Back injuries are among the most debilitating types of physical trauma that car accident victims can suffer. Upper or lower back injuries can lead to chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical intervention and significantly affecting one’s quality of life. One common condition is a herniated, ruptured, or slipped disk, which can cause severe pain and mobility issues. A damaged spinal cord can result in life-long disability. In these cases, it’s best to get expert advice from qualified professionals.
Our team of experienced spinal cord injury lawyers is dedicated to representing back injury victims in San Diego and across California. We understand the challenges associated with back injuries and are committed to helping our clients secure the compensation they deserve.
Since 1966, Shea & Shea has been at the forefront of personal injury law, specializing in spinal cord injury cases, with a strong track record of securing compensation for clients. We are proud to be recognized as some of the best personal injury attorneys in California.
If you’ve suffered a back injury in an auto accident or another incident caused by another party, it is important to explore your legal options. Whether you are dealing with a simple lower back injury or a more advanced type of back trauma, our team is here to help. We encourage you to contact Shea & Shea at (408) 716-1560 to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can assist you in claiming back injury compensation.
Common Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries are unfortunately common, often resulting from car accidents, falls, or other traumatic events.
The spinal cord can be divided into three regions:
- Cervical Spine: The upper part of the spine, including the neck. Injuries here can affect the arms, hands, and diaphragm.
- Thoracic Spine: The middle section of the spine, which affects the chest and abdominal muscles. Injuries can impair torso control and lower body movement.
- Lumbar Spine: The lower part of the spine, including the lower back and tailbone. Injuries here often impact hip, legs, and bladder function.
A spinal cord injury (SCI) typically occurs when an external force causes damage to the spinal cord or surrounding tissues, leading to loss of function, sensation, or mobility below the site of injury. These injuries can be classified as either complete or incomplete:
- Traumatic Impact: Sudden, forceful impacts from car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violent incidents can compress, fracture, or dislocate the vertebrae.
- Compression: Swelling, bleeding, or bone fragments can compress the spinal cord, disrupting the communication between the brain and the body.
- Penetrating Injuries: Objects like bullets or knives can penetrate the spinal cord and cause damage.
- Flexion, Extension, and Rotation Injuries: Extreme movements, such as severe bending (flexion), backward bending (extension), or twisting (rotation), can injure the spinal cord.
The immediate aftermath of an SCI often involves swelling and inflammation, which can worsen the injury. Prompt medical intervention is essential to improve the chances of recovery. Long-term effects depend on the injury’s location and severity, with higher injuries often resulting in more extensive paralysis and loss of function.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to a range of symptoms, varying in severity based on the injury’s location and extent. Common symptoms of the injuries include:
- Difficult or Painful Breathing
- Muscle Spasms
- Digestive Problems
- Loss of Sensation (Touch or Temperature)
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Paralysis (Lower Body and Legs)
- Muscle Weakness
- Numbness and Tingling
- Inability to Move Limbs
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms following an accident, seek medical attention immediately and consider consulting a San Diego personal injury attorney for expert advice on your legal options.
Common Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries are unfortunately common, often resulting from car accidents, falls, or other traumatic events. Understanding these injuries is essential for seeking appropriate medical care and legal compensation.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia results from a spinal cord injury in the thoracic region, causing paralysis from the waist down. Symptoms include loss of sensation, pain, reduced mobility, sexual dysfunction, and bowel or bladder issues. While treatments cannot reverse paraplegia, medical expertise and physical therapy can help reduce symptoms.
Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is caused by damage to the cervical spine, resulting in paralysis from the neck down. This severe condition requires extensive medical care, including surgeries and long-term rehabilitation, which generally leads to major medical expenses. Victims often need legal support to secure compensation.
Muscle Strain and Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscle strains, common in car accidents, occur when muscles are pulled or torn. Symptoms include swelling, bruises, pain, and inability to use the muscle. Muscle strain can also result from lifting heavy objects, sports, or repetitive tasks. Serious cases may require medical intervention.
Whiplash
Whiplash typically occurs in car accidents when the head of the victim is rapidly thrown backward and forward. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. Whiplash can harm joints, disks, nerve roots, and the spinal column. This condition can require medical treatment and sometimes prolonged recovery periods.
Herniated Disks
A herniated disk, also known as a ruptured or slipped disk (or disc), occurs when the soft nucleus pulposus inside a disk is pushed out, often pressing on nerve roots. This injury can cause severe pain, weakness, and numbness. Herniated disks often result from sudden stress, car accidents, or repetitive stress. Treatment for a herniated, ruptured, or slipped disk may require surgery, physical therapy, and/or medication.
Back Fractures
Vertebrae fractures can compress the spinal cord, leading to pain, difficulty moving, and a curved spine. Healing from a back fracture can take several months and often requires high-quality medical care and physical therapy.
If you have sustained a serious back injury due to the negligence of another party, you may qualify for significant financial compensation. How much is your back injury worth? That depends on a variety of factors, and it’s best to seek out an experienced attorney who can provide expert advice on how to proceed with your personal injury case.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in San Diego
If you have suffered a lower back injury or any other form of back trauma due to someone else’s negligence, Shea & Shea invites you to contact us for a free consultation. Our team, recognized as some of the best personal injury attorneys in California, is dedicated to helping clients claim back injury compensation. With our extensive experience, we will guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (408) 716-1560 to discuss your back injury case.
Back Injury FAQ
How much is a back injury worth in California?
Back injury compensation in California varies significantly based on factors such as the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on quality of life. The average settlement in California is around $100,000, but it can range from thousands to millions of dollars. At Shea & Shea, we evaluate each case individually to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your specific circumstances.
How do I claim a back injury?
To claim a back injury, it is essential to gather all relevant medical documentation, report the injury to the responsible party, and consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. At Shea & Shea, we can guide you through the entire process, from filing the claim to negotiating with insurance companies.
How can you find the best personal injury attorney in California?
Finding the best personal injury attorney in California involves researching attorneys with a proven track record and extensive experience in personal injury law. Shea & Shea is widely noted for our decades of experience and numerous successful case outcomes. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you with your personal injury claim.