Back injuries are a common consequence of personal injury accidents, such as car accidents, slips and falls, and workplace accidents. These injuries can be excruciating and significantly impact a person’s ability to work and enjoy daily life. In addition to the physical pain and suffering, back injuries can also be costly in terms of medical bills and lost wages.
The Eberst Law Firm has the skill and experience to help you get the money you deserve if you suffered a back injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault. We’ll investigate to find out why the accident took place and who was to blame. You can call us at 1-888-CALL-JON or contact us online for a free consultation.
Types of Personal Injury Accidents that Can Cause Back Injuries
Back injuries can result from a wide variety of personal injury accidents, including the following:
- Car accidents: Car accidents are one of the most common causes of back injuries. The force of impact can cause the spine to compress, twist, or bend. These kinds of motions can result in many kinds of back injuries. They can range from herniated discs to fractures.
- Slip and falls: Slip and falls can result in back injuries if the victim lands awkwardly or falls from a height. Falls from ladders, stairs, or uneven surfaces are particularly likely to cause back injuries.
- Workplace accidents: Heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and slips and falls are all potential workplace hazards that can lead to back injuries. Construction, manufacturing, and healthcare workers are particularly at risk.
Why are Back Injuries so Expensive?
The medical treatment required to diagnose and treat back injuries can be extensive and costly. They often require significant time off work to recover, resulting in lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Back injuries can also have long-term complications requiring ongoing medical treatment and additional time off work.
The more severe the injury, the more the treatment will cost. Someone who suffers paralysis due to spinal cord damage, for instance, can expect to spend up to $1 million – in just the first year. Patients will often face expenses of nearly $200,000 each year after. These expenses include the following:
- Surgical procedures
- Trauma care, which could include a ventilator
- Physical therapy, mental health counseling, and other forms of rehabilitation
- In-home care
- Accommodations that need to be made to the home, such as the installation of wheelchair ramps, lifts, and more
- Medication and medical equipment
Types of Treatment
These are some of the common forms of treatment for a back injury.
Surgery
Sometimes, a victim may need surgery to repair a back injury. A procedure might, for example, be necessary to remove a herniated disc, stabilize a fracture, or relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Surgery can be expensive and may require a significant recovery period.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can teach patients exercises to strengthen the muscles around the injury, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Physical therapy can also help patients regain mobility and return to normal activities.
Injections
Doctors often administer injections to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the back. These injections can include epidural injections, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections. Injections can be expensive and may need to be repeated over time. Just one epidural shot can cost almost $1,200.
Compensation for Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Lost wages refer to the income you have lost due to taking time off work to recover from your injury. Reduced earning capacity refers to the long-term impact of your injury on your ability to work and earn a living. This impact can include reduced hours, reduced productivity, and the need to switch to a lower-paying job.
Hiring an attorney can help you recover those losses. They can investigate to determine all the parties that contributed to the accident. Your lawyer will then pursue those parties for the compensation they owe you. But the investigation needs to begin as quickly as possible before critical evidence disappears.
Lasting Complications of Back Injuries
Back injuries can have lasting complications that can affect a person’s quality of life and ability to work. Some common complications include:
Chronic pain
The pain can persist long after the injury has healed. Discomfort can be so intense that it significantly impacts a person’s ability to work and enjoy daily life. Chronic pain can also lead to depression and anxiety, further degrading the quality of the victim’s life.
Limited mobility
Back injuries can limit a person’s ability to move and perform daily activities. This can make working, caring for themselves, or enjoying their hobbies and interests difficult.
Nerve damage
Back injuries can also damage the nerves that control sensation and movement in the legs, feet, and other body areas. Nerve damage can result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis.
Spinal cord injury
In severe cases, back injuries can damage the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation below the level of the injury.
Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney to Get the Compensation You Deserve
Working with a seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can gather evidence to support your case. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf.
In addition, your attorney can help you to determine the full extent of your damages. They can also help you calculate the value of your pain and suffering and negotiate a fair settlement covering all your losses.
But a lawyer can do more than assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. They can also help you access the medical treatment and support services you need to recover from your injury. They can, for instance, refer you to medical professionals specializing in treating back injuries and connect you with rehabilitation services, such as physical and occupational therapy.
Please speak with a lawyer with The Eberst Firm as soon as possible to learn more about how we can help. You can use our online contact form to schedule a free case review, or you can call 1-888-CALL-JON.
