Every year, over 800,000 cases of car crashes involving neck and back injuries are reported in the United States. Though back and neck injuries are the most common injuries associated with car accidents, their impact on the lives of injury victims should not be understated. Neck and back injuries often cause chronic pain requiring ongoing medical treatment and sometimes lead to permanent disability.
At The Rothenberg Law Firm, we understand the way a neck or back injury can place major emotional and financial burdens on both the injured and their loved ones. The toll of neck and back injuries adds up quickly, forcing family members to carry the burden of arranging medical care, physical therapy appointments, and managing medical expenses all at once.
Common Types of Neck Injuries
The neck is a complex and sensitive part of the body, consisting of seven bones, or vertebrae, which form the upper portion of the spinal cord. These bones, which protect the nerves in the spinal cord, are themselves cushioned and protected by soft tissue like muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Due to the fragility of the neck, it is important to seek medical attention after sustaining even a seemingly minor neck injury. Some of the most common injuries to the neck include:
- Whiplash Injuries - Usually caused by the sudden impact of a motor vehicle accident, whiplash occurs when an accident victim's head is forcefully thrown backward and then forward in a snapping motion, well beyond the normal range of motion.
- Neck Sprains - Also called cervical spine sprains, neck sprains can cause significant neck pain when moving or rotating the head or neck.
- Neck Fractures - Neck fractures are diagnosed following an x-ray and can lead to difficulty or inability in moving your arms and legs.
Common Types of Back Injuries
Back injuries vary widely; depending on the type of injury, the accident victim may experience sharp and cutting pain or aching and soreness. As with neck injuries, back injury victims may have difficulty walking or moving their arms and legs. Some of the most common injuries to the back include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries - Serious injuries to the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments in the spinal column or to the spinal cord itself (including thoracic spine fractures) can cause permanent changes in strength, sensation, and mobility.
- Bulging Discs / Herniated Discs - A bulging or herniated disc is a condition that more commonly occurs in the lower back, in which the softer part of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior, causing significant lower back pain.
- Soft Tissue Injuries - Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back may occur as a result of sudden trauma, such as an auto accident.
Causes of Common Neck and Back Injuries in the US Today
Many back and neck injuries are caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. In these cases, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries by the negligent parties.
Call an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm about Your Neck or Back Injury for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a back or neck injury, contact the personal injury attorneys at The Rothenberg Law Firm today to discuss your personal injury claim by submitting a free case evaluation online at InjuryLawyer.com or by calling our phone number, 1-800-624-8888. The initial consultation is FREE of charge. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis; if we agree to handle your case, there are no legal fees unless we are successful in getting you money.
Lawsuits must be filed before an expiration date known as the Statute of Limitations. Call our law offices to speak with a real person today for real-time assistance with your personal injury case to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.