Spinal Injuries and the Aftermath
Personal Injury Lawyer
Injuries to the back may result in severe pain and produce some of the most severe consequences. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, you may have various degrees of disability. Chronic back pain is some of the most difficult to treat and certainly endure. If you find yourself suffering a spinal injury through no fault of your own, you may want to keep the following things in mind.
Spine Injuries Caused by Trauma
The spine is made up of the fragile cord protected by bones called vertebrae. Between these vertebrae are discs that provide a cushion to prevent the bones from rubbing together. When your spine is hurt, any one of these three elements may suffer. Most spinal injuries arise out of trauma – an act or event that results in severe and sudden damage to the body. Examples of trauma include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Violent acts
- Workplace accidents
- Falls from heights
A Spinal Injury May Be Considered Catastrophic
Some injuries are so traumatic that they are categorized as catastrophic. These injuries typically leave the victim with severe and long-lasting consequences such as permanent disability and lead to a complete change in lifestyle. Spinal cord and brain damage are the top such injuries that qualify for a catastrophic designation. Because of the possibility of paralysis and the degradation of other central nervous system functions, the damage to these body parts, more than any other, may cause life-changing consequences.
Steps You Can Take After an Injury
When you find yourself at the bottom of someone’s staircase, writing in pain, what happens next? Once the doctors diagnose you with a spine injury, you will want to file a claim with the person’s insurance provider. Whether those stairs were in a place of business or a friend’s home, their insurance should act to cover your medical expenses. You may have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual and the insurance company to get the full compensation your injuries warrant. You also need to think about the future and what your medical care will entail. If you have to change jobs or stop working entirely, you need to make sure you get the financial compensation required to take care of you and your family.
A spine injury can affect you in many ways, and the severity of the trauma may determine how your life will change. A spinal or brain injury lawyer in Trenton, NJ may be able to aid you in filing a lawsuit to get compensation for your injury.
Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into personal injury claims and spinal injuries.