After A Neck Or Back Injury, We’re On Your Side
Neck and back injuries are serious not only because of the severe pain they cause, but also because they can prevent you from working, spending time with your family or even enjoying the things that used to make you happy.
When a neck or back injury is the cause of someone else’s negligence, it’s time to speak with a personal injury attorney. At Downs Law Firm, we will fight for you, as we have for thousands of clients throughout Louisiana. We pursue maximum compensation for neck and back injuries.
There Are Several Types Of Neck And Back Injuries
Any type of trauma can damage, impinge on or impair the tissue and structure of the neck and back. Some injuries are to “soft tissue” and may require ongoing chiropractic or physical therapy. Other injuries to the structural spine, such as herniated discs or compression fractures, may require surgery.
- Whiplash is the most common soft tissue injury. Most victims who experience neck strain suffer from headaches, ringing in the ears, vision issues and dizziness.
- Whiplash can also cause shoulder and arm pain, memory issues, nausea, and numbness in the arm or hand.
- In severe cases of whiplash or spine injury where medication, therapy and adjustments do not provide relief surgery may be advised.
Car accidents, including rear-end collisions, are the No.1 cause of neck and back injuries. Any type of impact, including the impact from a fall, collision with another player during sports or an accident at the workplace, can cause an injury. In some instances, a defective product has caused a neck or back injury.
Back Strains And Sprains
Back sprains and strains are not uncommon after a slip, trip or car collision.
- A strain is an injury to the muscle or connective tissue.
- A sprain is an injury to the tissue that connects two bones together.
Sprains and strains can happen to workers who try to catch or lift heavy objects. Back sprains and strains are not uncommon for health care workers who try to catch falling patients.
It can be difficult, if not impossible, to continue to work when the back is stiff, painful with movement, limits mobility or is in a constant state of spasm.
Additionally, pain, tingling, numbness or paralysis of an arm or leg can be an indication of a more severe back or spine injury.
Any time you, a family member or a loved one experiences a back or neck injury, you should seek medical attention right away.
Answering Your Questions About Neck And Back Injuries
It you’ve suffered a neck, back or spinal cord injury — or know someone who has — you are bound to have many questions. While the answers to your questions will be highly dependent on your specific situation, below are a few of the more general questions we’ve answered over the years.
How much is a back and neck injury case worth in Louisiana?
In general, there is no way to firmly declare how much any kind of accident is worth in a personal injury lawsuit. The potential damages – how much compensation you may receive for an accident – will be a calculation of such factors as:
- Your medical bills
- Your lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
These damages can add up to significant amounts, especially since medical care for a spinal cord injury can be costly and long-lasting. A study by another firm found that the average result for a back and neck injury lawsuit in Louisiana was around $4 million. However, this is likely skewed by the largest result, which was over $30 million.
What costs will spinal cord and neck and back injury patients incur?
There are many costs associated with a neck, back or spinal cord injury. These costs can be:
- Initial stabilization
- Surgery
- Rehab
- Occupational therapy
- Long-term disability care
In many cases, a spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis, and that can often require a major investment in making one’s home more disability friendly. Other out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to and from medical treatment for an accident victim, may be significant.
Who can I sue for a neck, back or spinal cord injury in Louisiana?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are several possible targets for a potential lawsuit. It comes down to the existence of an at-fault party. That could be anyone; in the case of a motor vehicle accident, it could include:
- A distracted driver
- A negligent trucking company
- A municipality that did not maintain its roads properly
The key, however, is that the other party contributed to the accident in a way that led to your injuries.
What are some factors that may influence the value of my neck and back injury claim?
In Louisiana, personal injury damages are subject to comparative fault law, meaning that a judge may reduce the damages by the percentage of your fault in the accident. However, you are not barred from recovery if you had some liability in the accident. Comparative fault allows people to receive compensation even if there was some negligence on their part.
What should I say if the insurance company calls to discuss my injury or offer me a settlement?
It is probably wise to tell any insurance company employee wishing to discuss your injury to “please contact my attorney.” Insurance companies are not looking out for injured people, despite their marketing. They are looking out for their profitability. They will use anything you say against you. An attorney has the skills to provide the insurer the information they need without compromising your ability to recover compensation.
Connect With Us In A Free Consultation
After an injury, it can be crucial to get professional legal guidance as to your rights and options. To schedule a free initial consultation with our law firm, call 318-284-8551 or send us an email. We can discuss what happened and help you make the decisions that are best for you. We serve clients in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.