emotional distress resulting from a spinal cord injury must be acknowledged, and compensation must be provided to alleviate this burden.
Loss of Enjoyment or Quality of Life: The reduced ability to partake in activities enjoyed prior to your injury must be factored into the compensation you receive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries in Rollover Accidents

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Spinal Cord Injury?

Determining liability is pivotal in recovering the compensation you deserve. As is the case with most car accidents, several parties can be held liable for the accident and your injury, including:

Another Driver: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held financially accountable.
The Vehicle’s Manufacturer: A defect in the way the vehicle was designed or manufactured can lead to the manufacturer being liable for your spinal cord injury.
A Government Agency or Municipality: Poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage can contribute to car accidents, leading to the government agency or municipality that is responsible for the road being liable for accidents resulting from their negligence.

What Happens If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Oklahoma follows the concept of comparative negligence in car accident cases, which means your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, you can still seek compensation proportionate to the other party’s liability. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Oklahoma City can help you understand how comparative negligence applies to your case and ensure that liability is apportioned appropriately.

Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers

After suffering a spinal cord injury in a rollover accident, your journey toward recovery and justice starts with reaching out to Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers. Our compassionate team is ready to provide the support, guidance, and legal expertise you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Let us be your allies in this challenging time—contact us today for a free case evaluation.