Car Accident Back Injuries Can Cause Long-Term Trauma
Back injuries resulting from a traffic accident can range from minor to severe. Minor back injuries may include strains or sprains, while more serious trauma may involve broken bones or muscle tears. In the most severe cases, spinal cord damage can occur, which can lead to paralysis or even death. Symptoms of a back injury after an accident might include pain in the lower spine, neck and shoulders, loss of sensation in extremities, trouble walking and standing for long periods of time, as well as numbness in the arms and legs.
Get a Medical Evaluation to Support Your Claim
If you have experienced any symptoms of a back injury following a car collision then it is important to seek medical attention right away. Even if you are feeling only mild discomfort or stiffness at first it could still be a sign of a more serious injury. Your doctor will examine your back and order diagnostic tests such as an MRI or CT scan to assess the extent of any injury. Treatment for back injuries after a car accident can range from rest, physical therapy and medications to surgery in more severe cases.
It is important to document any medical treatment you receive following a car accident as it may be used if you decide to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you secure compensation for your medical bills and other expenses related to your back injury. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, then you should not have to bear the financial burden alone.
Back Injuries That Can Occur in a Car Accident
The following are injuries often experienced after a car collision:
- Sprains and strains: Sprains occur when the ligaments (tissues connecting bones) are overstretched or torn, while strains involve stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Both types of injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising and other symptoms.
- Fractures: Fractures in a car accident occur when a bone is broken or cracked. Symptoms may include intense pain, swelling and bruising, difficulty moving the affected limb, and in severe cases, deformity of the extremity.
- Disc herniation: Disc herniation is a common back injury that occurs when one of the discs (protective cushions between vertebrae) becomes displaced from its normal location and causes pressure on a nerve. Symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness and difficulty moving the affected limb.
- Compression fractures: Compression fractures occur when a vertebra in the spine collapses due to weakened bones or trauma. Symptoms may include severe back pain that worsens with movement, limited mobility of the spine and deformity.
- Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward or backward out of its normal position. Symptoms may include pain, numbness and tingling in the back and legs, difficulty standing up straight and instability when walking.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries occur when nerve cells in the spine are damaged due to trauma or disease. Symptoms may include loss of sensation and movement, paralysis of the affected area and loss of bowel or bladder control.
It is important to understand the long-term effects of a back injury and your options for seeking financial compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in a traffic collision and require legal advice. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the medical treatment and financial compensation you deserve.
Olinde Law Firm – Injury Lawyers
Olinde Law Firm can fight for your rights when a negligent driver causes your injuries. Our New Orleans office can be reached locally at (504) 587-1440 or through calling our toll-free number at (800) 587-1889. You can also reach out to us online to find out about your compensation options and arrange a free case review.