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Scoliosis is a spinal condition that many people develop in adolescence, but it can get worse after a motor vehicle crash. The sudden and forceful trauma can damage the nerves, ligaments, and bones in the back, worsening curvature and potentially requiring medical treatment. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can explain how the crash affected your condition and help you pursue compensation from those responsible.
How can a car accident affect the spine and worsen scoliosis?
The Mayo Clinic notes that scoliosis is a condition causing curvature of the spine, where the spinal column makes a “C” or “S” shape. Children often develop scoliosis during growth spurts. In some cases, neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, or structural differences affecting the shoulders or hips can contribute to it.
If you already have it, you may see an increase in symptoms of scoliosis after a car accident. A 2024 report from the National SCI Statistical Center (NSCISC) found that 37.5% of all traumatic spinal cord injuries happen as a result of car crashes. If you already have scoliosis, any new trauma can make it worse.
Can a car accident cause new or traumatic scoliosis?
A car accident can cause scoliosis in some instances, called traumatic scoliosis. You could suffer a spinal cord injury, muscle tearing or strain, or damage to your spinal column. Over time, these injuries can cause you to lose strength and stability in your back and lead to scoliosis.
The extreme forces in car crashes can move your body violently and unpredictably. This trauma can cause long-term injury and pain, impacting your recovery. You may need extensive medical care to get better, including physical therapy and surgery. Documenting your medical expenses thoroughly, including bills, treatment records, and physician notes, will be important if you pursue a claim.
What symptoms may show that scoliosis has worsened after a car accident?
It’s normal to feel sore after car accidents, especially in your back and shoulders. However, you could overlook symptoms that indicate your scoliosis is getting worse by assuming the signs are the result of other spinal injuries. Watch out for these indicators and report them to your doctor:
- Uneven shoulders, waist, or hips: You notice that your appearance is different, such as looking “lopsided” or leaning to one side.
- Numbness or tingling: You experience a “pins and needles” sensation in your legs resulting from nerve compression or impingement.
- Chronic back pain and stiffness: You notice pain, muscle spasms, or weakness that doesn’t go away when expected.
- Difference in how clothes fit: You notice that your clothes don’t seem to fit or hang correctly on your body.
You may not experience these symptoms until months after your crash, so notify your doctor if your recovery seems to slow down or if you get worse.
What treatment may be needed for scoliosis after a car accident?
Most people with aggravated scoliosis don’t require surgery right away. Spine specialists at Mass General Brigham recommend trying conservative treatments first, which may include physical therapy, core-strengthening exercises, posture therapy, chiropractic care, and medication or injections for nerve-related pain.
Back braces can offer short-term pain relief, but when pain or neurological symptoms significantly affect daily function, surgery might be necessary. The most common procedure is spinal fusion, which stabilizes the spine using bone grafts. Decompression may also be performed in cases involving nerve compression.
Can you file a personal injury claim if a car accident aggravated scoliosis?
Yes, if a car accident aggravates a pre-existing condition, you can file a personal injury claim. This includes any worsening of your existing scoliosis. Florida’s eggshell plaintiff common law rule allows victims to pursue personal injury claims against those at fault for making their condition worse.
To do so successfully, your personal injury lawyer must present substantiating evidence that clearly demonstrates how the defendant’s negligence directly caused additional harm. Your medical records, both before and after the car accident, will be key to this task.
Speak with a car accident lawyer about scoliosis injuries
Scoliosis after a crash may take several weeks or a few months to appear. That’s why many car accident lawyers advise you to wait for a full diagnosis of your conditions before you file a personal injury lawsuit. It allows them to calculate a more accurate value for your claim, so you aren’t left with unpaid medical bills.
That said, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, so don’t delay in speaking with an attorney even if your diagnosis is still developing.
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we help injured clients document their conditions, build their claims, and pursue the compensation they’re owed. To discuss your case, contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free consultation.