Neck and Back Injury

The neck serves a vital function in the human anatomy. A strong and healthy neck allows you to turn your head comfortably. Furthermore, the spinal cord — which relays signals between the brain and the rest of the body — runs through the neck vertebrae. With a neck injury, you may find it impossible to work, participate in leisure activities, or even enjoy quality sleep. Common accident-related neck injuries include:

Whiplash is a condition that can result when the head snaps quickly backward and forward. This whip-like motion damages or tears connective tissues in the neck and along the cervical vertebrae. Commonly associated with car accidents, whiplash injury presents symptoms like:

Whiplash symptoms may not emerge until several days after an accident but can cause chronic pain and nerve damage. Visiting a medical professional immediately after an accident is vital to detect and treat whiplash before it makes your life unmanageable. With swift medical attention, you can improve your chances of a full recovery. And if someone else is responsible for the injury, an experienced whiplash injury attorney can strengthen your case for compensation from the at-fault party.

Neck sprains result from over-stretching the tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. These injuries can occur in any type of accident, including traffic collisions, slip and falls, and workplace accidents.

A neck fracture is a break or crack in one of the seven cervical vertebrae. These bones are delicate and can fracture without a great deal of force. Neck fractures can be extremely painful and may take a long time to heal. A severe break could damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis.

Like the neck, the back is crucial to the body’s mobility. Back injuries can be both excruciating and debilitating. When an accident causes severe back pain, even the most basic movements and tasks can feel impossible.

Some of the most common back injuries associated with accidents include:

Injuries to the spinal cord are among the most severe consequences of accidents. Spinal cord damage can result in paralysis of all areas below the injury site. Damage to the spinal cord often leaves patients needing lifelong assistance, medical devices, and extensive modifications of their homes and workplaces to accommodate their disabilities.

A spinal disc is a rubbery cushion that lies between the vertebrae. Discs act as shock absorbers and promote movement. Sudden trauma can push a spinal disc out of place, causing it to herniate or “bulge.” While disc injuries can sometimes happen without any symptoms, bulging discs can often cause intense pain, numbness in the limbs, and a loss of mobility in the spine.

In Texas, someone who causes another person’s injury can be held liable for the consequences. An experienced neck and back injury attorney can review the circumstances of the accident to identify who should be held responsible. Then, they can gather evidence to build a compelling case for compensation.

Examples of evidence include:

Neck and back injury settlements or verdicts can provide injured parties with the money they need for their:

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, consult an El Paso back and neck injury lawyer. In some cases, more than one party may bear responsibility for the incident. This can significantly impact the amount of money you can recover, so getting guidance from an attorney can help maximize your compensation.