Back injuries are some of the most serious injuries you can suffer after an accident. One moment, life is normal. The next moment, you struggle to:
- stand
- walk
- work without pain
In a busy city like New York, these injuries can happen in:
- car crashes
- construction accidents
- falls on unsafe property
- workplace incidents
If someone else caused the accident, you may be able to claim compensation. Courts hear back trauma cases because medical expenditures are considerable and the long-term consequences may be severe. Understanding the most common back injuries might help you determine whether legal action is warranted.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are among the most prevalent injuries in back-related cases. These discs sit between the bones of your spine. They work as cushions, allowing your back to move appropriately.
During a collision or fall – a disc may slip out of position or rupture. When this occurs, it may strain the surrounding nerves. This pressure can cause:
- sharp pain
- numbness
- weakness in your legs or arms
You may notice pain shooting down one leg. This symptom is linked to nerve compression in the lower spine. An MRI will confirm the diagnosis.
Disc injuries can lead to claims because:
- Treatment can include months of therapy
- Some cases require injections
- Surgery may be necessary
- Pain may last for years
Insurance companies can argue that your disc problems existed before the accident. This is why medical imaging and proper documentation are critical.
Bulging Discs
A bulging disc is slightly different from a herniated disc. Instead of rupturing – the disc pushes outward. It may still irritate nearby nerves.
Bulging discs can cause you chronic pain. Some people manage this condition with therapy. Others struggle with ongoing discomfort that can interfere with their work.
In lawsuits, medical experts will examine whether the trauma caused the disc to bulge or made a prior issue worse. Even if you had mild degeneration before the accident – the law may still allow recovery if the incident worsened your condition.
Compression Fractures
A compression fracture happens when one of the vertebrae collapses. This injury is prevalent after a high-impact automobile collision or a severe fall.
Symptoms include:
- Severe back pain
- Pain while standing
- Reduced mobility
- Height loss in some cases
Treatment can include bracing or surgery. Some fractures will heal with time. Others can cause permanent changes in your spinal alignment.
Because fractures can require expensive treatment and recovery time – they frequently result in personal injury claims.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe back ailments. Damage to your spinal cord might impair your mobility and sensations in the area of damage.
Depending on the severity – you may experience:
- Partial paralysis
- Complete paralysis
- Loss of bladder control
- Breathing difficulties
These injuries will need immediate surgery and long-term recovery. Your medical expenses may total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Spinal cord injury lawsuits might seek compensation for lifetime care and lost earning ability.
Nerve Damage
Trauma to the spine can:
- stretch
- compress
- sever nerves
Nerve injuries may cause:
- burning pain
- numbness
- weakness
Sciatic nerve damage is common in lower back trauma. Your pain may travel from the lower back into the leg. Even your simple movements may trigger sharp discomfort.
Some nerve injuries will improve with time. Others can cause you permanent impairment. If nerve damage limits your ability to work or function normally – it may qualify for a lawsuit.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Strains and sprains can affect your muscles and ligaments in the back. These injuries may sound minor – but they can disrupt your daily life for weeks or months.
A strain can occur when your muscle fibers tear. A sprain affects your ligaments. Symptoms can include muscle spasms and restricted movement.
Insurance companies can try to downgrade soft tissue injuries. They argue that rest is enough. But in reality – chronic muscle pain can interfere with your employment and physical activity.
If your symptoms continue beyond a few weeks – doctors may recommend imaging to rule out more serious structural damage.
Vertebrae Fractures
A fractured vertebra can happen in:
- car crashes
- construction accidents
- serious falls
Even a single broken bone in your spine can cause you intense pain.
Your treatment will depend on the severity. Some fractures may need surgical stabilization. Others may heal with bracing and rest.
Legal claims often focus on:
- Surgical costs
- Physical therapy expenses
- Missed work time
- Long-term limitations
Spinal fractures are not simple injuries. Your recovery can take months.
Degenerative Disc Disease Triggered by Trauma
As people age, spinal discs naturally lose their moisture and flexibility. This process is called degenerative disc disease.
An accident can accelerate this condition. Trauma may turn your mild degeneration into severe pain. You may have had no symptoms before the incident.
In lawsuits, medical experts examine your imaging studies taken before and after the accident. If trauma worsened your spine condition – you may still recover damages.
Why Back Injuries Lead to Lawsuits
Back injuries can result in claims because they affect your earning ability. In New York City, many jobs require physical movement. Construction workers, delivery drivers, healthcare workers and office employees all rely on spinal mobility.
If pain prevents you from working, your lost wages can quickly become a major concern.
Medical expenses can also add up, like:
- MRI scans
- physical therapy sessions
- injections
- surgery
When someone else caused the injury – speaking with an NYC back injury lawyer may help you understand your rights.
Evidence to Support a Back Injury Case
If you suffer a back injury, take these steps:
- Seek medical care immediately
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Keep records of all medical visits
- Document missed work days
- Save all medical bills
Any gap in treatment can weaken your claim. Consistent care will show that your injury is serious.
Imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans, play a large role in lawsuits. These tests provide objective proof of disc damage or fractures.
Expert testimony may also be necessary. A spine specialist can explain how the accident caused your injury.
The Financial Impact of Back Injuries
Back trauma often affects more than short-term health. Chronic pain may require:
- Long-term therapy
- Pain management treatment
- Surgical intervention
- Lifestyle adjustments
If your injury is limiting your future earning potential – damages may include compensation for reduced capacity.
New York follows a comparative negligence system. This means your compensation may decrease if you share partial fault. Even so, you may still recover damages.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If another person’s negligence caused your injury – legal advice can clarify your options. You can get liability claims from:
- car accidents
- unsafe property conditions
- workplace hazards
You must act promptly. New York law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long may prevent your complete recovery.
Back injuries are severe. They have the potential to alter your way of life and work. Proper medical treatment and prompt legal action may help safeguard your health and financial future.
Understanding the sorts of back injuries that result in litigation can provide you with valuable information. This information will enable you to make educated choices after a major accident in New York City.