What is Biker’s Arm?
Motorcyclists suffer many painful injuries in accidents, but “biker’s arm” might be one of the most serious. What is it, and how do motorcyclists suffer this injury in a collision? Our motorcycle accident lawyer takes a look.
Nerves in the Arm
The brachial plexus nerves branch off from the spinal cord at the neck and extend through a person’s shoulder and down their arms. These nerves are critical for allowing a person to move their arm and shoulder, as well as grasp objects with their hand. Like all nerves, however, they are vulnerable to damage caused by trauma, which can stretch, tear, or pinch them.
How Motorcyclists Damage These Nerves
Motorcyclists are vulnerable while out on the road. In a collision, they can suffer a direct blow to their bodies, or they suffer traumatic injury when they land on the road. Many bikers suffer brachial plexus injuries while bracing themselves for impact in a motorcycle collision. Other bikers land on their arms after getting thrown clear of their bikes.
Unfortunately, brachial plexus injuries are not common, which is why many medical professionals use the term “biker’s arm” when they see motorcyclists with arm or hand pain following an accident.
Common Symptoms
Depending on the accident, you could have minor or severe symptoms. Often, these symptoms are not immediately apparent following a crash but will manifest in a day or so:
- Burning sensation down your arm
- Weakness or numbness in the arm
- Serious, chronic arm pain
- Inability to move your hand or fingers
- Complete arm paralysis
Please listen to your body and see a doctor if you experience any discomfort in your arm or hand following a crash.
Treatment and Prognosis
A doctor will diagnose nerve injury by asking you questions and possibly ordering diagnostic tests. The treatment will depend on the severity, but many of our clients need physical therapy and pain management to help them regain movement. Minor injuries can heal on their own with sufficient rest. More serious damage might require surgery.
The outlook for biker’s arm is generally good. Many of our clients will slowly regain mobility and strength over the coming months. Of course, recovery time differs for all people, and biker’s arm could linger for a prolonged period of time.
Regardless of the severity, bikers may suffer some economic loss, including medical bills and lost income with these accidents. Consult an attorney to review how much compensation you can request. This is an injury which qualifies pain and suffering and emotional distress damages.
Speak with a Member of Our Team Today!
Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather is proud to represent injured motorcyclists following a crash. You have important rights to compensation, and we can file a personal injury claim on your behalf for biker’s arm and other injuries. Don’t let insurers minimize the pain you are experiencing. This is a serious injury which deserves serious compensation. Contact us to speak with a Palm Beach Gardens motorcycle accident lawyer about your case.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brachial-plexus-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350235
