Accident victims most commonly report suffering injuries to the neck and back An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people suffer from back and neck injuries every year in the United States.
These types of injuries can be catastrophic, sometimes affecting the rest of the body. They may contribute to a loss of control, numbness, or a loss of motor skills. A serious injury may result in partial or total paralysis.
Back and spinal cord injuries can also be progressive and not immediately obvious, depending on the pain tolerance of the person affected. Many people don’t take the twinge in their neck or the stiffness in their shoulders after an accident seriously, resulting in a lack of treatment, or the wrong treatment altogether. If you are a victim of a neck or back injury, you should seek treatment and advice from a physician as soon as possible after an accident.
If you are the victim of an accident and as a result, suffer from a back and neck injury, you may have financial and emotional responsibilities that seem overwhelming. The Law Office of Luvell L. Glanton has 28 years of comprehensive experience in personal injury. We will guide you through the complexities of the personal injury claim process. Our Nashville attorneys are here to offer genuine consultation and legal support for you so you can focus on getting better.
We draw from our extensive litigation experience to make sure the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligent or careless actions. We will do our best, based on years of successful experience, to recover the compensation and damages to which you are entitled.
You can rely on us to discuss your needs, address any questions and concerns and to respond immediately to your requests. Not only is our legal team passionate and prompt, but our compassionate, caring, and capable lawyers will help you through these difficult times. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (615) 244-4511.
Any accident has the potential to result in devastating neck and spinal cord injuries. The nature of these injuries can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury and the circumstances of the accident. The most common sources of injury occur in accidents involving the negligence of others, including:
If you suffer a back or neck injury from any of these events, you may be able to recover financial compensation for the related expenses and suffering.
There are many different kinds of back and neck injuries, including:
In some cases, back and neck injuries can even lead to death.
Some types of neck and back injuries may be minor and last only a few weeks, while some pain can be constant and consistent, lasting for several weeks or longer.
Symptoms associated with back injuries may include:
Symptoms associated with neck injuries can include:
Any pain that happens suddenly in your back or neck is considered acute pain. Acute pain may come on quickly and leave within a few weeks, not lasting more than six weeks. Pain that happens quickly or slowly and lingers for three months or longer is considered chronic pain.
If you are experiencing severe neck or back pain, you should see your doctor for an exam. Your doctor may do X-rays of the affected areas and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Once you have chosen our experienced injury lawyers to help you navigate your recovery, we may recommend medical treatment.
Some neck and back injuries will improve with rest and over-the-counter medication, but if you have chronic neck and back pain you man need to see a medical professional. Some available, treatments for this pain may include:
For disabling chronic back and neck pain, extensive rehabilitation or surgery may be required. The type of treatment ultimately depends on the type and severity of your injuries. In extreme cases, the use of devices such as ventilators or feeding tubes to help with the loss of bodily functions may be required.
For back and neck injury victims, every medical prognosis and method of treatment is different. If you receive prompt medical care, it may increase the odds that you survive while minimizing the long-term effects of your injury. Most recovery of body movement happens during the first six months after a serious injury.
There are certain factors that the liable party may use to minimize the value of your claim or deny your back or neck injury claim altogether. If the accident is determined to be partly your fault, the value of your compensation will be reduced by the percentage you are found at fault. Tennessee uses the modified comparative negligence system. When modified comparative fault is used, a judge or jury assigns a percentage of fault for each party involved and awards damages based on the percentage of fault. If a person’s percentage of liability reaches over 50 percent, you cannot collect damages.
You must also follow the advice of a physician. If you fail to follow a doctor’s orders or seek recommended treatment, it could decrease the value of your claim. The other party could argue that if you followed instructions you would have recovered from your injury, or your injury would have been less severe.
If your injuries are more severe and debilitating, you may need legal help to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company or to file a lawsuit. Compensation may be available from an employer, a property owner, or another party that is responsible for your accident.
An experienced back and spine injury lawyer can review the extent and severity of your case. If you have a valid personal injury claim, you may receive the following types of compensation and damages for your losses including:
And in the worst case scenario, if you tragically lost a loved one due to a neck or back injury, there are times when family members may be able to file a wrongful death suit to recover financial compensation for the deceased’s final expenses and loss of support.
Contact us today at (615) 244-4511 to schedule your no-obligation consultation. We’re here for you when you need help.