Suffering Nerve Damage After a Kansas City Car Wreck? Know Your Legal Options
A Kansas City auto collision can leave more than just visible injuries and vehicle damage—it can cause serious, life-altering internal injuries. One of the most overlooked yet devastating consequences of a crash is nerve damage, which can lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, and even permanent disability. Symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or shooting pain may not appear immediately, but they can signal significant nerve trauma that requires urgent medical attention.
At Kendall Law Group, we know how profoundly nerve damage can impact your health, livelihood, and future. Our Kansas City auto accident injury trial lawyers stand up for those suffering fromcatastrophic injuries, fighting to secure the full compensation needed for medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you shouldn’t have to face this battle alone.
Nerve Damage Defined
Nerve damage or neuropathy occurs when nerves are injured, leading to dysfunction in the way they transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body.
What Causes Nerve Damage in a Kansas City Car Accident?
Nerve damage occurs when the force of a collision compresses, stretches, or severs nerves. The severity depends on the impact, the force exerted on the body, and the affected nerves. Common causes include:
Whiplash and Sudden Impact
Rear-end collisions often lead to whiplash, a rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck. This violent movement can pinch or stretch the nerves in the neck and upper back, causing chronic pain, tingling, or numbness in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Blunt Force Trauma
Direct impact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or side door can crush or compress nerves. Even seatbelt injuries, though lifesaving, may contribute to nerve damage by exerting intense pressure on the chest and abdomen.
Herniated Discs and Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of a crash can cause herniated or bulging discs, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This often leads to radiculopathy, a condition that causes:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Numbness radiating down the arms or legs
Severe cases can result in permanent nerve damage and even paralysis.
Lacerations and Deep Cuts
Broken glass or sharp objects in a crash can sever nerves. If the nerve is completely cut, surgery may be required. Even with repairs, nerve damage from deep lacerations may lead to long-term sensory or motor function loss.
Airbag and Seatbelt Injuries
While airbags and seat belts prevent severe trauma, they can contribute to nerve injuries.
- Airbags: The deployment force can impact the face, arms, or chest, damaging nerves.
- Seatbelts: Pressure across the abdomen can cause abdominal nerve injuries, leading to chronic pain and digestive issues.
Common Nerve Damage Diagnoses After Auto Accidents
Severe auto accidents can cause significant nerve damage, leading to long-term pain, mobility issues, and permanent disability. Some of the most common nerve-related diagnoses after a catastrophic car crash include:
- Peripheral Nerve Injuries (PNI)
- Brachial Plexus Injury – Often results from violent impact or seatbelt trauma, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the arm and shoulder.
- Radial, Ulnar, or Median Nerve Damage – Common in airbag deployments, fractures, or crush injuries, leading to hand dysfunction and chronic pain.
- Sciatic Nerve Injury – Frequently occurs in hip fractures or rear-end collisions, causing severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg.
- Peroneal Nerve Injury – Can happen when the knee or lower leg is forcefully impacted, leading to foot drop and difficulty walking.
- Spinal Cord & Back-Related Nerve Damage
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) with Neuropathy – High-impact crashes can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of sensation below the injury site.
- Cervical or Lumbar Radiculopathy – Whiplash and spinal trauma can compress nerves in the neck or lower back, causing radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
- Head & Brain-Related Nerve Damage
- Cranial Nerve Injury – Head trauma from impact (dashboard, steering wheel, or airbags) can damage cranial nerves, causing facial paralysis, vision loss, or difficulty swallowing.
- Post-Traumatic Neuropathy – Direct blunt force trauma to the head, face, or neck can lead to chronic nerve pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
- Chronic Nerve Pain Conditions
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – Can develop after severe limb injuries in a crash, leading to burning pain, swelling, and hypersensitivity.
- Neuroma Formation – If a nerve is severed in a crash-related injury, abnormal regrowth can cause painful nerve tumors, making movement difficult.
- Phantom Limb Pain – In cases of amputation due to catastrophic injuries, nerve endings continue to send pain signals from the missing limb.
- Compression & Entrapment Neuropathies
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Can develop after wrist trauma from airbag deployment or bracing for impact, causing numbness and weakness in the hands.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the tibial nerve in ankle or foot injuries from high-impact crashes, leading to chronic foot pain and tingling.
Each of these conditions can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and financial burdens, making medical treatment and legal compensation essential for recovery.
Common Symptoms of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident
Nerve damage symptoms may not appear immediately. Pain or numbness can take days or even weeks to develop. Watch for:
✔ Tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
✔ Sharp, burning, or shooting pain radiating down the limbs
✔ Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
✔ Sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
✔ Loss of bladder or bowel control (severe cases)
✔ Paralysis or loss of movement
Ignoring these symptoms can delay recovery. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these signs.
Diagnosing Nerve Damage After a Kansas City Car Accident
Doctors use advanced diagnostic tests to confirm nerve damage, including:
✅ MRI or CT Scans – Identify spinal injuries or herniated discs
✅ Electromyography (EMG) – Measures electrical activity in muscles
✅ Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) – Evaluates how well nerves send signals
✅ Physical Exams – Tests reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation
Proper diagnosis ensures accurate treatment and a stronger legal claim.
Treatment Options for Nerve Damage
Recovery from nerve damage depends on the severity of the injury and treatment effectiveness. Common options include:
Physical Therapy
Structured physical therapy programs rebuild strength, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Therapists use targeted exercises to restore function and prevent further deterioration.
Pain Management
Doctors may prescribe:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Nerve pain medications
- Steroid injections to reduce swelling and nerve irritation
Surgery
If conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgeons may:
- Remove bone spurs
- Repair severed nerves
- Alleviate pressure on the spinal cord
Occupational Therapy
For long-term nerve damage, occupational therapy helps patients adapt by improving fine motor skills and teaching the use of assistive devices.
The Long-Term Impact of Nerve Damage After a Kansas City Auto Accident
Nerve damage sustained in a Kansas City auto accident can lead to lifelong challenges, with the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of treatment playing key roles in recovery. While mild nerve injuries may improve with physical therapy, medication, and rehabilitation, severe nerve damage can result in chronic pain, muscle weakness, mobility impairment, or even permanent disability.
For some, nerve regeneration occurs over time, but in cases of nerve severance or significant compression, surgical intervention—such as nerve grafts or decompression surgery—may be necessary. Even with treatment, some individuals never fully regain normal sensation or motor function, leading to long-term functional limitations.
Beyond the physical effects, chronic nerve pain can have a profound impact on mental health, often contributing to depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Simple daily activities, such as walking, driving, or working, can become difficult or impossible, affecting a victim’s independence and financial stability.
When negligence causes catastrophic nerve injuries, pursuing financial compensation is essential to cover lifelong medical care, including:
- Specialist treatments & pain management
- Physical therapy & rehabilitation
- Assistive devices (braces, wheelchairs, adaptive equipment)
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Loss of income & reduced earning capacity
Given the long-term costs and impact of nerve damage, working with an experienced Kansas City auto accident attorney can help victims seek the maximum compensation needed to secure their future.
Seeking Compensation for Nerve Damage After a Kansas City Auto Collision
Nerve damage can lead to:
❌ Extensive medical expenses (hospital visits, surgeries, therapy)
❌ Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
❌ Chronic pain and suffering
❌ Reduced quality of life
❌ Permanent disability
Insurance companies often downplay nerve damage claims, arguing symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident. A Kansas City auto accident injury trial lawyer can:
✅ Gather medical evidence
✅ Consult with specialists
✅ Negotiate with insurers
✅ Fight for maximum compensation
Kendall Law Group: Helping You Put Your Life Back Together
At Kendall Law Group, we know how devastating nerve damage can be after a car accident. Our legal team works tirelessly to build strong cases, ensuring injured victims receive fair compensation.
If you are suffering from nerve damage after a Kansas City auto collision, you don’t have to fight alone. Kendall Law Group is ready to help.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation! Call (816) 531-3100 or reach out HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take for nerve damage symptoms to appear after a car accident?
Symptoms can appear immediately or take weeks to develop. If you experience pain, tingling, or numbness, seek medical attention.
2. Can nerve damage from a car accident heal on its own?
Mild nerve injuries may heal over time, but severe damage may require therapy, medications, or surgery.
3. Can I file a lawsuit for nerve damage after a car accident?
Yes, if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
4. How much compensation can I receive for nerve damage?
The amount depends on the severity of your injury, medical expenses, and impact on your daily life. A lawyer can help maximize your claim.
5. What if the insurance company denies my nerve damage claim?
A Kansas City auto accident lawyer can challenge denied claims by providing medical records, expert testimony, and legal advocacy.
Take Action Now
If you or a loved one has suffered severe nerve damage or another catastrophic injury in a Kansas City auto collision, don’t wait to seek legal help. Kendall Law Group is here to guide you through the legal process and help you put your life back together.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation! Call (816) 531-3100 or reach out HERE.
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