Las Vegas Neck and Back Injury Attorney
Neck or back pain is a common result of many accidents. Minor pain often resolves on its own with rest and over-the-counter medication. But severe or extensive neck and back injuries can hinder a person’s daily activities and have long-term consequences. Some of these injuries may even cause paralysis, limiting an individual’s mobility and ability to perform basic tasks. If someone’s negligence is the reason for your neck or back injury, you should consult a personal injury attorney to learn your legal options as soon as possible.
THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys help Las Vegas victims pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses after an accident. You deserve financial relief if you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or another harmful incident that was not your fault. Let our experienced Las Vegas neck and back injury attorneys protect your rights and seek the money you need to move forward with your life. Contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Neck or Back Injury?
You should immediately visit an emergency room, urgent care center, or primary care doctor after a neck or back injury. The medical treatment you need will depend on the urgency and severity of your injury. Some injuries take days or weeks to manifest symptoms, so you should see a doctor even if you feel fine. Delaying treatment can worsen your injuries and cause long-term damage.
Getting prompt medical attention also helps to document your injuries if you need to use your medical record as evidence in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Follow your doctor’s treatment instructions and keep all follow-up appointments.
You should also do the following after a neck or back injury:
- Notify the proper authorities – Report the accident or incident that causes your injuries to the relevant authorities. This might be your employer, a property owner, or the police.
- Document the incident – Write down details, such as the time, location, and the parties involved in the accident, while your memories are fresh.
- Gather evidence – Take photographs of any visible injuries, property damage, or hazardous conditions at the accident scene if possible. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Keep complete records – Save all receipts, invoices, medical bills, and other documentation related to the accident or injury.
- Avoid social media – Do not share your thoughts or theories about the accident or incident on social media. You might unknowingly jeopardize a future insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Common Causes of Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries can result from various accidents and activities. Some of the most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes of neck and back injuries.
- Slip and fall accidents – Tripping or slipping on uneven surfaces can harm the spine and neck.
- Recreational injuries – High-impact sports and activities like football, rugby, and gymnastics may put immense pressure on the neck and back, leading to injuries.
- Workplace incidents – Lifting heavy objects, poor ergonomics, and repetitive movements contribute to neck and back problems.
- Acts of violence – Physical assault with or without a weapon can injure the neck and back.
- Medical malpractice – Some neck and back injuries result from negligent medical care, such as botched surgeries or misdiagnosis.
Common Neck and Back Injuries
Understanding the specific injuries that can occur in the neck and back is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some typical neck and back injuries include:
- Whiplash – This is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth neck movement, like the cracking of a whip. It often occurs during rear-end auto accidents but can also result from sports accidents, physical abuse, or other types of trauma.
- Herniated disc – Also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, this condition occurs when the soft inner portion of the spinal disc protrudes through the outer ring, causing nerve pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
- Strains and sprains – These are injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the back, often caused by lifting heavy objects improperly or by abrupt or awkward movements. Strains refer to injuries to the muscle or tendon, while sprains are injuries to the ligaments.
- Spinal stenosis – Spinal stenosis typically occurs in the lower back and the neck when the space inside the backbone is too small, resulting in pain and pressure.
- Spondylolisthesis – This condition can occur after an injury or blow to the back when a vertebra in the lower spine slips onto a bone below.
- Fractures – Trauma to the neck and back can lead to spinal fractures, potentially causing long-term nerve damage.
- Cervical radiculopathy – When nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae experience trauma, it causes pain and loss of sensation along the nerve pathway into the arm and hand.
- Sciatica – Individuals with sciatica suffer excruciating pain from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and each leg.
- Spinal cord injury – Spinal cord injuries are any trauma or damage to the spinal cord or its many nerves. Severe spinal cord injuries often lead to disability, paralysis, or reduced body functions below the injury site.
Who is Responsible for My Injuries?
A Las Vegas neck and back injury attorney must review the facts of your case to determine who is responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties could include:
- Drivers
- Manufacturers of dangerous or defective products
- Companies and businesses
- Property owners or managers who do not maintain safe premises for visitors
- Schools or teams that do not provide proper supervision or safety equipment
- Employers or subcontractors that fail to provide a safe work environment
- Healthcare providers whose negligence or wrongdoing leads to a new or worsened health condition
Types of Compensation I Can Receive for a Neck or Back Injury
If someone else’s negligence caused your neck or back injury, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of consortium
Contact a Las Vegas Neck and Back Injury Attorney
Don’t wait to determine whether you are entitled to compensation after an accident. A Las Vegas neck and back injury lawyer from THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys has the knowledge and resources to pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.