Aaron Timms, 22, has learned to walk again after being paralyzed in a car crash. The London Evening Standard reports that the young man was told he had a 1 in 10 chance of regaining the use of his legs. Neurosurgeon Karoly David of Queen’s Hospital in Romford were able to repair Timms’ broken back by repositioning the spinal cord.
Timms was the only survivor in a 2008 car wreck that killed his girlfriend. He was paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors told him he would probably never walk again because he had lost spinal fluid and suffered extensive damage to his spine.
Dr. David said, “When Aaron arrived, he couldn’t move at all. In these cases there is only a seven percent chance the patient can walk again. This is because of the compression on the spinal cord. The surgery is very delicate and complex. But because he’s young, Aaron had a better chance of recovery. He was one of the lucky ones.”
Indeed, many are calling the surgery a miracle.
Imaging studies showed that Timm’s spine had been dislocated by the car crash. This dislocation was putting pressure on the spinal cord and causing dysfunction of the nervous system. The aim of the surgery was to decompress the spinal cord by realigning the spine. Titanium rods were placed around his spine to hold it in place. The rods were screwed into his vertebrae, and the rods should allow the spinal cord to recover from the injury.
Timms couldn’t walk immediately after the surgery. After weeks of intensive rehabilitation, he was able to step out of bed on his own. Six weeks after the operation, the feeling in his legs started to return. Timms is looking forward to more physical therapy and a career as a physical therapist.
“Mr. David did an incredible job,” said Timms. “But we still didn’t know what the outcome would be at first. I could feel a little pulse in a muscle in my leg. People were worried that I might be imagining it, but I knew it was there.”
Timms was lucky enough to have the resources for surgery and rehabilitation. Not all spinal cord injury victims are so lucky. At a time when hope is crucial, many spinal cord injury victims are overwhelmed by medical bills. Some people simply cannot afford the best treatments.
Auto accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries. In Georgia, if someone else (such as a speeding driver or distracted driver) caused to the injury, spinal cord injury victims may sue for damages like medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In court, the personal injury attorney must prove that the defendant acted negligently in causing the injury.
I enjoy representing spinal cord injury patients because, in overcoming their own adversities, they inspire me to do my best work. If you or a family member have suffered of a spinal cord accident due to negligence, contact an experienced Georgia spinal cord injury lawyer. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.