Nerve Damage Attorney

Nerve Damage Attorney

Nerve damage is a term used to describe any injury to nerves around the human body. Nerves are cells that transmit signals between different areas of the body, including the brain and the spinal cord. Nerves send a variety of signals all throughout the body, such as the sense of touch and the sense of smell.

Nerves are very sensitive, and so just one abrupt impact or force could affect the nerves. Almost any type of accident could lead to nerve damage, such as car accidents, truck accidents, and slip and fall accidents. When nerves are damaged, extensive medical treatment is needed. If you or a loved one have suffered nerve damage because of another party, you have the right to get compensated for the other party’s negligence.

Contact our experienced nerve damage attorneys to see how you could move forward with a potential lawsuit against the negligent party.

What Causes Nerve Damage?

Below are some examples of what causes nerve damage.

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common causes of nerve damage. Car accidents, especially read end collisions, may cause whiplash, which is the sudden movement of the head that injures your neck and head. The jerking motion can strain the nerves of your head and neck, causing long-term pain.
• Cuts: Deep lacerations can slice your nerves and cause damage. You may encounter this scenario during an auto accident or a workplace accident.
• Blunt Trauma: A sudden impact can place excessive pressure on the nerves. This form of trauma can also occur during car accidents or workplace disasters.
• Surgical Accidents: A surgical error can happen between a patient and doctor where nerves are permanently damaged. This could lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit.
• Toxic chemicals: Exposure to talk to chemicals and heavy metals could lead to damage to the nervous system.

Nerve Damage Symptoms

The symptoms of nerve damage can occur anywhere in the body: head, neck, leg, or arm.

Symptoms could also change depending on the severity of the nerve damage. For example, to some, nerve damage symptoms could only be temporary for a couple of months, whereas others may have to live with the nerve damage forever.

Proving nerve damage could be very difficult, that is why we recommend that you contact our highly qualified California and Nevada nerve damage attorneys to see how you can move forward with the legal process.

Below are symptoms of nerve damage explained, categorized by separate body parts. 

Spinal Cord Nerve Damage

Nerve trauma within the spinal area causes numbness primarily around the neck and back. However, numbness can happen in other parts of the body. For instance, the pain may take the form of a sharp pain running down your leg or arm.

Moreover, nerve pain can travel to uninjured parts of the body. For instance, a radiculopathy injury in the lower back may cause hip complications. You may also suffer discomfort in unlikely areas, such as the bladder.

Those same lower back injuries may also cause sexual problems (i.e. erectile dysfunction). Overall, lower back injuries can cause foot issues (i.e. numbness, pain, or tingling). Also, you may have mobility issues.

On the other hand, upper back spinal cases normally cause severe headaches and neck aches.

Arm Nerve Damage

You’ll encounter the same numbness anywhere in the arm area. You may also feel the numbness in the hands or your fingers. Weakness is another cause for concern, especially in the wrist area.

You may have a problem conducting simple tasks, such as picking up an object. The weakness may get worse as you use the hand. You may also notice diminished grip strength.

Leg Nerve Damage

Numbness will be experienced in one or both legs from your toes to your hip. It is possible that you may feel numbness in your ankles, feet, and toes with some possible tingling. It may be difficult to walk or balance due to the weakness of your legs or lack of feeling.

Some of the simple tasks of standing up, sitting down, and walking may be difficult or impossible to do in your current situation post-accident. The weakness in your legs can get worse without talking with your doctor and receiving physical therapy to possibly gain your balance and strength back.

Symptoms of Nerve Damage

• Loss of feeling, tingling, numbness (Hands & Feet)
• Losing the ability to move
• Losing bladder control & bowel control
• Unable to have any feeling at all
• Balancing and walking is very difficult
• Senses are altered
• Reflex problems & spasms
• Breathing is difficult
• Pain in the back
• General paralysis

If you are experiencing any one of these symptoms from an accident, you should go to the hospital immediately.

California Nerve Damage Statistics

In California, nerve damage is a significant concern, often arising from workplace injuries and traumatic events. Nerve damage can vary widely in severity, from temporary numbness to permanent disability.

1. Prevalence: Each year, a substantial number of Californians experience nerve damage due to workplace injuries, with common causes including traumatic incidents and repetitive strain injuries. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome, a type of repetitive strain injury, is prevalent among office workers who spend extended periods typing​​.
2. Types and Severity: Nerve damage can be classified into several degrees based on severity:
   • First-degree: Neuropraxia, a mild form, typically resolves on its own.
   • Second-degree: Axonal damage that may require extended recovery.
   • Third-degree and beyond: More severe injuries often necessitating surgical intervention​.
3. Impact on Work: In workers’ compensation claims, nerve damage can lead to temporary or permanent disabilities, affecting the individual’s ability to perform their job. Workers may receive compensation based on the extent of their disability, ranging from partial to total permanent disability​​.
4. Legal and Medical Costs: The costs associated with treating nerve damage can be significant, including medical bills for surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. For instance, carpal tunnel surgery alone can cost approximately $7,000, excluding rehabilitation costs​ (Buoy Health)​.
5. Compensation and Settlements: The settlements for nerve damage claims in California can vary, typically depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on the individual’s work capacity. Higher settlements are more common in cases of permanent total disability, though they generally fall in the mid-five-figure range​ (BrainLine)​.

These statistics underscore the importance of addressing nerve damage promptly and seeking legal and medical assistance to ensure proper compensation and recovery.

What Should I Do If I Suffered a Nerve Injury?

1. Go See a Medical Professional: The best way to document a nerve injury is through a doctor. A doctor can diagnose nerve cases and provide written documentation. A medical professional can also make a direct correlation between your injuries and the accident.
2. Keep a Record of Medical Bills: Retaining a copy of medical invoices will bolster your case. You can receive an appropriate judgment or settlement based on your medical bills.
3. Record Income Losses: Document the time lost as a result of the injury. If you cannot work, for example, make a note of any lost wages or income from the injuries. You may receive wage compensation.
4. Speak to a Nerve Injury Lawyer: This is a key step, as a nerve injury attorney can determine if you have a case. Moreover, it’s important to seek the assistance of a lawyer who has experience in nerve damage cases. More importantly, you should only talk to your attorney or your insurance carrier and not the at-fault party.

How Do I Know If I Have a Nerve Damage Case?

Determining whether you have a valid nerve damage lawsuit involves assessing the circumstances of your injury and the actions of the responsible party. In California and Nevada, laws mandate that individuals and entities must act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. This legal obligation is known as a “duty of care.”

If you sustained nerve damage due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you might have a strong case. Negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to meet their duty of care, resulting in injury to another party. For example, if you were injured in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, or suffered nerve damage due to unsafe conditions at your workplace, these could constitute breaches of duty of care.

To establish a valid nerve damage claim, you will need to demonstrate several key elements:

1. Duty of Care: Show that the defendant had a legal obligation to act with care toward you.
2. Breach of Duty: Prove that the defendant failed to fulfill their duty of care.
3. Causation: Establish a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and your injury.
4. Damages: Provide evidence of the harm you suffered, such as medical records, treatment costs, and impact on your quality of life.

For instance, consider a scenario where you experienced nerve damage from a slip and fall accident in a poorly maintained public area. The property owner has a duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. If they neglected to address hazardous conditions, leading to your injury, they could be held liable.

Frequently asked Nerve Damage Questions

What is nerve damage and how does it occur?

Nerve damage, or neuropathy, occurs when nerves are injured by trauma, repetitive strain, or medical conditions. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and weakness.

What are common causes of nerve damage in the workplace?

Common causes include repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and traumatic injuries like falls or accidents. Both types can significantly impair nerve function.

How can I prove my nerve damage claim?

Proof involves medical documentation, such as electromyography and nerve conduction studies, and detailed records from healthcare providers. Legal support can help gather and present this evidence effectively.

What types of compensation can I receive for nerve damage?

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. In severe cases, compensation for long-term disability may also be awarded.

How does nerve damage affect my ability to work?

Nerve damage can lead to temporary or permanent disability, limiting your ability to perform job tasks. This can range from temporary work restrictions to complete inability to work.

What should I do immediately after a nerve injury at work?

Seek medical attention immediately and report the injury to your employer. Document all symptoms and follow up with medical professionals to establish a detailed record.

How long does it take to recover from nerve damage?

Recovery time varies based on the severity and type of nerve damage. Mild cases may recover in weeks, while severe cases could take months or require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Can I file a workers’ compensation claim for nerve damage?

Yes, nerve damage is covered under workers’ compensation. You must report the injury, seek medical care, and file a claim with detailed evidence of the injury and its impact on your work.

What legal options do I have if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?

If denied, you can appeal the decision. Legal representation can help navigate the appeals process and present additional evidence to support your claim.

How can Heidari Law Group assist me with my nerve damage case?

Heidari Law Group can provide legal expertise to help gather evidence, file claims, and represent you in court if necessary. Their experience ensures you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Hire an Experienced Nerve Damage Attorney Today

A nerve damage attorney should be honest about your chances of winning a case. Moreover, they must have the necessary legal experience to fight your case effectively.

During your private one-on-one consultation with our nerve damage attorneys, we will look into the circumstances of the accident to see who the liable parties are. We then begin an in-depth case investigation where we will look at the accident scene, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies and other third parties to make sure that you get the care you need for your nerve damage.

More importantly, legal counsel will deal with courtroom battles and insurance negotiations while you focus on recovery.

Heidari Law Group personal injury attorneys will listen to your concerns and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get a free consultation and sound guidance regarding your situation.