back neck injury

The spinal column is the central axis of the human body. Any Injury to the neck and back can affect a personā€™s ability to move, stand, sit, or lie down comfortably. The consequences of these limitations can cause significant and possibly permanent disruption to the individualā€™s life.

You shouldn’t have to pay the price if you suffered a neck or back injury due to another partyā€™s negligence in El Paso. The legal team at The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin PLLC can help you demand money for your losses from the responsible party. Our proven Texas injury lawyers will fight aggressively for your rights so you can hold the at-fault party accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation with an El Paso back and neck injury attorney.

Common Types of Neck Injuries

The neck serves a vital function in the human anatomy. A strong and healthy neck allows you to turn your head comfortably. Furthermore, the spinal cord ā€” which relays signals between the brain and the rest of the body ā€” runs through the neck vertebrae. With a neck injury, you may find it impossible to work, participate in leisure activities, or even enjoy quality sleep. Common accident-related neck injuries include:

Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is a condition that can result when the head snaps quickly backward and forward. This whip-like motion damages or tears connective tissues in the neck and along the cervical vertebrae. Commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash injury presents symptoms like:

  • Neck and upper back pain that worsens with movement
  • Loss of neck mobility
  • Headaches
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness
  • Radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the shoulder or arms

Whiplash symptoms may not emerge until several days after an accident but can cause chronic pain and nerve damage. Visiting a medical professional immediately after an accident is vital to detect and treat whiplash before it makes your life unmanageable. With swift medical attention, you can improve your chances of a full recovery. And if someone else is responsible for the injury, an experienced whiplash injury attorney can strengthen your case for compensation from the at-fault party.

Neck Sprains

Neck sprains result from over-stretching the tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. These injuries can occur in any type of accident, including traffic collisions, slip and falls, and workplace accidents.

Neck Fractures

A neck fracture is a break or crack in one of the seven cervical vertebrae. These bones are delicate and can fracture without a great deal of force. Neck fractures can be extremely painful and may take a long time to heal. A severe break could damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis.

Common Types of Back Injuries

Like the neck, the back is crucial to the bodyā€™s mobility. Back injuries can be both excruciating and debilitating. When an accident causes severe back pain, even the most basic movements and tasks can feel impossible.

Some of the most common back injuries associated with accidents include:

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord are among the most severe consequences of accidents. Spinal cord damage can result in paralysis of all areas below the injury site. Damage to the spinal cord often leaves patients needing lifelong assistance, medical devices, and extensive modifications of their homes and workplaces to accommodate their disabilities.

Bulging Discs / Herniated Discs

A spinal disc is a rubbery cushion that lies between the vertebrae. Discs act as shock absorbers and promote movement. Sudden trauma can push a spinal disc out of place, causing it to herniate or ā€œbulge.ā€ While disc injuries can sometimes happen without any symptoms, bulging discs can often cause intense pain, numbness in the limbs, and a loss of mobility in the spine.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft-tissue injuries to the back include ligament sprains and muscle strains. These painful injuries can cause significant disruptions to a personā€™s life and livelihood. Soft tissue injuries often require extensive medical intervention, including surgeries, pain medication, and physical therapy.

Liability with Back and Neck Injuries

In Texas, someone who causes another personā€™s injury can be held liable for the consequences. An experienced neck and back injury attorney can review the circumstances of the accident to identify who should be held responsible. Then, they can gather evidence to build a compelling case for compensation.

Examples of evidence include:

  • Medical records
  • Police accident report
  • Incident report
  • Photographs and video footage
  • Witness statements
  • Expert testimony
  • Toxicology test results
  • Cell phone records
  • Physical evidence, like torn or bloody clothing

Neck and back injury settlements or verdicts can provide injured parties with the money they need for their:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income due to missed time at work
  • Reduced earning capacity due to disability
  • Expenses for assistive devices and home modifications
  • Pain and suffering

If someone elseā€™s negligence caused your injury, consult an El Paso back and neck injury lawyer. In some cases, more than one party may bear responsibility for the incident. This can significantly impact the amount of money you can recover, so getting guidance from an attorney can help maximize your compensation.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Neck and back injuries need careful treatment and take a long time to heal. Having an experienced attorney lets you focus on rest and recuperation. An attorney can independently investigate the incident, gather essential evidence to establish liability and present a strong case on your behalf. Next, theyā€™ll negotiate with the liable party and their insurers, ideally securing a settlement that adequately compensates you for the harm you suffered. Obtaining a full and fair settlement eliminates the need to file a lawsuit and go to trial. But if the other side doesnā€™t play fair, a skilled personal injury attorney wonā€™t hesitate to take them to court.

With more than 30 years of combined experience, the neck and back injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin PLLC can handle every step of the legal process for you. Our proven track record of success showcases our commitment to fight aggressively for your rights. You can count on us to provide personalized attention, diligent support, and passionate advocacy for maximum compensation.

The moment youā€™re injured, the clock starts ticking on your ability to file a claim. Donā€™t wait. Call or contact us online for a free consultation today.14