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The back and neck are prone to injuries, especially when there is an incident involving a sudden and severe impact. They are two of the most common reasons for doctor visits. Even when an injury seems minor, any harm to the back and neck can have long-lasting consequences. If you or a loved one has suffered a neck or back injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a New Haven personal injury claim for compensation. Contact Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. to have your cased evaluated for free.
The spinal cord is a complex part of the body that is vulnerable to significant injury in many types of accidents. If the head, neck or back gets moved or pushed a certain way, it could cause a serious injury. Blunt-force trauma to any part of the spinal cord could also cause severe harm. The major types of injuries which cause trauma to the back and neck are:
Whiplash is a well-known soft-tissue injury that is a neck sprain or strain. This means damage has occurred to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the neck. Whiplash is usually caused by a rapid back-and-forth or side-to-side motion of the head and neck, often from rear-end car accidents, and may take 24 hours or more to appear.
A slipped disc, bulging disc, and a ruptured disc all refer to an injury affecting the discs located between each vertebra in the spine. A disc becomes herniated when the soft, inner “jelly” layer of the disc bulges out, pushing past the stronger outer layer. This type of injury can press on the nerve root, causing nerve impingement and altering certain sensations, as well as causing numbness and tingling.
Compression fractures (VCF), burst fractures, fracture-dislocations, or any broken bones in the spinal column can cause spinal instability. Victims are often hunched forward from the pain.
Any direct trauma to the spinal cord can cause permanent damage and even paralysis in severe cases. Moderate SCIs can result in a loss of function, sensation, and control beneath the site of injury. A minor SCI can lead to constant pain and weakness below the affected area.
All of these injuries require medical treatment, and in order for victims to return to their daily lives, they will most likely need long-term rehabilitation to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, especially when a disc has been herniated, treatment may involve surgery, and the injured victim is likely to have permanent physical impairment.
Every patient and injury case is unique. Different accident victims may notice different symptoms of a back or neck injury. Symptoms commonly include:
Any of these symptoms signal an urgent need for medical care, especially if they begin immediately after suffering some form of physical trauma.
Many serious neck and back injuries occur in traumatic accidents in New Haven. Despite being called “accidents,” the events that cause these injuries are often preventable incidents that can be traced back to someone else’s negligence. Negligence is the failure to use ordinary care. Common examples of incidents that can cause neck and back injuries include:
No matter what type of incident caused your neck, back or spinal cord injury, our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights. We will review your case for free and let you know if we believe you are eligible for financial compensation with an injury claim. We have decades of experience handling many different types of personal injury cases in New Haven.
Neck and back injuries are different from injuries to other parts of the body because they have the potential to be catastrophic. Damage to the neck, back or spine can easily trigger a severe level of harm, including permanent paralysis. Neck and back injuries are often irreversible and can lead to lifelong pain or disability. Even with modern medical treatments, it may not be possible to fully recover from a neck or back injury.
The extreme nature of neck and back injuries makes it even more important for a victim to hire an attorney for a personal injury claim. Insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of clients to save money – especially on serious injury claims that may be worth a significant amount. Accepting a settlement that is set at less than you deserve for a neck or back injury could compromise your future.
Another element that makes back and neck injuries different from other types is that they may not be visible on x-rays or medical tests. For example, a soft-tissue injury, such as a pulled muscle in the back, can be difficult to prove using medical evidence. It is not like a broken bone that will show clearly on an x-ray. Yet an “invisible” back or neck injury can still cause serious damage. This is another reason to work with an attorney – to help you prove your case.
Bringing a legal cause of action for a back or neck injury could help you and your family move forward after a serious accident. You could receive the answers, closure, justice and financial compensation that you need to move on. You can hold an at-fault party or party accountable for causing your injury, as well as receive a monetary award for your related losses. The compensation that may be available includes:
Discuss the potential value of your neck and back injury claim with an attorney in New Haven before accepting an insurance settlement. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release of liability waiver, you cannot renegotiate for a higher amount – even if you discover that your injury will cost more than you originally thought. Hiring an attorney can help you ensure a fair settlement value for the full extent of your losses.
No matter the severity of a back or neck injury, the damage will likely be financially draining in addition to physically. An attorney can create a compelling case on your behalf in order to obtain you the compensation you need. Victims of negligence have the right to recover payment for current and ongoing medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Additionally, a legal team can handle all matters related to the case for you so that you can stay focused on recovering. We are the best for getting compensation in New Haven neck and back cases.
Reach out to Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C. by calling (203) 265-2035 to learn your legal options and have your case evaluated for free.