Neck and back injuries are among the most common types of injuries, and they arise after seemingly minor accidents. Not only are they painful, they can be debilitating and frequently get in the way of your normal daily routine. Victims typically have to undergo costly medical treatments and will routinely suffer other damages as a result. If your neck or back injury was caused by someone else’s negligent behavior, you have the right to hold that person liable.
Cooper Schall & Levy understands how disruptive a neck and back injury can be to your life. Our experienced legal team is ready to help fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Neck And Back Injuries
Our firm is experienced with a multitude of neck and back injuries. Some of the most common ones we see include:
- Whiplash. During an accident, especially an automobile accident, the neck can suddenly and violently move back and forth like a whip. The forceful movement causes damage to the soft tissues in the neck, affecting muscles, nerves, and ligaments. Symptoms include headache, stiffness and pain in the neck, dizziness, and tingling and numbness in the neck and limbs.
- Disc injuries. Your spine consists of bones known as vertebrae which are separated from one another by pieces of cartilage called discs. These discs serve as shock absorbers for your spine and facilitate movement. Injuries generally fall into two categories: bulging discs (cartilage bulges outward) and herniated discs (a crack in the hard outer layer of cartilage allows softer cartilage to protrude). Injured discs can irritate nearby nerves and cause intense pain in the back and limbs.
- Pinched nerves. A pinched nerve is a fairly common injury that occurs in neck and back accidents. It is the result of an irritated or compressed nerve, usually due to pressure from nearby bone, cartilage, or tissue. Symptoms include intense pain radiating through the neck and arms.
- Fractures and spinal cord damage. The vertebrae in your neck can fracture if the injury is severe enough. This can damage the spinal cord, causing paralysis or even death. A fracture like this is considered an emergency and the victim must seek immediate medical attention.
- Strains and sprains. Violent impacts from car accidents and other serious injuries can cause back and neck strains. Ligaments in the neck may be sprained as well. These are usually evidenced by pain that is aggravated by increasing physical activity.
Accidents That Cause Neck And Back Injuries
The above injuries, and others, are often the result of these types of accidents:
- Automobile and truck accidents, especially rear-end collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slips and falls
- Being struck by falling objects
- Sports injuries
- Playground accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
If you or a loved one have been involved in any of these types of accidents, you should consult a physician. Not all neck and back injuries are readily apparent, so it may take time before noticeable symptoms show up. Seeing a doctor early, even if you think the injury is minor, helps you to identify the extent of your injuries and get the treatment you need.
Consequences Of a Neck And Back Injury
The treatment you will need for a neck or back injury can be costly. In addition to hospital and doctor’s bills, you could require physical therapy and rehabilitation. This may or may not be covered by your insurance, but most victims will have to pay out of pocket costs such as co-pays. Prescription drug medications to ease the pain are another common expense. The liable party, not the victim, is the one who should cover these costs.
Besides the immense pain and other health-related consequences, victims of neck and back injuries can encounter a variety of problems. Because your mobility may be limited, it will be difficult if not impossible to engage in any physical labor. If your occupation depends on lifting heavy objects or any other sort of physical activity, this could mean you are unable to work. As a result, you’ll lose earnings and have a difficult time taking care of yourself and your family.
These injuries can also affect the victim’s mental and emotional health. Many victims lead active outdoor lives that are suddenly put on hold or permanently cut short. While recovering, or even long after the recovery is complete, the victim cannot participate in activities he or she once loved. This can lead to depression, anxiety, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Liability For a Neck And Back Injury
If your injuries were the result of another person’s negligence, you can hold them legally accountable for what they did. With automobile accidents, this usually starts with the at-fault party’s insurance company. But beware: insurance companies are in business to turn a profit, not to help you. Although they may sound sympathetic on the phone, insurance adjusters are not on your side. Before speaking with the insurance company, talk with an experienced Pennsylvania automobile accident attorney to make sure your legal rights are protected.
Other accidents, like slipping and falling on ice on a business’s property, require proving negligence. This means showing that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, which was breached due to negligence, and which resulted in injuries and damages to you. Understanding Pennsylvania personal injury law is essential to obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Philadelphia Neck And Back Injury Attorney
We know that a neck or back injury can be an overwhelming setback that leaves you with many questions. We also know that taking on the insurance companies and lawyers is no easy task. That’s why Cooper Schall & Levy is here for our clients every step of the way. We will review your case, advise you of your rights, and then go to work for you. If you or a loved one suffered a neck or back injury, don’t wait. Reach out to us today to discuss your case.
Cooper Schall & Levy personal injury lawyers serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as neighboring counties such as Montgomery County and Delaware County and cover neighborhoods such as Norristown and Drexel Hill.
