Nerve Damage Injury Lawyer in Houston
Nerve damage is a serious condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. This article provides a comprehensive overview of nerve damage, including its causes, symptoms, and potential legal recourse for those affected. Reach out to a nerve damage injury lawyer in Houston with questions about fair compensation.
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, occurs when the peripheral nerves are injured or dysfunctional. These nerves are essential for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, making nerve health crucial for overall function.
Types of Nerve Damage
- Mononeuropathy involves damage to a single nerve, often resulting from compression or injury. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment.
- Polyneuropathy- This refers to damage affecting multiple nerves simultaneously. Conditions such as diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, a common type of polyneuropathy.
- Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed or irritated, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness in the area served by the nerve. Sciatica is a well-known example of radiculopathy.
Causes of Nerve Damage
Understanding the various causes of nerve damage is vital for prevention and treatment. Key factors include:
Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma is one of the most common causes of nerve damage. Accidents, falls, or surgical complications can lead to significant nerve injuries, requiring medical intervention. Nerve damage can stem from two main types of injuries:
Spinal Cord Injuries: When the spinal cord is damaged by trauma or disc disease, the nerves are impacted.
Peripheral Nerve Injuries- these injuries start from the spinal cord and tend to be localized to specific body parts.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage
Recognizing the symptoms of nerve damage is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
Sensory Symptoms
- Numbness or Tingling- Often experienced in the extremities, this sensation can indicate nerve dysfunction.
- Pain- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain may arise from damaged nerves, significantly affecting daily life.
- Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature can lead to discomfort in normal situations.
Motor Symptoms
- Weakness- Muscle weakness or paralysis in specific areas can signal nerve damage, impacting mobility.
- Coordination Issues—Peripheral nerve damage can cause Difficulty with balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
Autonomic Symptoms
In severe cases, nerve damage can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to:
- Digestive Problems- Issues like constipation or diarrhea can arise from impaired nerve function.
- Temperature Regulation- The inability to properly regulate body temperature may lead to excessive sweating or heat intolerance.
Diagnosis of Nerve Damage
Diagnosing nerve damage typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers may recommend:
- Electromyography (EMG) This test assesses the electrical activity of muscles and can help identify nerve dysfunction.
- Nerve Conduction Studies These studies measure the speed and strength of signals traveling in the nerves, providing insight into nerve health.
- Imaging Tests MRI or CT scans may visualize the structure of nerves and surrounding tissues, identifying potential sources of compression or injury. An MRI is commonly used to diagnose herniated or ruptured discs.
Treatment Options for Nerve Damage
Effective treatment for nerve damage depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:
Medications
- Pain Relievers- Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage pain.
- Antidepressants- Certain antidepressants have been shown to relieve neuropathic pain.
- Anticonvulsants- Medications traditionally used for epilepsy may also alleviate nerve pain.
Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation through physical therapy can enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination, enabling individuals to regain their functional abilities.
Surgery
In cases where nerve compression is identified, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pressure and restore function.
What Causes Nerve Damage?
- Fractures or Broken Bones- A fracture or a broken bone can cause nerve problems when they compress or sever nearby nerves.
- Penetrating Injuries - Objects entering the body can damage the nerves they touch.
Common Accidents Involving Nerve Damage
Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Car accidents are a common cause of nerve damage. The spinal cord is a common cause of nerve root irritation and damage, whether from a fractured vertebra or a damaged disc.
- Motorcycle crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for the rider. The severity of the injury from these motorcycle crashes commonly causes some nerve damage related to the other injuries received in the crash.
- Semi-truck crashes, also known as big rig accidents, are often caused by the size and weight of an 18-wheeler, which can lead to more serious injuries, such as nerve damage.
Work Injuries
Fall injuries can break bones and cause compression of the nerve roots or damage to the spinal cord.
Construction accidents are a leading cause of severe on-the-job injuries and fatal accidents. Many workers are hurt every day in Houston, TX. Work-related accidents vary from catastrophic injury to whiplash. Some other common on-the-job injuries include severe burns and electrocution.
Legal Options for Victims of Nerve Damage
Individuals who suffer nerve damage due to accidents or negligence may have legal recourse. It’s crucial to understand potential claims:
Personal Injury Claims
If nerve damage results from another party’s negligence—such as in car accidents or workplace injuries—victims may pursue personal injury claims. Victims must be able to prove the cause of the nerve damage. This can cover various damages such as:
- Medical Expenses Compensation for Current and Future Medical Bills.
- Lost Wages-Reimbursement for lost income due to inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering - Damages for Physical and Emotional Distress.
Workers' Compensation
Employees may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for injuries sustained on the job. These benefits typically cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault.
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Houston personal injury lawyer Greg Baumgartner heads the Baumgartner Law Firm.
Our firm was established in 1985 and has helped thousands of injury victims get maximum compensation for their cases. If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. (281) 587-1111.
Since 1985, Baumgartner Law Firm has limited our law practice to serious personal injury cases. Our legal team has won maximum compensation for thousands of accident victims and recovered millions of dollars for real people like you.
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