Numbness, tingling, and weakness—nerve damage can be a frightening and debilitating injury, robbing you of your strength, coordination, and sense of normalcy. You don’t have to fight alone if you’re suffering due to someone else’s carelessness, such as a medical provider or a speeding driver.
An experienced and dedicated Kansas City nerve damage lawyer at Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen can help you recover the compensation and justice you deserve.
Understanding Nerve Injuries and Damage
Imagine your nerves as a complex communications network. They carry messages between your brain and the rest of your body, like telling your muscles to move or your skin to feel a touch. Damage to a nerve causes this communication system to malfunction, leading to various symptoms.
The Three Main Types of Nerve Damage
There are three primary categories of nerve damage, each with varying degrees of severity:
- Neurapraxia: Neurapraxia causes a temporary interruption of nerve signals, similar to a power flicker. The nerve itself isn’t damaged, but messages can’t get through for a while. Neurapraxia is temporary.
- Axonotmesis: Occurs when the core of the nerve (axon) is severed but the protective layers remain intact. With time and treatment, the axon can regenerate and regain function.
- Neurotmesis: Neurotmesis is the most severe form of nerve damage and occurs when the entire nerve is completely severed. Surgery may be necessary for recovery, and permanent nerve damage is a possibility. Neurotmesis can cause permanent damage.
When a nerve is damaged, the disruption of messages can lead to various symptoms, which vary based on the severity and location of the injury.
Common Causes of Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Medical Malpractice. Nerve damage after a medical procedure is the most common cause. Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, or misdiagnosis can lead to nerve injuries.
- Accidents. Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and slip-and-falls can cause significant nerve trauma.
- Workplace Injuries. Repetitive motions, chemical exposure, or falling objects can damage nerves.
- Defective Products. Faulty medical devices or other products may be responsible for nerve injuries.
In some cases, underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or infections, can cause nerve damage.
Recognizing the Signs of Nerve Damage
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing nerve damage. Here are some warning signs to be aware of:
- Pain, burning, or numbness;
- Muscle weakness or paralysis;
- Difficulty moving or controlling limbs;
- Changes in sweating or temperature regulation;
- Digestive issues; and
- Bladder or bowel problems.
If you experience these symptoms, especially after a medical procedure or accident, immediately see your doctor.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Your Nerve Injury
A nerve damage lawsuit allows you to hold the negligent party accountable for the harm caused and recover the compensation you deserve. To win a case, you’ll need to prove that the other party:
- Owed you a duty of care—for instance, a doctor must provide proper medical treatment during surgery.
- Breached that duty—the doctor made a mistake during surgery.
- Caused your injuries—the mistake resulted in injuries that were foreseeable or likely to occur due to the error.
- You incurred damages—the injuries resulted in measurable damages.
To understand your legal options, it’s essential to consult with a Kansas City, Missouri, personal injury attorney who focuses on nerve damage cases.
How Long Do I Have to File a Nerve Damage Lawsuit in Kansas City?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Missouri is generally five years from the date of your injury. However, there are exceptions:
- Medical malpractice. Most often, the filing deadline is two years from the date of the malpractice.
- Intentional injuries. Two years to sue for injuries as a result of deliberate wrongdoing, such as assault and battery.
Working with a nerve injury lawyer will ensure you meet all deadlines.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Missouri Nerve Damage Lawsuit?
A qualified nerve injury lawyer can help you fight for compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical bills. Past, present, and future medical treatment costs associated with your nerve damage.
- Lost wages. Compensation for your lost income due to your injury and inability to work.
- Pain and suffering. Payment to make up for the mental and physical suffering your damaged nerves have caused you.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Compensation for activities you can no longer participate in due to your injury.
- Loss of companionship. Payment for the impact your injury has on your relationships with loved ones
How a Nerve Damage Lawyer Can Help
A Kansas City nerve damage attorney with experience in these complex cases will be your advocate throughout this challenging time by:
- Thoroughly investigating your case. Your lawyer will gather evidence, such as medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements. The evidence will help determine the cause of your injury, identify the at-fault party, and build a strong, legally sound case.
- Working with medical experts. Your lawyer will work with medical specialists to evaluate the severity of your injury, predict long-term outcomes, and strengthen your case.
- Fighting for maximum compensation. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your nerve damage.
- Guiding you through the legal process. Your lawyer will handle all the legal complexities, including paperwork, meetings, and other procedures, so that you can focus on your recovery and well-being.
- Representing you in court. If negotiations fail, your lawyer is a fierce courtroom advocate, ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. They’ll present a compelling case to a judge and jury, ensuring you get the justice you’re entitled to.
Throughout the process, your nerve injury lawyer will update you on any developments and provide guidance on the best course of action.
Get the Help You Deserve
The road to recovery from nerve damage can be long and challenging. Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen’s Kansas City nerve damage attorneys have over 20 years of extensive litigation experience in Missouri and federal courts. We can be a powerful advocate, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and the support you need to move forward.
We take pride in assisting our clients and their families to recover the compensation they need to move forward and rebuild their lives. Our firm works on a contingency basis because we don’t want money to hinder exceptional representation.
Contact us today to explore the specifics of your case, discover your legal options, and receive the assistance you deserve.
FAQs
How Much Does a Nerve Injury Lawyer Cost in Kansas City?
Many nerve injury lawyers in Kansas City offer free consultations. In most cases, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict you receive.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Kansas City Nerve Injury Attorney?
A local lawyer will understand Kansas personal injury laws and procedures. They’ll also be familiar with local medical resources and court systems. Nerve injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
What Happens If My Case Doesn’t Go to Trial?
In most cases, nerve damage lawsuits are settled outside court through negotiation with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, your lawyer will go to trial if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Long Does a Nerve Damage Lawsuit Typically Take?
The length of a nerve damage lawsuit may vary based on the complexity of your case and whether it proceeds to trial. However, your lawyer can provide a more specific estimate based on your situation.
