San Antonio Nerve Injuries Lawyer
Our San Antonio nerve injury attorney is here to help after a serious accident
Whether stemming from car accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or other forms of negligence, nerve injuries can result in debilitating pain, loss of sensation, and long-term impairment. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we provide comprehensive legal guidance and advocacy to those who have suffered nerve injuries due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. Our San Antonio nerve injury lawyer is committed to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
HAVE YOU SUFFERED A NERVE INJURY DUE TO NEGLIGENCE? CALL SAN ANTONIO ATTORNEY PAT MALONEY TODAY.
What is a nerve injury?
Massachusetts General describes nerves as:
…the “telephone wiring” system that carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. A nerve is like a telephone cable wrapped in insulation. An outer layer of tissue forms a cover to protect the nerve, just like the insulation surrounding a telephone cable. A nerve contains millions of individual fibers grouped in bundles within the “insulated cable.”
Nerves serve as the “wires” of the body that carry information to and from the brain. Motor nerves carry messages from the brain to muscles to make the body move. Sensory nerves carry messages to the brain from different parts of the body to signal pain, pressure, and temperature. While the individual axon (nerve fiber) carries only one type of message, either motor or sensory, most nerves in the body are made up of both.
In the event of a nerve injury, like pressure, stretching, or cutting, the fibers carrying the information can break and stop working. Injury to the nerve stops the transmission of information, “preventing muscles from working and causing loss of feeling in the area supplied by that nerve.”
What are the different types of nerve injuries?
There are three different types of nerve injuries:
- Neurapraxia: Neurapraxia is the mildest form of nerve injury and typically involves temporary dysfunction of the nerve without any structural damage. It often occurs due to compression or stretching of the nerve and can result in temporary numbness, weakness, or loss of function. Neurapraxia injuries typically resolve on their own without permanent damage.
- Axonotmesis: Axonotmesis is a more severe form of nerve injury that involves damage to the nerve fibers (axons) themselves while the surrounding connective tissue remains intact. This type of injury can result from trauma, compression, or stretching and may lead to partial loss of nerve function. Axonotmesis injuries may require surgical intervention and can take a significant amount of time to heal.
- Neurotmesis: Neurotmesis is the most severe type of nerve injury and involves complete severing of the nerve fibers. This type of injury often requires surgical repair and can result in permanent loss of sensation, movement, or function in the affected area. Recovery from neurotmesis injuries may be limited, and individuals may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation to manage the effects of the injury.
Nerve injuries can include things like:
- Nerve compression: Including carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, radial tunnel or PIN palsy, thoracic outlet syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Traumatic nerve injury: Including brachial plexus injuries and avulsion, nerve lacerations, post-operative nerve pain, and peroneal nerve injury.
Nerve injuries can symptomize in different ways – if you or a loved one are showing symptoms and signs of a nerve injury, ensure you receive medical attention right away.
What are the symptoms of nerve injuries?
Symptoms of nerve injuries can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the location of the affected nerve. However, common symptoms of nerve injuries may include:
- Pain: Nerve pain can manifest as sharp, shooting pain, burning sensations, or persistent aching in the affected area. The pain may be localized or radiate along the nerve pathway.
- Numbness or tingling: Nerve injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the affected area. This sensation may be intermittent or constant and can affect mobility and sensation.
- Weakness or muscle atrophy: Damage to the nerves can result in weakness or loss of muscle control in the affected area. Over time, muscle atrophy may occur due to decreased nerve stimulation.
- Sensitivity changes: Nerve injuries can alter sensitivity to touch, temperature, or pressure. Some individuals may experience hypersensitivity, where even light touch or temperature changes cause discomfort.
- Loss of coordination or balance: Nerve injuries affecting motor nerves can impair coordination and balance, leading to difficulties with fine motor skills and movements.
- Burning or electric shock sensations: Some individuals may experience sensations of burning, electric shocks, or shooting pain along the affected nerve pathway.
- Difficulty with movement: Nerve injuries can interfere with voluntary movements, making it challenging to perform daily activities or tasks that require precise motor control.
It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of nerve injury, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and improve outcomes. A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough evaluation, including physical examination, imaging tests, and nerve conduction studies, to determine the extent and cause of the nerve injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What are the causes of nerve injuries in San Antonio?
Here are several types of accidents that can cause nerve damage:
- Automobile accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and other motor vehicle collisions can result in nerve damage due to the impact, sudden jolts, or crushing forces experienced during the accident. Nerve injuries may occur as a result of trauma to the head, spine, or extremities.
- Slip and fall accidents: Slip and fall accidents, especially from heights or onto hard surfaces, can cause nerve damage. The impact from the fall or the force of landing can compress or stretch nerves, particularly in the back, neck, or limbs.
- Workplace accidents: Accidents in the workplace, such as falls from heights, machinery accidents, or exposure to hazardous substances, can result in nerve injuries. Workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture are particularly at risk.
- Assaults and physical violence: Assaults, fights, and physical altercations can lead to nerve damage from blunt force trauma, penetrating injuries, or direct impact to the head, neck, or extremities.
- Medical procedures: Certain medical procedures, surgeries, or injections can inadvertently cause nerve damage. For example, nerve injuries may occur during surgeries involving the spine, limbs, or nervous system, or due to improper administration of injections or anesthesia.
- Recreational activities: Recreational activities such as biking, skiing, snowboarding, and water sports carry the risk of accidents leading to nerve damage. Falls, collisions, and high-velocity impacts can cause nerve injuries, particularly in the extremities and spine.
- Industrial and construction accidents: Workers in industrial and construction settings are exposed to various hazards that can result in nerve damage, including machinery accidents, falls, electrical shocks, and exposure to toxic chemicals or substances.
Nerve damage resulting from accidents can vary in severity, ranging from minor nerve irritation to complete nerve lacerations or tears. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent further damage, alleviate symptoms, and promote nerve healing and recovery. If you have sustained nerve injuries in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages through a personal injury claim. Consulting with our experienced San Antonio nerve injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and pursue appropriate recourse for your injuries.
Do you have a San Antonio nerve injury lawyer near me?
Yes. Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is located in downtown San Antonio, at 239 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205. We are the owners of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
Talk to a compassionate San Antonio nerve injury attorney today
If you've suffered a nerve injury due to an accident, it’s important to seek legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney – our experienced San Antonio nerve injury lawyer is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have endured the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of nerve damage caused by accidents, medical malpractice, or negligence. We are committed to providing compassionate support, expert guidance, and aggressive representation to help you work through the legal process and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our skilled attorney.