Spinal Cord Damage After a Car Accident in Metairie

Life-Changing Injuries and Compensation at The Law Office of Lawyer Don

Few injuries are as devastating or life-changing as spinal cord damage. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic spinal injuries, and the effects can be permanent. Even a partial injury to the spinal cord can result in weakness, mobility limitations, or chronic pain. More severe injuries may lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or complete loss of function below the injury site.



When a negligent driver causes this level of harm, the injured person deserves compensation that reflects the profound physical, emotional, and financial impact of a spinal cord injury. Donald D’Aunoy Jr. helps victims and their families navigate these complex claims and pursue the support they need for long-term care.

How Car Accidents Cause Spinal Cord Damage

The spinal cord is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body during a collision. When a crash forces the body into unnatural movement or exposes the spine to significant force, the spinal cord can stretch, compress, or tear.

Common causes of spinal cord injuries in car accidents include:

• High-speed impacts, which can fracture vertebrae and damage the cord
• Rollover crashes, where the spine bends or twists beyond its normal range
• Side-impact collisions, which apply sharp, uneven pressure to the spinal column
• Ejection from the vehicle, resulting in severe trauma upon landing
• Seatbelt or airbag forces that, while protective, may still cause spinal damage in extreme crashes

Unlike muscle or ligament injuries, spinal cord damage does not heal in the same way. The severity of the injury often depends on the force of the collision and the location along the spinal column.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries fall into two broad categories, each with dramatically different implications for mobility and independence.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

An incomplete injury means the spinal cord is damaged but not fully severed. Individuals may retain some sensation or movement below the injury site. However, symptoms can include:

• Partial paralysis
• Loss of grip strength
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Chronic pain

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete injury means communication between the brain and the body below the injury site is entirely interrupted.

This may result in:

• Paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower body
• Quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs
• Total loss of sensation below the injury point

Complete injuries require lifelong care, adaptive equipment, assistance with daily activities, and major changes to living arrangements.