Neck & Back Injuries

Whether we’re discussing the aftermath of an auto accident or a workplace mishap, neck and back injuries are among the most common sustained. These can range from soft tissue whiplash injuries to debilitating spinal fractures and spinal cord injuries that result in permanent disability.

The back injury attorneys at Freeman Injury Law recognize that while neck and back injuries are common, success in neck and back injury lawsuits is generally not a simple matter.

Millions of people will suffer a neck or back injury at some point in the next year, most as a result of:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Construction accidents
• Falls
• Work injuries
• Use of dangerous or defective products

In some cases, the damage is the result of sudden trauma. Other times, it’s the result of strains that occur from repetitive twisting, bending or reaching. The result can be chronic pain, dizziness, tingling or numbness in the back and limbs. In the worst case scenarios, victims can suffer paralysis and even death.

Our back injury lawyers are uniquely qualified to handles these types of cases. In fact, Attorney Dean H. Freeman was a combat medic in the U.S. Army, and also practiced as a registered nurse prior to becoming an attorney. Possessing this kind of background knowledge gives our team an advantage during insurer negotiations and in a courtroom.

Seek Immediate Help

In some cases, the severity of a neck or back injury is immediately apparent. A person may suffer debilitating pain and find it difficult if not impossible to move. They may also be suffering:

• Bleeding from the scalp, neck or back
• May appear to have their head, neck or back resting in an odd position
• Severe pain in the back, neck and or head
• A stiff neck
• Vomiting and abdominal pain
• Bleeding or other fluid from the mouth, nose or ear
• Loss, blurred or double vision
• Feelings of numbness in the legs, arms, shoulders or other body parts
• Confusion, drowsiness or personality changes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Convulsions or seizures
• Loss of consciousness

People fitting this description usually have no qualms seeking medical attention.

However, there are many others who don’t see a doctor right away because they don’t immediately recognize the seriousness of their injuries. They may experience neck pain and stiffness, but feel it isn’t worth the hassle of a hospital visit.

The risk in this is that soft tissue injuries may not become apparent for days or even weeks after impact. A physician may recognize warning signs of something more serious much sooner.

Beyond that, your claim for compensation is better preserved the earlier you seek treatment. When unbiased medical professionals can attest to your condition immediately or shortly after an incident, it can help bolster your case in terms of causation. In other words, you will have to prove defendant’s action or omission caused your injury. The more time lapses between the incident and when you seek treatment grants the defense a greater opportunity to assert your injuries were caused by something else.

Types of Back and Neck Injuries

The neck is comprised of seven vertebrae known as the “cervical spine.” This area is highly flexible, but it can be harmed by sudden, forceful movements, resulting in conditions such as whiplash. Similarly, the middle, upper and lower back can also suffer from this kind of motion or impact, resulting in slipped or herniated discs or sometimes more severe injuries.

There are many different types of back injuries, but some of the most common are:

• Neck strains or sprains. This occurs when muscles or tendons in the back are injured, usually from twisting or a ligament tear.
• Spinal dislocation or fracture. A spinal fracture happens when more pressure is exerted on the bone than it can handle. A dislocation happens when the ligaments and discs of the spine become stretched or move out of alignment. In some instances, both can occur.
• Ruptured discs. Usually, the discs in the spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. However, these can slip or become herniated when there is force or pressure exerted on the spine. This will usually result in pain and discomfort, though it is sometimes possible for someone to suffer this kind of condition and not realize immediately they’ve been hurt.
• Acute spinal injury. These occur at a specific site and result in severe pain to the victim. The site surrounding the injury will show immediate signs of swelling or bruising, and the damage is sometimes serious and permanent.

If you have suffered a serious neck or back injury in Florida, call us today to learn more about how we can help.

Contact Freeman Injury Law at (800) 561-7777 for a free consultation and review of your claim. You may also email attorney Dean Freeman at dfreeman@lawcenters.com.

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