What Is a Nerve Injury?

Nerve injuries are also known as neuropathies. They occur when the body’s intricate network of nerves is somehow damaged, resulting in the vital communication connections to and from the brain being temporarily or permanently affected. 

Nerves are an important part of our anatomy as they carry signals to the brain telling us about heat and cold, pain, and other sensations. For example, if you sprain an ankle, nerves will signal to your brain that your ankle is hurt, and you will feel pain. Nerves also carry signals from the brain to the body, allowing us to function and move our limbs.

Symptoms of Nerve Injuries 

You may experience various physical and sensory impairments as a result of a nerve injury, such as:

• Nerve pain
• Numbness
• Pins and needles or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of motor function
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of coordination

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can be essential for managing nerve injuries and improving your chances of recovery. 

In cases of nerve injuries resulting from another’s negligence, such as car accidents or medical errors, consult with a personal injury attorney to assess your options for recovering compensation.

Nerve Injury Types  

The following types of nerves can be affected by trauma, for example, due to a car accident or fall: 

• Motor nerves: These nerves control muscle movement and voluntary muscle actions. They transmit information from the brain to the rest of the body. Damaging motor nerves can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Sensory nerves: Sensory nerves communicate information about touch, temperature, and pain from the body’s limbs to the brain. Injuries to sensory nerves can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
• Autonomic nerves: These nerves are vital for the body’s involuntary functions, including breathing, blood pressure, and digestion. Autonomic nerves are less frequently injured in accidents.
• Cranial nerves: These are a set of 12 nerves in the brain that control sensory and motor functions in the head and neck. Injuries to cranial nerves can result from head trauma and produce various symptoms, such as vision and hearing problems, facial paralysis, and difficulties with speech and swallowing.
• Spinal nerves: Spinal nerves transmit signals between the central nervous system and other regions of the body. Injuries can occur in accidents involving the spine, such as falls, car accidents, or workplace incidents. Spinal nerve damage can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, or pain.

The specific nerves that may be injured in an accident or fall can vary widely based on the severity and location of the trauma.

Leading Causes of Nerve Injury

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of nerve damage in personal injury cases. More than 25% of nerve injuries stem from car and truck accidents, while motorcycle crashes account for over 32% of peripheral nerve injury cases. Sudden impacts can compress, stretch, or sever the body’s intricate nerve pathways, especially when airbags deploy or victims brace for impact. A Car Injury Lawyer can investigate whether negligent drivers or vehicle defects contributed to the trauma, while Truck Injury Lawyers handle cases involving large commercial vehicles.

Workplace Incidents and Repetitive Stress

Workplace incidents pose significant risks for nerve damage across various industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders resulted in over 270,000 cases involving days away from work in 2018, many with nerve-related complications such as carpal tunnel syndrome or pinched nerves. The Mayo Clinic notes that repetitive motions and prolonged pressure on nerves can lead to median, ulnar, or radial nerve damage. Workplace Injury Attorneys can help determine whether third-party negligence or unsafe conditions played a role.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents often result in nerve damage when individuals instinctively extend their arms or land on hard surfaces. These incidents commonly affect the hands, feet, and arms, though spinal nerve damage is also possible and may lead to permanent neurological complications. A timely legal investigation can identify property hazards or external parties responsible for the injury.

Medical Procedures and Surgical Complications

Surgical errors and medical complications can cause nerve damage when providers deviate from accepted standards of care. Upper extremity nerve injuries are among the most common causes of malpractice claims related to surgical error, with carpal tunnel syndrome procedures accounting for a large portion of these cases. Nerves may be accidentally cut, stretched, or compressed by surgical instruments, or harmed due to improper anesthesia administration.

Physical Trauma and Compression Forces

Compression, stretching, and blunt trauma are core mechanisms of nerve damage in many injury scenarios. Nerves can be injured by direct blows, sharp objects, or extreme pressure that exceeds their natural flexibility. Stretch-related injuries are among the most frequent, occurring when the nerve is pulled beyond its capacity. When these injuries result from negligence, a Personal Injury Attorney can help pursue accountability and recovery.

When Legal Action May Be Warranted

Identifying how your nerve injury occurred is essential to understanding your legal options. If another party’s actions or omissions contributed to the harm, legal counsel can evaluate your case and help you pursue compensation for the physical and financial impact of your injury.

Determine Whether You Have a Case Today

Nerve injuries can be a serious and sometimes life-altering consequence of an avoidable accident. Those affected may face considerable physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can feel overwhelming. 

However, you don’t have to struggle alone. If you or a loved one suffered nerve injuries, a dedicated personal injury attorney at the Ammons Law Firm can help you seek justice, hold responsible parties accountable, and pursue compensation for the losses you’ve suffered as you work to rebuild your life.

Get started now and contact us for a free case review to determine whether you qualify for damages.

You can read our personal injury law resource to learn more about the cases we handle.

Call our Houston nerve injury attorneys at (281) 801-5617 today to get started with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.