Nerve Damage

Our nervous system comprises the central nervous system, which is the spinal cord and the brain. It also includes the peripheral nervous system, which comprises the nerves that extend throughout the body. The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to all parts of the body.

Nerve damage can impact one nerve or a group of nerves. It could impact the entire body. Unfortunately, nerve damage can cause permanent impairment and disability, depending on the bodily functions and areas impacted by the nerve damage.

What Causes Nerve Damage?

Illnesses and health conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid problems can cause nerve damage. However, trauma and pressure on the nerves can also cause nerve damage. 

In addition to disease and health conditions, common causes of nerve injuries and damage include:

  • Blunt force trauma from an auto accident, fall, or other injury
  • Fractured vertebrae can put pressure on or sever nerves in the spinal cord
  • Crushing injuries can cause damage to nerves that prevent them from transmitting signals
  • Broken bones and fractures can rip through soft tissues and cause nerves to be damaged, compressed, or severed
  • Burn injuries can damage nerve endings and underlying tissues
  • Injuries caused by defective products and work accidents
  • Repetitive stress can cause swelling, which can lead to compressed nerves or tissue death
  • Abrasions (road rash) from pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents can damage nerves
  • Medical negligence and errors could result in nerve damage, such as mistakes made during surgery

Ultimately, all types of accidents have the potential to cause injuries that could damage nerves. 

What Are the Symptoms of Nerve Damage?

The symptoms you experience because of nerve damage depend on several factors, including the severity of the injury and the affected nerves. Generally, signs of nerve damage can include:

  • Pain
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Loss of sensation
  • Weakness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Burning sensation
  • Muscle spasms
  • Loss of sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Paralysis or loss of motion

However, you could experience other symptoms after a nerve injury that are specific to the area of the body that sustained the injury. For example, you could lose bladder control if the nerves that lead to the bladder are damaged. If the nerves controlling the eyes and ears are damaged, you might experience vision and hearing problems or loss.

Autonomic nerve damage could result in difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, sexual dysfunction, and low/high blood pressure. The autonomic nerves control the body’s involuntary systems. Therefore, the symptoms might be confused with other illnesses instead of being attributed to an accident. 

How Do Doctors Diagnose and Treat Nerve Damage?

Healthcare providers perform physical exams and discuss the symptoms with patients. They may also perform one or more diagnostic tests, including:

  • Blood tests
  • Nerve conduction studies
  • Electromyography
  • Skin biopsy
  • Nerve biopsy

The treatment plan depends on the injury. Doctors may use medications, surgery, and therapy to treat nerve damage. The success of the treatment also depends on the type and severity of the nerve damage. 

Some nerve damage may interfere with daily activities. Therefore, some individuals might need assistance with specific tasks. Even if the nerve damage is treated, the condition might not improve.

What Compensation Could I Receive for a Nerve Damage Claim in Lake Charges, LA?

Louisiana personal injury laws allow injured victims to pursue claims for economic damages. These damages reimburse and compensate injured victims for the monetary losses associated with the injury and accident.

Examples of economic damages in a nerve damage case could include:

  • Past and future medical bills and expenses, including rehabilitation and therapies
  • Ongoing personal and/or nurse care
  • Loss of income, including future lost wages and decreases in earning capacity
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, including assistance with household chores
  • Medical devices and equipment

In addition to receiving compensation for your financial losses, you can also receive compensation for your pain and suffering. These damages are included in non-economic damages. 

Examples of non-economic damages in a nerve damage case include:

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Emotional distress
  • Impairments and disabilities
  • Mental anguish
  • Diminished quality of life

The value of your damages depends on several factors. Experienced Lake Charges personal injury attorneys may consult medical specialists and financial professionals to estimate the future cost of medical care, income loss, and ongoing pain and suffering. Future expenses and damages can be substantial if you sustain permanent injury because of nerve damage. 

Can I Receive Compensation for a Nerve Injury if I Am Partially at Fault for Causing My Injury?

Louisiana has a pure comparative fault law. Being partially to blame for causing your injury or an accident does not automatically prevent you from receiving compensation for damages. However, it can reduce the amount you receive for your personal injury claim.

For example, suppose a jury awards you $1 million for damages caused by a car accident. However, the jurors determine you are 25% to blame for the cause of the crash. Instead of receiving $1 million, you would receive $750,000 (25% less than the full amount).

Insurance companies often blame the victims to avoid liability for a claim. Therefore, you should be cautious when discussing the case with an insurance adjuster or other party representing the insurance company or at-fault party. The statements you make could be intentionally misinterpreted.

How Long Do I Have To File a Nerve Damage Claim in Louisiana?

The statute of limitations in Louisiana is two years for most personal injury cases, and there are few exceptions to the rule. Therefore, we encourage you to discuss your case with an attorney immediately. The court can dismiss your lawsuit if you file it after the statute of limitations expires. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lake Charles Nerve Damage Lawyers At Hale Injury Lawyers

Our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers at Hale Law Firm have been fighting for clients since the day we opened our doors. Call our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced nerve damage attorney. Let us help you receive the compensation you need and deserve after a tragic accident or personal injury.

For more information, please contact an experienced car accident attorney at Hale Injury Lawyers at (337) 888-4253 & schedule a free initial consultation today.

Hale Injury Lawyers
1735 Ryan St
Lake Charles, LA 70601

(337) 888-4253