Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Did you suffer a back or spinal cord injury? If so, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the physical, emotional, and financial difficulties that accompany your injury. From chronic pain and limited mobility to mounting medical bills and lost wages, the effects of a back or spinal cord injury are often long-lasting and debilitating. Fortunately, many back and spinal cord injury victims have the right to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for their medical treatment, lost wages, and more.
At Deering Hedrick, our Virginia Beach injury lawyers can help you regain control of your life after an unexpected back or spinal cord injury. Attorneys Mike Deering and Chris Todd Hedrick are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and talk about next steps when you contact our firm for your free initial case review.
Common Types of Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries vary widely in severity and can occur due to a variety of factors. Some common types of back and spinal cord injuries include:
- Herniated discs – A herniated disc occurs when one of the shock-absorbing discs in the spine bulges out, putting pressure on nearby nerves. Many herniated discs occur due to repetitive motions, improper lifting, or spinal trauma.
- Fractured vertebrae – A fractured vertebra occurs when a fracture affects one or more of the bones that make up the spine. Fractured vertebrae commonly occur due to traumatic accidents such as car crashes, falls, and sports injuries.
- Complete spinal cord injuries – A complete spinal cord injury occurs when a traumatic injury completely severs the spinal cord, resulting in a total loss of movement and sensation below the point of injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries – An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged but not severed, resulting in some loss of movement or sensation below the point of injury. The symptoms of incomplete spinal cord injuries are typically less severe and sometimes only temporary.
- Lumbar strains – Lumbar strains are a common type of back injury that usually occurs due to overuse, improper lifting, or transportation accidents. Lumbar strains cause intense pain and muscle spasms in the lower back.
- Sciatica – Sciatica is a type of pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs due to the compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica commonly accompanies conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis, but it can also occur due to traumatic injuries.
- Cervical strains – Cervical strains are a common type of injury that causes pain and muscle spasms in the neck. Many cervical strain injuries occur because of poor lifting techniques, overexertion, and accidents.
- Spondylolisthesis – Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when one vertebra slips forward or backward and onto the vertebra below it, leading to pain, stiffness, and weakness. It can occur because of traumatic injuries, repetitive motions, or overuse.
Top Causes of Back and Spinal Cord Injuries in Virginia
A back or spinal cord injury can occur due to a variety of causal factors, such as:
- Traffic accidents – A car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident can cause severe injuries to the spine in various ways, including as a result of the rapid acceleration and deceleration of your body during an accident. Common back and spinal cord injuries from traffic accidents include fractures, dislocations, and sprains.
- Slips, trips, and falls – If you fall from a high place or take a tumble on a hard surface, the impact can cause serious trauma to your back and spinal cord. This could include fractures, soft tissue injuries, and spinal compression injuries.
- Sports accidents – If you participate in contact sports or other high-impact recreational activities, you are more at risk for blunt-force trauma from sharp blows or falls. Sports accidents can put stress on your back and spine and lead to injuries such as muscle strains, herniated discs, and spinal cord damage.
- Work-related accidents – If you work in a hazardous environment or use heavy machinery on the job, you may be at risk of traumatic back or spinal cord injuries. These could include back or spinal cord injuries that occur due to falls from heights, heavy lifting, or struck-by accidents.
- Defective product accidents – A dangerous or defective product, such as a faulty medical device or household appliance, can cause severe injuries to the back or spine in the event of an accident.
- Dangerous property accidents – A back or spinal cord injury could occur on a dangerous property due to several factors, such as the owner failing to conduct routine maintenance, put up warning signs, or install adequate safety measures.
What Should I Do After a Back or Spinal Cord Injury?
If you suffer an unexpected back or spinal cord injury, you can take the following steps to protect your well-being and lay a strong foundation for your injury claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your back or spinal cord injury.
- Follow your doctor’s care plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Document the incident by taking photos and talking to eyewitnesses.
- Keep track of any costs you incur due to your back or spinal cord injury.
- Gather important documents, such as medical records and crash reports.
- Avoid discussing your case with others or posting about it online.
- Contact a knowledgeable back and spinal cord injury lawyer for help.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Back or Spinal Cord Injury?
A lawyer can help you in several ways if you suffer an unexpected back or spinal cord injury, including by:
- Evaluating your case and advising you of the best course of action
- Identifying all possible sources of compensation for your injuries
- Investigating the injury to gather evidence that supports your claim
- Communicating with insurance reps and other parties on your behalf
- Negotiating aggressively to demand a full and fair settlement
- Taking your case to court and representing you at trial if necessary
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Virginia Beach
If you suffered a back or spinal cord injury due to someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Deering Hedrick can guide you through the legal process and pursue a fair recovery on our behalf. Contact us today to get started with your free initial consultation session.
