Back Injury Attorney
in Palm Bay, FL

The back is comprised of one of the hardest-working muscle groups. Lifting, bending, sitting, and standing suddenly become a struggle following a back injury. People who sustain a back injury in an accident require medical attention. If the injury impacts the individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks, special accommodations may also be necessary. If you or a loved one have suffered a back injury in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Areas of the spine

Back injuries can vary in terms of severity and duration. The location of the back injury often plays a role in the type of symptoms you may experience. Medical professionals divide the back into the following zones:

• cervical spine
• thoracic spine
• lumbar spine
• spinal cord

Injuries to the back may be more minor in nature and involve a pulled or strained muscle. More severe back injuries may involve fractured vertebra, bulging or herniated discs, or nerve damage.

Herniated disc caused by car accidents

Automobile accidents sometimes cause one or more herniated discs. The spine’s discs separate the vertebrae and provide cushioning. Herniation occurs when a disc is displaced and develops a bulge. The bulging disc applies pressure to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. Herniated discs most often cause pain in the lower back and, in some cases, numbness in the legs.

Thoracic spine injuries

Medical professionals refer to the middle and upper parts of the spine as the thoracic spine. The thoracic portion stabilizes the spine and connects the cervical and lumbar regions. Injuries to the thoracic spine can affect many areas of the body, including:

• upper chest
• midback muscles
• abdominal muscles
• rib cage
• diaphragm
• lungs
• arms
• legs
• genital and rectal region

Injuries to the thoracic spine may include fractures or nerve damage. Thoracic spine fractures are often caused by car accidents and falls. Damage to the thoracic nerves may cause varying symptoms, depending on the nature of the nerve damage Symptoms may include radiating pain in the arms, legs, rib cage, or the anterior chest. Thoracic nerve damage may also cause numbness or weakness in the legs, loss of feeling in the pelvic region, incontinence, or low back pain accompanied by fever.

Accident injuries to the lumbar spine

The lumbar spine is the lowest portion of the spine. Injuries to the lumbar spine may cause loss of function in the hips and legs. People who have a lumbar spine injury may require braces to walk, or they may need to use a wheelchair for mobility. A loss of control of the bladder and bowels may also occur. In some cases, special equipment may help with bladder and bowel function.

Spinal cord injuries

In the United States, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries are car and motorcycle accidents. These injuries may be caused by damaged vertebrae, ligaments, or discs. The spinal cord can also be damaged directly. In an accident, a sudden traumatic blow can damage the spinal cord by fracturing, dislocating, compressing, or crushing the vertebrae. Secondary damage may occur days or weeks later due to swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and fluid accumulation. Therefore, it is critical that people who suspect they may have a back injury receive medical attention immediately.

Receiving medical attention after an accident

It is not always easy to know whether you have sustained a back injury. Symptoms may emerge days or even weeks after the accident that caused the injury. Therefore, getting checked out by medical personnel is always advisable in the event of an accident. Receiving immediate medical attention allows the involved parties to determine whether an injury took place. If the accident caused injury, receiving an immediate checkup will also allow the injured party to begin receiving treatment and mitigate the potential for further damage.

Filing a claim For accident injuries in Palm Bay

Florida law allows individuals who become injured at the fault of another person to file a claim for compensation. To begin the process of seeking compensation, the injured party should contact a Palm Bay accident attorney. It is always best to contact an attorney as quickly as possible after the accident has taken place. Nevertheless, state law allows the injured party up to four years to file a claim in most situations. Your Palm Bay accident attorney will help ensure you receive the medical exams and treatment you need to prove your injuries in support of your case for compensation. Your accident lawyer will represent you in negotiations with the other party’s insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to offer an appropriate settlement amount, the attorney will represent you in court.

Compensation for back injuries

There are different types of compensation you may receive for a back injury. If you incur medical bills for a checkup, treatment, medication, medical devices, or physical therapy, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses. You may also receive compensation for lost wages if the injury impacts your ability to go to work and perform your job duties. People who have more severe injuries that prompt a need for assistance in performing everyday tasks may receive compensation for pain and suffering. If the injury affects the individual’s marital relationship, his or her spouse may receive compensation for loss of consortium. Your Palm Bay accident lawyer can determine the types of compensation for which you may be eligible.

Consult with a Palm Bay accident lawyer

The first step toward receiving the compensation you deserve is to speak with a Palm Bay accident lawyer. When you contact an attorney, a member of the law firm staff will ask questions to gather the facts of the case. An attorney will then follow up to provide additional information regarding your legal options. The law office will exercise discretion and keep your information confidential.

Our attorneys are available to conduct a free case evaluation. We will provide the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your legal options.