Nerve damage can be a life-altering injury, causing you pain, numbness, weakness, and a range of other debilitating symptoms.
If you’re dealing with nerve damage, it’s crucial to understand what lies ahead of you and your legal options. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, occurs when nerves are injured, damaged, or otherwise impaired. This disrupts your body’s ability to communicate with your brain. Nerves control everything you do, from moving your muscles to sensing pain. If they get damaged, it can have wide-reaching effects on your body and quality of life.
You have three main types of nerves in your body, including:
- Autonomic: Control involuntary or partially voluntary actions, like blood pressure and heart rate
- Motor: Control movements and actions
- Sensory: Relay information from your skin to your brain and spinal cord.
Your nerves are also grouped into two main systems: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS includes any nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Your signs and symptoms will vary depending on the type of nerve damage you suffer. Neuropathy affecting the peripheral nerves is the most common type. It can lead to numbness and pain and usually affects your hands and feet.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Nerve Damage?
Recognizing the warning signs of nerve damage will help you seek timely medical attention. The most common signs and symptoms of nerve damage include:
- Pain: Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the affected area
- Numbness: Loss of sensation or a “pins and needles” feeling
- Weakness: Lack of strength or even paralysis in the affected area
- Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
- Coordination Issues: Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Autonomic Symptoms: Issues with digestion, bladder control, or heart rate
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Determining the specific location and severity of nerve damage can require many tests, so you should start the process as soon as possible.
How Long Does Nerve Damage Last?
Nerve pain can last a few days to a few weeks or a lifetime. In some cases, your nerves may be able to partially or completely repair themselves. It depends on the severity of the damage and the type of nerve involved. This healing process can take weeks, months, or even years.
Some types of nerve damage may manifest in waves. For instance, if you throw your back out and have a pinched nerve, you may experience inflammation and radiating pain in your legs. If the nerve gets free from the impingement, the pain may subside.
However, severe nerve damage may be permanent. Regardless of what type of nerve pain you are suffering, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. The earlier you get treated, the better your odds of achieving a favorable outcome.
What Are the Common Causes of Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage can be attributed to all sorts of different incidents. Some potential causes include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents involve thousands of pounds of metal, high speeds, and lots of momentum. They can lead to nerve damage, broken bones, and many other injuries.
If you suffer other injuries during your accident, you might not even notice the nerve damage right away. That’s why it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as you can. They can initiate the claims process and gather important medical evidence to document your injuries.
Bicycle Accidents
Cruising the streets of Chicago on a bicycle can be a great way to get some exercise. However, the busy city streets can also be dangerous due to the traffic volume. Even a seemingly minor crash can leave you with lasting nerve pain.
If you get hurt on your bicycle, seeking medical treatment is important. If someone else caused the accident, gather information about their vehicle and take photos of the incident. You want as much evidence as possible in case you need to file a personal injury claim.
Slip and Falls
What seems like a simple slip and fall injury can leave you dealing with lasting nerve pain, especially if you fall on a hard surface and impact your spine. The sudden and forceful nature of a fall can compress your nerves.
Anytime you get injured on someone else’s property, make note of the date, time, and circumstances. Pay attention to anything that may have contributed to your fall, such as a wet floor. If the party that manages the property was negligent, you may be able to file a claim for damages, and all of this evidence will help support your case.
Commercial Events
Commercial events like football games, concerts, and festivals are meant to be fun and enjoyable. However, large crowds, poor lighting, and the fast pace of these gatherings can sometimes lead to serious injuries. Slipping and falling at a busy stadium can lead to nerve damage, broken bones, and a variety of other ailments.
A commercial events injury lawyer can help fight for justice on your behalf. They can gather evidence, file a claim against the facility manager and event organizer, and seek damages for your injuries.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents involving heavy machinery falling from heights or being struck by objects can cause significant nerve damage. These injuries can be severe and often require extensive medical treatment.
Don’t rely on worker’s comp coverage alone to cover the cost of your injuries. If you get hurt on a construction site, it’s important to find an experienced construction injury lawyer right away.
Medical Malpractice
You don’t expect to walk away from a surgical procedure with severe nerve damage. Unfortunately, it can happen. Even experienced physicians can make mistakes, and you may be left to deal with the consequences.
Medical malpractice attorneys can work to determine whether a provider’s negligence caused your nerve damage and other symptoms. They will gather evidence to support your case, file a claim on your behalf, and work to recover a fair settlement amount.
Can I Take Legal Action for My Nerve Damage?
If your nerve damage occurred due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and help you determine whether you should file a claim. They can also provide legal advice and guide you through the complex civil claims process.
If you reach a settlement agreement or win your case at trial, you could recover damages for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and the other lifelong repercussions of your nerve pain.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Don’t navigate the aftermath of your nerve damage alone. Schedule a free consultation with Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning we only receive attorney’s fees if we win money for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at (312) 726-1616.
