Back and neck injuries are common after an accident. While some injuries may not appear to be severe, some accident victims discover that as the weeks and months go by, they continue to experience pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. In some cases, the pain and decrease in flexibility prevent victims from working or performing certain tasks.  If you have suffered a back or neck injury in an accident caused by another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Before you speak with an insurance adjuster for the other party or accept a settlement offer, we encourage you to meet with one of our Okemos back and neck injury attorneys for a free case review.  Call The Clark Law Office at 517-347-6900 to schedule your free legal consultation to explore your options for recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Types of Accidents That Lead to Neck and Back Injuries

Almost any type of accident can result in a neck or back injury to the accident victim. Injuries to the neck and back can lead to life-altering conditions that may require ongoing medical or personal care.  Common accidents that may leave the victim with a serious neck and back injury include:

  • Automobile accidents, including truck accidents and car crashes
  • Slip and fall accidents (premises liability claims)
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Falls in nursing homes
  • Construction or workplace accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Sports and recreational injuries
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Dog bite or dog attacks
  • Medical malpractice claims

Many of the above accidents or incidents are the result of another person or party’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing. Michigan personal injury laws allow back and neck injury victims to recover compensation for their damages, losses, and injuries. An Okemos back and neck injury attorney can help you by investigating the accident, identifying the responsible party, and filing an injury claim.

Common Types of Back Injuries and Symptoms of Back Injuries

Back injuries can result in paralysis or other traumatic injuries when the spinal cord is damaged. Even when the spinal cord is not severely damaged, a back injury can cause chronic pain and limited range of motion. The pain and impaired mobility can impact a person’s ability to work and perform simple tasks necessary to care for a home or a family.

Some of the common back injuries that an accident victim may sustain include:

  • Fractured Vertebrae can cause instability in the spinal column that may require surgery to repair. Spinal fusion permanently attaches two or more vertebrae to provide stability. The fusion of the vertebrae can impair movement and flexibility. Even when surgery is not required, a broken back can be extremely painful and cause permanent disabilities or impairments.
  • Back Strains result from torn or stretched tendons or muscles. A strain can cause muscle spasm, swelling, pain, and problems when attempting to flex the damaged muscles.
  • Ruptured or Herniated Discs may bulge or leak when subjected to trauma or a blow to the back. When this occurs, the nearby nerves may become irritated causing pain. In some cases, pain, tingling, and numbness can radiate down through the legs and feet if the sciatic nerve is injured or damaged.
  • Back Sprains occur when the ligaments in the back are torn or stretched. When ligaments are damaged, the result may be bruising, pain, loss of movement, and swelling. The person’s ability to stretch, reach, walk, and bend may be impaired.

Common symptoms associated with a back injury or spinal cord injury include:

  • Pain that is a dull ache, shooting pain that radiates to lower extremities, or a stabbing pain
  • Inability to stand up straight without experiencing pain
  • Decreased range of motion in the back
  • Diminished ability to flex the back
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Chronic pain that becomes worse at night
  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the lower extremities
  • Throbbing pain or sensation in the abdominal area

It is always best to be checked by a physician as soon as possible after any back injury. However, if you have not seen a doctor and begin experiencing any unexplained symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for a correct diagnosis of your injury.

Common Types of Neck Injuries and Symptoms of Neck Injuries

When a person’s neck is whipped violently back and forth in an accident, the result is often a case of whiplash. Whiplash may heal with time and rest; however, whiplash can cause long-term pain and impaired movement. If the whiplash does not heal in a few weeks, a doctor may perform diagnostic tests such as CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs to determine the severity of the neck injury.

Based on the severity of the neck injury, an injury victim can suffer permanent impairments and chronic pain.  In many cases, the symptoms of whiplash may not arise until several hours after the accident.  It is very important for injury victims to seek medical care after an accident, but especially if they experience the symptoms of whiplash or other neck injuries.

Symptoms of neck injuries may include:

  • Stiffness and neck pain
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Constant weariness
  • Chronic pain in the neck, head, or shoulders
  • Weakness or numbness in arms
  • Moving head is painful
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping

The treatment for whiplash and other neck injuries vary depending on the severity of the injury and the exact injury. In many cases, a doctor may prescribe rest, ice or heat, and pain medication.  However, a muscle relaxant may be used if the person experiences muscle spasms. In severe cases, a neck injury victim may require physical therapy, neck braces, or surgery to treat a neck injury sustained in an accident.

Damages for a Neck or Back Injury

The medical expenses to treat a neck or back injury can be substantial, especially if surgery is required or the person sustained a permanent disability. In addition, the victim may incur a significant amount of lost wages and other expenses related to the accident.  A Michigan personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for all your damages, including your financial damages and your pain and suffering. You deserve to be compensated for your losses and damages when you are injured because of the negligence or wrongful acts of another party.  However, your time to file a neck or back injury claim is limited. Contact our office now before the deadline to file a claim expires, and you lose your right to hold the person responsible for your injuries accountable for his or her actions.

Contact a Michigan Back and Neck Injury Attorney

Our Michigan Neck and Back Injury Lawyers represent clients in Okemos, Lansing, and throughout the surrounding areas. We want to help you recover the money you deserve for an injury you did not cause.  Contact The Clark Law Office at 517-347-6900 to schedule a free legal consultation with our Michigan personal injury lawyer.

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