Diligent, Compassionate And Comprehensive Trial Lawyer

Ulnar Nerve Damage in a Car Accident or Slip and Fall

| Aug 30, 2011 | Uncategorized

I recently published a post regarding spinal and nerve injuries following an auto accident which in addition to demonstrating the need for an experienced Rhode Island personal injury attorney, highlighted the severity and risk of spinal injury in a serious car accident. Several cases have come into my office recently with nerve damage to other parts of the body, in particular, the ulnar nerve which runs the entire length of the arm.

The ulnar nerve originates at the C8-T1 vertebrae (the neck and upper shoulder region) and travels the entire length of the shoulder to the fingers. The nerve supplies sensation to the forearm, wrist, and the 4th and 5th digit of the hand. It is the largest unprotected, meaning not protected by muscle or bone, nerve in the body making it especially susceptible to injury. An ulnar nerve injury can be sustained in a car accident, motorcycle or bike accident, or slip and fall, especially if there is direct contact between your arm (in particular the elbow) and some other object such as a fall to the floor or being thrown into the dashboard in a car accident. Trauma can cause the nerve to be directly damaged, or entrapped by muscle. The most common form of ulnar nerve entrapment is cubital tunnel syndrome which often requires surgical intervention.

If you have been injured in any kind of accident and experience a loss of sensation, a tingling sensation, or pain in your arm you must seek medical attention. A referral to a neurologist will likely be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of nerve damage. An EMG will most likely be conducted to evaluate the injury. Physical therapy and pain medication may be sufficient to remedy the injury, but serious nerve damage is likely to require surgical intervention. Even following surgery, it is possible to still experience pain and numbness in the affected arm.

These are very serious and often permanent injuries. It can be particularly damaging if the injury is to your dominant hand. As they are want to do, insurance companies often challenge the causal relationship between a fall or car crash and the ulnar nerve injury. It is imperative that you hire an attorney experienced with these types of injury and who is ready to take the case to trial, if necessary to prove your case. If you were involved in some form of accident or injury and have been experiencing arm pain as described in this post discuss your symptoms with your doctor and ask if he or she feels that there is possible nerve damage. In addition, contact my office so that we can discuss your case to see if you have a right to be compensated for your ulnar nerve injury.

If you feel that you have suffered an ulnar nerve injury following an accident contact my office right away for a free initial consultation.

Archives

Categories