The back and neck are especially vulnerable to injuries and can result in serious spinal cord injuries. Not only are these injuries incredibly painful, but they can have serious consequences like paralysis and other bodily and neurological impairments.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a back and neck injury, it is important to contact a New Port Richey lawyer to find out what your legal options are. A back and neck injury lawyer can assist you in holding the liable party responsible and seeking damages for your injury. You may be entitled to compensation to cover the resulting medical bills and other necessary expenses.
Common Causes of Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. The impact from an accident can be hard, forcing the victims to move unnaturally. The sudden force of the impact moves the body too fast and can dislocate spinal discs. These injuries are more dangerous in motorcycle and bicycle accidents because they have even less protection than in an automobile. There is nothing to shield the cyclists from the impact.
Another cause of neck and back injuries can be a slip and fall accident. It is important to always have signs showing construction activities nearby or alerting others if the floor is wet. These help passersby to walk with caution and avoid the danger areas. Workplace accidents from poor management can also cause back and neck injuries. Talk to your New Port Richey back and neck injury lawyer about getting worker’s compensation if you get injured while working.
Types of Back and Neck Injuries
The spinal column is a very sensitive area, and hard impact can cause serious long-term injuries. Some of the most common back and neck injuries that people suffer from can include:
Thoracic Spine Injuries
These types of injuries affect the upper back. Thoracic spine injuries impact the area connecting the chest area and the ribs. These injuries are the most severe and can result in permanent nerve damage. A hard impact on the upper back can cause temporary or permanent disability.
Herniated Discs
These are the discs located along the vertebrae. They separate the different columns of the vertebrae and cushion the spine from outward forces. A herniated disc occurs when one of these discs moves out of place. This causes the disc to put pressure on the nerves surrounding the spinal cord and the spinal cord itself. Herniated discs can cause intense, sudden pain in your lower back. You can also feel numbness in your legs.
Lumbar Spine Injuries
This is the largest vertebra with the strongest muscles. The lumbar spine maintains the spine’s stability, and its impact can have devastating effects. A strain or sprain to the lumbar spine can be very painful. Sprains occur when there is damage to the ligaments. A strain is when muscles, tendons, or ligaments overstretch. A lumbar spine injury can create a limited range of movement and result in tenderness, bruising, and swelling.
Back and Neck Injury Treatment Options
Most back and neck injuries have long and lasting damages that require extensive treatment. You can ask your New Port Richey back and neck injury lawyer to see if your insurance covers the treatment. If your insurance coverage isn’t enough, your lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim from the liable party for extra funding. Some of the treatment options for back and neck injuries include:
Laminectomy/ Laminotomy
These procedures decompress the spinal cord to relieve pain. They can also decompress the spinal cord’s nerves to bring relief from bone spurs or herniated discs. The procedure removes the bone surrounding the spinal cord to take away the pressure.
Spinal Fusion
This is a treatment for fractured vertebrae or herniated discs. The doctor fuses two or more vertebrae by using metal implants or bone grafts. This surgery can take a few days, so you will be admitted to the hospital. It can take months of rehabilitation and physical therapy before you recover.
Epidural Injections
These are injections to help you deal with the pain that comes with back and neck injuries. They give you temporary relief but unfortunately does not fix what causes the pain. You might need multiple epidurals throughout your recovery which can be expensive.
Vertebroplasty
This is a minimally invasive surgery that relieves pain. Vertebroplasty takes the pain away from your spine caused by compressions or fractures.
Back and Neck Injury Settlements
Treating back and neck injuries can require extensive treatments. Admittance to the hospital also needs funds, as does the medication you might have to take. Covering this by yourself can be difficult, especially if you don’t have extensive insurance coverage.
You might decide that you need the help of a New Port Richey back and neck injury lawyer to get a fair settlement from the at-fault party. They can help you get a better settlement from your insurance company to cover your treatment if necessary. The settlement you might get for your injuries can cover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
This settlement covers any monetary losses you might have incurred from the accident. It covers costs such as:
- Loss of future earning capacity
- All medical expenses, including surgery and medication
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Any at-home care you might need
Your lawyer can help you calculate the value of these damages. They will use your medical records, wage statements, credit card statements, and other payment receipts to calculate the damages.
Non-Economic Damages
This settlement covers the non-monetary effects of your injuries. The coverage includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Embarrassment or loss of social status
- Reduced quality of life
A New Port Richey back and neck injury lawyer will give these factors a monetary value and push for your insurer to cover them. The average settlement varies per case, but your lawyer will work on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve.
Dolman Law Group
We are dedicated to giving you the best service, our previous case results prove our work. Our New Port Richey back and neck injury lawyers will work hard on your case until you get a favorable settlement. Do not hesitate to contact the Dolman Law Group today, and let us start working on your case right away!
New Port Richey Office
5924 Main St
New Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 477-9660