Recovering damages can be complicated, but a car accident attorney can help.
In the aftermath of a car accident, the physical and financial toll can be significant, especially for those who suffer from neck and back injuries. Crash victims may have recourse through the civil justice system to recover compensation for their damages, which may include the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and other financial losses, as well as pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, the compensation process can be complex, which is why it’s important to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and options if you suffered injuries in an accident that wasn’t your fault. At Merriman Legal, LLC, our Cleveland car accident lawyers are here to help. If you or a loved one suffered a neck or back injury in a crash caused by someone else, contact us today for a free consultation.
Car accident injuries associated with neck and back pain
Common car accident injuries associated with neck and back pain include:
- Whiplash: This is an injury resulting from the sudden movement of the head during a car accident. It can cause pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and a limited range of motion in the neck.
- Herniated disc: This occurs when the soft material inside a spinal disc bulges out and presses against the nerve roots, causing back pain and numbness.
- Fractured vertebrae: A fracture of the vertebral column can result from a car accident, causing intense pain and limiting movement. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
- Pinched nerves: A pinched nerve is a common injury that can occur when a nerve is compressed between bones or soft tissue. This type of injury can cause sharp, shooting pain in the neck and back, as well as numbness or tingling in the affected limb.
- Degenerative conditions such as arthritis: People who suffer from arthritis can experience exacerbated symptoms after a car accident, causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Sprains and strains: This can occur when the ligaments or muscles in the neck or back are stretched or torn, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by violent movement of the head or a direct impact to the head. Concussions can result in neck pain, as well as other symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and memory loss
- Chronic pain: Chronic pain is a common long-term effect of neck and back injuries sustained in car accidents. It can persist for years after the initial injury and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
These injuries can cause delayed pain, with symptoms appearing days or weeks after the crash. This is why it is critical to seek immediate medical attention, even if no obvious symptoms are present.
Common symptoms of a neck or back injury
To ensure proper care and treatment, it is important to know the common signs and symptoms of neck and back injuries. While some symptoms may appear immediately after a car accident, others may emerge in the days or weeks following the crash. For this reason, it is recommended that anyone involved in a car accident seek medical attention, even if they do not initially feel any pain or discomfort.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of neck and back injuries include:
- Numbness or tingling sensations, either in the back or in other parts of the body.
- Pain in the neck or back.
- Headaches, including migraines.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- A grinding or clicking noise in the neck or back when moving.
- Bruising, redness, or bumps.
- Limited range of motion, such as difficulty turning the neck.
Prompt diagnosis is crucial for achieving the best outcomes, so if you suspect a back or neck injury, you should visit a medical professional as soon as possible.
Factors that impact compensation
When it comes to compensation for a neck or back injury sustained in a car accident, it is important to consider all of the victim’s expenses, including but not limited to:
- Medical costs: This includes current expenses (e.g., hospital bills, surgery) and estimated future costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: This can encompass past and future wages, including loss of earning capacity if the individual cannot return to their prior job or is forced to take a lower-paying job due to their injury.
- Long-term rehabilitation or care: The cost of long-term care or rehabilitation, such as an in-home nurse or specialized housing, may be considered.
- Pain and suffering: The amount that can be claimed for pain and suffering varies, but an attorney can provide specific information.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages to compensate the victim and punish the person responsible for the injury. In Ohio, the amount of punitive damages a plaintiff can recover is generally capped at twice the value of compensatory damages.
Every case is different, and every client’s situation is unique. That’s why you should contact an attorney to review your legal rights and options if you want to get specific details about your case.
Talk to a Cleveland car accident lawyer.
At Merriman Legal, LLC in Cleveland, our team of dedicated car accident attorneys is here to help. With years of experience representing the rights of accident victims and their families, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. Our lawyers are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve and will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
If you suffered a back or neck injury in a crash that wasn’t your fault, the right legal representation can make all the difference. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
