Back and neck injuries are common, often debilitating, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While 80% of people in the U.S. suffer back pain at some time in their lives, about 18,000 people suffer severe spinal cord injuries.
There are a lot of reasons people suffer from back and neck pain. Many of them are hurt due to injuries, such as motor vehicles, slip and falls, and workplace accidents. If you fall in the latter category and someone else caused the accident, The Eberst Law Firm is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s a closer look at some of the accidents that can result in severe back and neck injuries. Please schedule a free consultation by calling 1-888-CALL-JON or contacting us online.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents resulted in severe injuries to more than 250,000 motorists and passengers in Florida in 2022. Any type of accident involving a vehicle can lead to potentially devastating injuries. Here are the most common:
Car Accidents
The force generated during a collision, even in seemingly minor accidents, can have a severe impact on the human body.
One of the most frequent injuries resulting from car accidents is whiplash. This painful condition occurs when the neck forcefully whips back and forth, damaging soft tissues, ligaments, and muscles. In more severe cases, car accidents can lead to spinal fractures, herniated discs, and even paralysis.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are particularly devastating due to the enormous size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims of truck accidents may endure severe spinal injuries that can lead to paralysis or long-term disabilities. The sheer force of impact in a collision with a truck can cause severe trauma to the back and neck, resulting in life-altering injuries. Recovery from these injuries often requires intensive medical care, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Accidents
These accidents tend to result in horrible injuries because victims are more vulnerable than those riding in an enclosed vehicle. The lack of protection these road users have makes them highly susceptible to serious injuries in accidents. Spinal cord injuries from such accidents can lead to paralysis, requiring a lifetime of medical care, adaptive equipment, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. They often occur due to hazardous conditions such as wet surfaces, uneven flooring, loose carpets, or debris on walkways. When individuals slip and fall, they frequently land on their backs or necks, which can result in various injuries. These include sprains, strains, fractures, or even more severe injuries like spinal cord damage. Recovering from such injuries may necessitate extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and time away from work.
Workplace Injuries
Work-related back and neck injuries can be caused by inadequate training in manual handling and lifting techniques. Employees who don’t receive proper training may use dangerous lifting techniques. Improper lifting can strain the back and neck muscles, leading to acute or chronic injuries over time.
Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment in the workplace can also pose significant risks to employees. Workers who rely on faulty machinery or tools may experience sudden back or neck injuries, including crushed vertebrae or herniated discs. In addition to the immediate physical pain and discomfort, these injuries can lead to significant medical expenses and time off work for recovery.
How Much Do Back and Neck Injuries Cost?
Back and neck injuries can take a heavy toll on a person’s financial well-being. The costs associated with these injuries extend far beyond what meets the eye. Here’s a closer look at the multifaceted financial burden these injuries can impose:
Medical Expenses
The initial and ongoing medical expenses related to back and neck injuries can be exorbitant. These costs encompass surgeries, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, doctor consultations, physical therapy, and prescription medications. The need for specialized treatments such as spinal surgeries and rehabilitative care further drives up the medical bills.
Also, some individuals may require assistive devices like braces, mobility aids, or adaptive equipment, all of which come with their own set of expenses.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a crucial component of recovery for many individuals with back and neck injuries. It involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes vocational rehabilitation to help individuals regain their physical functions and adapt to any permanent disabilities. Rehabilitation programs can be lengthy and costly, as they often require multiple sessions over an extended period.
Medications
Pain management is a significant aspect of treating back and neck injuries. Prescription medications for pain relief, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs can be ongoing expenses. Moreover, some individuals may require medications to manage the side effects of treatments or complications that arise from their injuries.
Pain Management
Chronic pain is a common consequence of back and neck injuries. Managing this pain may involve ongoing treatments such as injections, nerve blocks, or implantable devices like spinal cord stimulators. These treatments can be costly and require regular follow-ups.
Mental Health Costs
The emotional and psychological toll of back and neck injuries should not be underestimated. Victims often experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their injuries. Seeking mental health treatment and therapy is essential; these services can incur additional expenses.
Recovering Damages for Back and Neck Injuries
Victims of back and neck injuries have the right to seek compensation for the extensive damages they endure. Pursuing a personal injury claim against responsible parties, such as negligent drivers or property owners, can help alleviate the overwhelming financial burden:
- Medical bills: Victims can recover compensation for their past and future medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, assistive devices, and mental health treatment.
- Lost wages: Compensation can cover the income lost due to time away from work, both in the past and in the future. This encompasses not only the wages a person would have earned but also potential career advancements and benefits.
- Pain and suffering: Victims may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from their injuries. Chronic pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish are all factors considered in these claims.
- Loss of earning capacity: In cases where back and neck injuries permanently affect a person’s ability to work and earn a living, compensation can cover the loss of earning capacity. This accounts for the potential income that the victim would have earned throughout their career had it not been for the injury.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney for My Back and Neck Injuries?
You’re going to need a lawyer to realistically have a chance to get the money you deserve. Experienced personal injury attorneys can navigate complex legal processes and negotiate with insurance companies. They can also explore all potential sources of liability, from motor vehicle insurers to negligent employers.
Contact The Eberst Law Firm to Speak with an Attorney as Soon as Possible After Your Injury
If you’ve suffered back and neck injuries due to the negligence of others, please contact The Eberst Law Firm as soon as you can. We’ll provide you with the expertise and experience needed to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Schedule a free case review by using our online form or calling 1-888-CALL-JON.
