Injuries to any of the structures that make up your back can result in debilitating pain, reduced mobility, and lowered quality of life. If you have sustained one of these injuries as a result of another party’s misconduct, you may have the option of pursuing a personal injury claim.
Learn more about common back injuries and what filing a claim would mean.
Most Common Back Injuries
In traumatic incidents like car accidents and falls, you can sustain everything from a minor to a catastrophic injury involving your back.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are soft tissue injuries. Strains are sustained by muscles that get overstretched or torn, while sprains happen when ligaments are stretched too far. Everything from heavy lifting to sudden movements can cause these injuries.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. A doctor may recommend rest, ice or heat, medication, physical therapy, or other treatment based on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis.
Herniated Discs
Intervertebral discs are flexible cushions located between most of the vertebrae in your spine. A herniated disc occurs when material from inside a disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves.
Treating a herniated disc may include medication, physical therapy, or other conservative care. Some patients may receive steroid injections, while surgery may be considered when other treatments do not provide enough relief or serious neurological symptoms are present.
Broken Vertebrae
Just like any other bones in your body, your vertebrae can suffer fractures. These injuries are often the result of severe trauma, such as speeding accidents or falls from heights.
Treatment for a fractured vertebra depends on the location and severity of the injury. Some fractures may be treated with a brace, pain management, and physical therapy, while unstable or severe fractures may require surgery.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces within the spinal canal narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. It commonly develops from age-related changes, although spinal injuries can also contribute to narrowing. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Treating spinal stenosis can require medications and physical therapy. In the most serious instances, surgery could be needed.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries tend to be some of the most serious back injuries you can suffer. They can have a number of catastrophic outcomes, including paralysis. The location of the injury will dictate what parts of your body are affected and how severe the consequences are.
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury. Emergency care may focus on preventing further damage and stabilizing the spine. Some patients require surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or assistive devices as part of their recovery.
How Are Back Injuries Diagnosed?
A doctor may use a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose a back injury. Depending on your symptoms, testing may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to look for fractures, disc injuries, or other damage.
Getting a proper diagnosis can help determine what treatment you need. Medical records can also document your injury and its effects if you later pursue a personal injury claim.
Taking Legal Action After a Back Injury
If another person or business is legally responsible for causing your back injury, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
In a negligence case, you generally must show that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury and resulting damages. Evidence such as accident reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements, and other documentation may help establish what happened.
What Compensation May Be Available for a Back Injury?
A back injury can result in financial losses as well as physical and emotional harm.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
The compensation available depends on the facts of the case and the losses caused by the injury.
How Long Do You Have to File a Back Injury Lawsuit in California?
California generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although the deadline can vary depending on the circumstances. Certain exceptions may affect when the filing period begins or ends.
Missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation through a lawsuit. An attorney can review how and when your injury occurred and determine which filing deadline applies to your case.
Contact the San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorney at Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
A serious back injury can leave you facing medical treatment, time away from work, and lasting changes to your daily life. You do not have to navigate the claims process without legal guidance.
Kenny Ramirez Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers is a family-run firm that has recovered more than $30 million for injured clients. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers can investigate your accident, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation for your losses. Contact us today at (909) 515-0646 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.