Automobile and semi truck accidents can lead to any number of temporary and permanent physical injuries that alter a person's quality of life. One type of injury that is especially heart wrenching is temporary or permanent paralysis.
The medical definition of the word paralysis is the 'complete loss of control of a single muscle or group of muscles'. When paralysis affects only small portions of the body such as the inability to move your leg or arm then it is considered to be 'local'. Global paralysis is more generalized and is actually a loss of sensation throughout the body.
Paralysis is a complicated type of injury. If a person suffers temporary paralysis it is usually as a result of swelling or pressure on the nervous system. When pressure or swelling occurs it inhibits the spinal cord functions but full recovery is possible when the swelling subsides.
Although there are many researchers studying paralysis, unfortunately, there is no cure for permanent paralysis as of yet.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approximately 55% of paralysis cases occur as a result of an automobile, motorcycle or truck collision. Certain types of crashes make a person more susceptible to paralysis than others.
For instance, in roll-over crashes the car compresses and body parts become unnaturally misshapen and the spinal cord may be affected. The automakers are required to ensure that the roofs of their products can withstand a roll-over without becoming crushed and further injuring any passengers.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston personal injury lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of another's carelessness call the Baumgartner firm.
