Charleston Back Injury From Car Accident Lawyer

A back injury is one of the most common injuries sustained by people who have been involved in a car accident. Their prevalence, however, should not diminish their potential severity. Back injuries often require medical treatment and can cause life-altering pain and disability.

Some of the most common types of back injuries suffered in car accidents include:

Spinal Fractures —Fractures often occur when the impact of a crash jostles the head and neck around while the lower body stays still.

Compression fractures are one particularly painful type of fracture. These are tiny cracks in the vertebrae that can result in breathing issues, bladder problems, numbness and weakness.

Lumbar and thoracic fractures can occur as well, to the vertebrae in the middle and lower back. These bones may pull apart, bend, and snap or break off in pieces.

Spondylolisthesis is a condition caused by stress fractures that make a vertebra move out of place. The nerves of the spine are compressed and numbness, pain, weakness and trouble walking may result.

Treatment of spinal fractures varies based on the location and severity of the injury. Immobilization and rest may help, other times surgery is required.

Soft Tissue Injuries —Sprains and strains to the back muscles, ligaments and tendons are especially common thanks to the force of an accident. A sprain is an injury that damages the ligament whereas a strain is when the ligaments, tendons or muscles are stretched too far. Either one can affect the ability to move and walk and cause swelling, pain and tenderness.

Sprains and strains to the thoracic spine area are especially painful as this upper part of the back connects to the ribs and chest. Breathing can become very difficult. This type of injury in the lumbar spine is also painful as the muscles that support the back are in this area.

Herniated Discs —Sandwiched between each vertebra is a soft, spongy disc that provides cushioning. These discs are prone to shifting when subjected to a sudden impact, which can cause compressed nerves and pain. These may also be called budging, slipped or ruptured discs.

Herniated discs cause intense pain in the lower back and numbness in the legs.

Spinal Cord Damage —Spinal cord injuries are perhaps the most severe. If the spinal cord is damaged enough there can be permanent disability, total or partial paralysis or loss of feeling and function.

Back Injuries Can Change Everything

Back injuries may require extensive and costly medical care. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, a person with a back issue may need surgery, immobilization, casting, prescription medications, injections, physical therapy, chiropractic care or more.

The daily pain caused by a back injury can be debilitating. You may no longer be able to do the things you once loved. You could be left unable to work for an extended period or indefinitely. No part of life is left unaffected by a serious injury and chronic pain.

When you or a loved one is suffering as the result of a back injury sustained in a car accident you deserve to be compensated for your pain and the impact on your finances and quality-of-life.

Steinberg Law Firm Can Help

Request a free consultation with one of the professional and caring attorneys at Steinberg Law Firm if you feel you may have a case. If your accident and resulting injury was caused by another person’s negligence, you may potentially be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages and earning potential, pain and suffering and other losses or expenses.