Types of Common Neck Injuries
The neck injury term that most Americans are familiar with is “whiplash.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 120,000 people seek medical attention for whiplash every year in the U.S., which breaks down to 328 people per day or over 13 people every hour. The vast majority of whiplash victims suffer their injuries in motor vehicle accidents, and most often in rear-end collisions. Others may sustain neck and/or back injuries while playing contact sports or in instances of physical assault or abuse. Whiplash actually refers to a range of neck injuries caused by a sudden jerking motion of the head. When your head suddenly moves back and forth, like the cracking of a whip, the ligaments and muscles in your neck may stretch past their usual range of motion, causing strain or sprain. Most commonly, whiplash symptoms arise in the 24-hour period that follows a traumatic incident and may include:
|
|
Many whiplash victims heal in a couple of months, however some may suffer symptoms for months or even years. Some victims develop chronic pain that is very difficult to treat and typically involves pain medication that may seriously inhibit their other abilities or senses. Doctors will often perform X-rays, CT scans, and MRI's to diagnose a whiplash injury and to determine the best course of treatment. Treatment may include the use of prescription medication, such as painkillers, muscle relaxers, or injections. Patients may also undergo physical therapy and regular stretching sessions.
Types of Common Back Injuries
Many people experience some type of back injury or back pain at some point in their life. Specifically, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that nearly one million Americans suffer back injuries at work from heavy lifting or from falls each year. The human back has many different components that may be injured or damaged in an accident. Such components include:
- Muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue
- The vertebrae of the spine
- The shock-absorbing discs in between the vertebrae
Depending on the type and location of a back injury, pain may be dull and aching or sharp and stabbing. A back injury can also cause tingling or numbness in the extremities. Additionally, back injury victims may experience limited range of motion and even the inability to stand or walk for an extended period of time. Patients should always contact a doctor to determine the extent of the injury. The treatment for back injuries can be quite similar to neck injuries and may include medications, injections, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair nerve compression or structural damage to the spine and vertebrae. All of these procedures can be costly, which is why you should be sure to compile all treatment-related paperwork in order for your Hartford, CT neck and back injury lawyer to help determine how medical care can be calculated for your injury claim.
Accidents That Cause Neck and Back Injuries
People frequently suffer neck and back injuries in accidents that were caused by another person's negligence or recklessness. In such cases, the victim can bring legal action against the at-fault party to receive compensation for their accident-related losses. The following are some common accidents that cause these injuries:
|
|
Many of these accidents occur because someone else—another driver, an employer, a coach, a store owner—acted in a negligent manner. In such cases, the responsible party should reimburse the accident victim for their medical costs, any lost wages, or other expenses related to their injury. The compensation serves to help the victim and to ensure the responsible party is on legal notice to address the hazardous conditions or negligent behavior that resulted in the victim's injury.
Contact an Experienced Hartford, CT Neck and Back Injury Lawyer for Help
If you have been involved in any kind of accident and suffered a neck or back injury, you deserve to be compensated for your dames You should not hesitate to contact an experienced Hartford neck and back injury attorney to discuss your potential claim. We have have extensive experience with neck and back injury cases, and will work tirelessly to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. They will keep you informed of all your options and up-to-date on the process as it progresses.
