If you are involved in an auto accident and you have been told you have stenosis this is because your spinal canal has become narrowed. This is the tunnel that runs through the central core of your spine, which is home to nerve roots and the spinal cord.
When the canal is compressed through impact caused by an auto accident this could affect the spinal cord as well as the nerve roots. The sorts of painful symptoms experienced are enough to need to take considerable time off work while recovering.
If the auto accident wasn’t your fault you may be entitled to file a personal injury (PI) compensation claim from the at-fault driver. You can do this with the help of an experienced PI attorney.
How Spinal Stenosis Could Affect You
There are rare occasions when someone is born with primary stenosis. This isn’t much of a problem with a young person but has far more effect when someone gets old. Acquired stenosis is slightly different and is caused by a trauma to the spine.
There are many painful symptoms of stenosis, which include difficulty when trying to balance, poor coordination, pain in the shoulder, neck, hand and arm. On top of this there is an embarrassing situation which could also arise and that’s bowel or bladder incontinence.
Overall, it is a painful affliction and can take many years to recover from if at all. It requires being involved with specific exercises and physical therapy that promotes better posture. Steroids are sometimes used and painkillers can be recommended to relieve pain.
Damages May Be Awarded for Spinal Stenosis
As long as you are able to provide proof that the auto accident you were involved in caused the spinal stenosis you have a good chance of winning a damages claim from the person who caused the auto accident.
Rehabilitation may be long and hard meaning you may not be able to return to work for a long time. A damages claim will cover the cost of all your medical treatment, any loss of earnings and an amount calculated for the pain and suffering you may have to endure from an auto accident that was not your fault.
If the auto accident was caused by the negligent act of a driver such as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs you may be entitled to punitive damages. This sort of penalty is a reminder both to that driver and anyone else who drives negligently that this sort of behavior is penalized and not tolerated.
Find out more about what damages you may be entitled to if you file a personal injury claim.
You May Need a PI Attorney to Fight for your PI Claim
You are legally entitled to file a PI compensation claim without any legal help. The insurer of the at-fault driver will see you are vulnerable and will try to negotiate a smaller settlement by paying up straightaway. This is not an easy solution to your financial hardship.
You need to get the full cost of your injuries paid. An experienced PI attorney will take all your evidence and medical reports and turn them into the cash that you will need to survive.
If you still have questions on what next steps you have to take if you suffered spinal stenosis after an auto accident, it is always best to speak with a personal injury attorney in your area.
