Spine Injury Accidents

Neck and back spine injuries are very serious; they can alter a person’s life dramatically, both physically and mentally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that motor vehicle accidents account for 46% of reported spinal sprains; sports are said to be 12% at fault and falls 22%.

Unlike accident claims in which the injuries are apparent and objectively verified, such as broken limbs, lacerations, amputations, internal injuries, or disfigurement, a soft tissue spine injury is essentially invisible. Soft tissue refers to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect and support other bodily structures. In common rear-end accident case, a victim’s neck and back are thrown backward and forward in a whip-like motion, which tears or stretches the soft tissue.

These injuries produce various symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, and stiff and painful neck and back movements. Spine sprain injuries heal within a few weeks or months, although some result in herniated discs, joint dysfunction, or chronic pain.

Although muscle strains usually require only rest and the application of heat or cold treatments to aid recovery, avoiding further injury during the recovery period is beneficial. Pain and swelling may be relieved through the application of ice during the first 48 to 72 hours following injury and by heat, massage, or therapeutic ultrasound thereafter. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for the relief of pain and inflammation. In cases of severe pain, a mild narcotic or muscle relaxant may be prescribed for a short period. Intramuscular injections of muscle relaxants or NSAIDs may be used at pain points to help control muscle spasms.  Spine sprains may be treated with physical therapy, short-term immobilization with a brace (corset), and trigger point injections. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be recommended to manage pain in some cases. Although muscle tissues will heal following severe injury, physical therapy with an emphasis on therapeutic exercise may be helpful for regaining or improving function.

The CDC further reports that the average annual medical cost for spinal sprains is between $2,500 and $5,000 per year; the estimated lifetime cost of a spinal can be between $5,000 and more than $100,000, depending on the severity of the injury.

If the costs do not adversely impact the victim’s life, the altered physical condition may.  It has been shown that a spine sprain injury alters the victim’s posture and ability to hold themselves up properly, which can have devastating physiological effects.  According to the American Journal of Pain Management, “Posture affects and moderates every physiological function from breathing to hormone production. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse, and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture.”

You need an attorney well-versed in spine injury accidents who will get you the right medical personnel to get you the care you need and a settlement commensurate with your injury today and the consequences tomorrow.

FOCUSING ON COMPENSATION

Arthur Liberty has the experience and knowledge needed when encountering any spine injury accident. With over three decades of experience, Arthur Liberty has the resources and is the dedicated Santa Monica spine injury lawyer you need to follow through with your claim.

Arthur Liberty will thoroughly investigate the facts of the accident or incident in order to determine the legal strategy to take in your particular situation. During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly discuss your case, including potential sources of information not readily apparent, including potential witnesses, video and audio recordings, which must be acquired quickly before they are recorded over, law enforcement reports, and investigation whose initial conclusions can be altered if quickly dealt with early on. Arthur Liberty will try to answer all of your questions. The firm is committed to providing you with personal attention throughout the course of your claim and will pursue every possible means of compensation on your behalf. Whether you have medical costs, lost wages, emotional pain and suffering, our efforts will be towards maximizing your potential settlement.

It is never easy to get through a difficult situation where you suffer a spine injury. We strive to provide caring and compassionate representation.  Our goal is simple: resolve your claim fairly, effortlessly, and as quickly as possible.  If your case requires that a lawsuit be pursued, rest assured that the experienced and successful attorneys at Arthur Liberty will still have the same goal.

Contact Arthur Liberty to discuss your spine injury claim.