Melbourne Back Injury Lawyer

The term “back” is an all-encompassing word for the complex array of protective vertebrae, spinal cord and nerves, muscles, ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs which support the head and body. When the back is injured, the whole body suffers. It has been estimated that up to 80 percent of adults will experience a back injury in their lifetime. The Lancet’s 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) revealed that low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide.

Back pain can be debilitating. If you are suffering from major back injuries due to the negligent actions of another party – like from a car accident or a fall on a poorly maintained property – you need a Melbourne back injury lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and hold the careless accountable.

Causes of back injuries

Many back injuries occur in connection with the sudden jolts and twists that accompany motor vehicle accidents or a slip and fall incident. Injury may not always be immediately apparent. An individual may walk away from a motor vehicle accident relatively unscathed, only to later suffer from stiffness and diffuse pain. During a motor vehicle or other accident, the soft tissues comprising the skin, muscles and ligaments may be bruised, pulled or torn. Vertebral fractures and/or joint dislocations may occur. These injuries can occur anywhere from the cervical region to the lumbar region.

A blow to the back or top of the head can result in a debilitating, permanent spinal cord injury. In addition, back injuries can occur in a work setting when lifting, pulling or pushing heavy objects, or after a lengthy period of repetitive movements involving the back.

Lumbar / back injury diagnosis and treatment

To determine whether a back injury has occurred and the nature of said injury, a qualified medical professional will typically begin by having a conversation with the patient (if circumstances allow). The medical professional will likely inquire as to when the pain started, what level of pain the patient is experiencing, where the pain is located, and what events preceded the beginning of pain. After documenting the medical history, a thorough visual and tactile examination of the back may also take place. Diagnostic imaging along with nerve conduction studies and electromyography may be necessary. These tests can assist in identifying the nature of the injury and what treatment plan will most benefit the injured person.

Treatment for back injury is dependent on the nature of the injury. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and promote healing. After consultation with a medical professional, some minor injuries may respond reasonably well to activity modification, ice packs, whirlpool baths and pain relief using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. For other injuries, injection of steroids or anesthetics may be necessary to relieve pain. Chiropractors also have a useful role to play in the management of acute and chronic back pain. For major back injuries, surgical intervention may be required.

Consulting with back injury attorneys in Melbourne

Individuals with back injuries acquired due to the negligence of others benefit from consulting with a qualified attorney with experience in personal injury law. This attorney can work with the individual to locate suitable treatment providers and to assess whether the individual may be entitled to compensation for the back injury. With comprehensive medical treatment along with experienced legal assistance, many Melbourne sufferers of back injury are able to satisfactorily recover.