Summary
- Neck and back injuries range from minor, like whiplash, to severe, such as spinal cord injuries, and can result from various accidents, including motor vehicle accidents and slip and falls.
- Common neck and back injuries include sprains, strains, broken bones, whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries, which can significantly impact quality of life and lead to conditions like PTSD.
- The legal process for neck and back injury claims involves filing with insurance, using evidence like medical records and eyewitness statements, with most cases settling before trial.
- Compensation for these injuries can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, with damages being both economic and non-economic.
Back and neck injuries can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Minor injuries, such as whiplash, are quite common, especially in motor vehicle accidents. Other more serious injuries, like spinal cord injuries, can occur because of motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, and more.
If your back and neck injury occurred because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. To schedule a free case evaluation, please contact us online or at (800) 320-HELP.
Types of Neck and Back Injuries
Back and neck injuries can affect many aspects of your life. In some cases, you may need time to adjust to a new way of doing things. For many, these injuries can have a great effect on quality of life, resulting in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Common neck and back injuries include:
- Sprains and strains: Damage to ligaments, muscles, and tendons can occur when the body moves in a way it shouldn’t, resulting in a tear to the soft tissue. These injuries can take a long time to heal, and they often result in chronic pain.
- Broken bones: The neck and back both contain many small bones. Fractures to these bones often require surgery and physical therapy to heal.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in car accidents, resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head.
- Herniated discs: Herniated discs can result in chronic pain and limited range of motion. These injuries may not present themselves right away, so they can be difficult to link to an accident.
- Spinal cord injuries: These types of injuries can range from mild to severe and can cause paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia. Paralysis of any kind can drastically affect one’s life.
- A broken neck: A broken neck often causes death, but in some cases, victims may live. However, they are often left with severe pain and decreased range of motion or complete paralysis.
Personal Injury Accidents that Cause Back and Neck Injuries
Back and neck injuries can be caused by a variety of personal injury accidents. Personal injury law refers to any accident caused by another person’s negligence that results in injury to your body, emotions, or reputation.
Note: The term “negligence” refers to an act that breaches the duty of care someone owes to another. For example, drivers owe a certain level of safety and responsibility to all other drivers when they get behind the wheel. By texting and driving, they breach this duty.
We handle the following types of personal injury accidents (and more):
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace injures
- Construction accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- School and daycare accidents
The Legal Process for Neck and Back Injury Claims
Filing a claim for your neck and back injury may seem like a daunting task, but our team of attorneys will be with you every step of the way.
Your lawsuit starts when we file a claim with your insurance company. From there, we’ll negotiate a settlement on your behalf. We’ll back up your claims with solid evidence from medical records, photographic evidence, eyewitness statements, and expert witness testimonies.
If we’re unable to get the insurance company to settle, we’ll take your case to trial. However, almost all personal injury cases are settled before reaching court.
Receiving Compensation for Your Damages
The legal term “damages” refers to any loss you experience as a result of the accident and your injuries. Damages can be monetary (economic) or abstract (non-economic). Damages you may be able to recover include the following:
- Past and future medical bills, including:
- Hospital visits
- Ambulance rides
- Surgery
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Specialist visits
- Emergency care
- In-home care
- Medical equipment
- Past and future lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- And more
How Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Can Help You
A neck and back injury lawyer will be able to investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and take your case to trial if needed. By choosing to hire a personal injury lawyer, you can be sure that you’ll receive more compensation than if you represented yourself—even after fees.
To learn more about Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia and how we can help you, contact us online or at (800) 320-HELP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a neck or back injury?
Immediately following a back and neck injury, you should first evaluate yourself to see if you need immediate medical attention. If you’re unable to move, 911 should be called. If you’re able to stay at the scene, you should take pictures, exchange insurance information, and speak to witnesses if possible. As soon as you leave the scene, you should seek medical attention.
How long do I have to file a legal claim for a neck or back injury?
The statute of limitations for back and neck injuries depends on a variety of factors, such as the state you live in and the type of accident that caused your injury. For example, in Florida, you’d have four years to file if the injury was caused by a car accident.
What if my injury was partially my fault?
If you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your injury, you still may be able to receive compensation. This depends on the state you’re located in. Some states have no-fault policies, where anyone can receive compensation. Other states have comparative fault policies, where you can receive a portion of compensation based on how liable you are.
Can I claim for an injury that worsened over time?
Yes, you can receive compensation for an injury that worsened over time. It’s important to still file by the statute of limitations. In the case of worsening injuries or injuries that require long-term treatment, your doctor will provide a letter outlining your continued treatment.
How does WHG charge for neck and back injury cases?
Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia operates on a contingency fee basis for all personal injury cases. This means that we take a percentage of your compensation—but only if you win.
