If you have a neck injury and someone else caused it, you might need a personal injury lawyer. But you are not alone.
Over three million people suffer neck injuries every year in the United States. In 2018, 570 individuals with spinal cord injuries were treated in Georgia hospitals. Car crashes (primarily rear-impact collisions) cause approximately half of all chronic neck pain in the United States. However, serious neck injuries also happen in other ways.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that millions of people end up in the emergency room each year due to a fall. Workplace accidents are a common cause of neck and back injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in Georgia, about 3 out of every 100 full-time workers were involved in a workplace accident in 2016. These accidents led to many different injuries, but one common type is a neck injury.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that motor vehicle crashes account for 39.2 percent of reported spinal cord injury cases. The next most common cause is falls, followed by acts of violence, and injuries sustained while participating in sports. Whether your injury was caused by a motor vehicle accident, a work-related accident, or someone’s negligence, a neck injury can derail your life.
Why Are Neck Injuries so Important?
Some people question the importance of neck injuries, because they are not visible. However, neck injuries that may seem minor at first account for up to 60 percent of all permanent impairment claims.
The primary function of the neck is to support and control the movements of your head. The neck, also referred to as the cervical spine, is the part of the body that joins the head to the shoulders and chest. It is made up of a system of muscles, bones, and nerves. The neck is a complex and delicate area, involving the seven cervical vertebrae and enclosed spinal cord, the jugular veins and carotid arteries, and parts of the esophagus, the larynx and vocal cords. Because of its flexible and sophisticated stature, it is easily injured.
A neck injury can be as minor as a muscle strain or as severe as a spinal cord injury. Injuries such as whiplash can cause pain in several parts of the neck.
Common Neck or Back Injuries From an Accident
Neck or back injury covers many different conditions. The long-term effects of these injuries vary widely. The spectrum of neck and back injuries include:
- Whiplash – Symptoms of whiplash may be obvious immediately after the injury, or they may not appear until days after a crash.
- Sprains and strains
- Herniated disc
- Cervical dislocation
- Stingers and burners
- Fractured disc or vertebrae
- Mechanical back pain This may include musculoskeletal injuries to the spinal joints, discs, or vertebrae.
- Paralysis. Types of paralysis include tetraplegia, quadriplegia and paraplegia.
Signs You Suffered a Neck or Back Injury
Following an accident, adrenaline may block the full severity of the pain until days or weeks later. Therefore, you may be seriously injured and not even realize it, so you should always seek medical attention immediately after an accident. See your doctor if you have symptoms such as:
- You have limited mobility or can’t move
- Your ability to feel heat, cold and touch is lost or limited
- Spasms
- You experience problems with breathing or coughing
- You experience pain or a stinging feeling
- Your bowel or bladder control are affected
- Your sexual function is affected
The following symptoms are considered dangerous:
- Extreme pain or pressure in your neck, head or back
- Any weakness, paralysis or lack of coordination
- Any loss of sensation in your extremities, such as numbness or tingling
- Problems walking
- Difficulty breathing
- Bladder or bowel control problems
Pursuing Compensation for Neck Injuries in Georgia
Neck injury victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering, which they can pursue by filing a personal injury claim against the person or party who caused their injury. Georgia law allows you to hold the at-fault party responsible for the full cost of your injuries and other damages, regardless of how severe they are. In some circumstances, there may be more than one person or entity at fault. Many injury claims are based on the theory of negligence.
Negligence is “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.” To prevail in a personal injury case, you must establish the four elements of negligence. For example, in a car accident case, the injured person must show:
- The driver had an obligation to follow traffic laws and drive in a manner that did not endanger others;
- The driver failed to drive in a responsible, careful, and reasonable way;
- This failure caused the crash, and your neck injuries; and
- You suffered physical and financial damages because of the wreck.
If your injury is work-related, you may be eligible for compensation under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws.
In Georgia, as in other states, there are strict time limits for filing claims, called statutes of limitations. You should speak with your attorney to determine the applicable time limits for your situation.
Reducing Your Risk Of Injury
Naturally, you want to do everything possible to reduce your risk of an injury, including:
- Drive safely. Careful, defensive driving can prevent or minimize some car crashes. Always wear your seat belt and make sure children are properly buckled in. Never drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Check water depth before diving. Do not dive into shallow water, an aboveground pool, or any pool unless you know it is 12 feet or deeper. If you don’t know the depth, don’t dive.
- Prevent falls. Falls are a major cause of injuries, especially for young children and older adults. Install safety gates and window guards to protect children. For adults, install handrails, non-slip mats in the bath and take other preventative measures as needed.
- Take precautions when playing sports. Protect your head when playing sports. Always wear recommended safety gear.
If you or a loved one have suffered a neck injury, speak with a licensed attorney as soon as possible.
