A number of Florida truck accidents result in serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord damage can affect mobility as well as functioning of just about every area of the body. The impact of a Florida car accident involving a truck often cases passengers in the car to be thrown about, and this can result in trauma to the spinal cord. As well, when patients are removed from the accident scene, further trauma can sometimes happen to the spinal cord.
The extent of damage in a Florida spinal cord injury after a truck accident can vary widely, depending on the extent of the trauma, the severity of the injury, and the amount of spinal cord affected. When there is a suspected spinal cord injury during a truck accident, emergency personnel usually transport the patient very carefully to avoid too much movement. They may use a backboard and a rigid collar to help protect the possibly injury spine. Once at the hospital, doctors can use imaging to determine the extent of spinal cord injuries.
In severe Florida spinal cord injuries after a truck accident, patients may sometimes have trouble breathing. This is usually an indication of a very severe injury. Patients who are having trouble breathing may need intubation or other assisted breathing solutions to help them breathe. In addition to helping a patient breathe and evaluating the extent of the injuries, doctors will often give patients medication for pain. Sometimes, a steroid drug known as Methylprednisolone is used with Florida spinal cord injury patients because this drug may help reduce inflammation and nerve cell damage in patients.
Other treatment options for Florida spinal cord injury patients usually include axial traction or rigid braces. The idea with these options is to prevent movement which can cause further damage to the spine. Keeping the back still with braces or traction can also help doctors realign the spine.
A few days after the truck accident and spinal cord injury, doctors will usually continue to diagnose the injury with MRIs, exams, X-rays, and other tools. Many doctors use something known as the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) Impairment Scale to evaluate patients and to diagnose spinal cord injuries. After running a battery of tests, doctors are able to see the extent of the damage and evaluate the prognosis for the patient. Usually, at this stage the patient can start to learn how the truck accident and injury will impact their lives and for how long they can expect to deal with the consequences of the injury.
If you have sustained a serious injury in a Florida truck accident, you will need a qualified Florida personal injury attorney to help you safeguard your rights. The Flaxman Law Group’s legal team is highly experienced in dealing with Florida truck accident claims in Miami, Hollywood, Homestead, and surrounding areas. If you have been injured or have been in an accident in Florida, contact the Flaxman Law Group today for help and legal advice from a highly skilled, experienced attorney.