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What Is a Neck Injury?
A neck injury speaks of any damage, trauma, or harm that occurs to the structures in the neck region, which includes the cervical spine, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues.
Neck injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
The neck, also known as the cervical region, supports the head and facilitates movement. It is composed of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7) and is responsible for protecting the spinal cord.
Neck injuries can occur as a result of various incidents, including car or truck accidents, especially rear-end collisions. These types of accidents can cause sudden jolts to the neck, leading to injuries such as whiplash.
Dealing with neck injuries can be both physically and financially distressing. Medical bills can quickly accumulate, as these injuries may require extensive diagnostic tests, doctor visits, physical therapy, and potentially even surgery.
Seeking compensation becomes necessary to cover these expenses, and a personal injury settlement can help alleviate the financial burden. A personal injury settlement can provide the necessary funds to cover medical bills, as well as compensate for pain and suffering and lost wages.
Types of Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are common injuries, and they can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the different types of neck injuries is essential for seeking appropriate medical treatment and legal guidance.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries are a common consequence of vehicle collisions. This sudden jerking motion involved in an accident can cause damage to the neck and surrounding tissues. Whiplash occurs when the soft tissues and ligaments in the neck are stretched beyond their normal range of motion.
Some people may experience minor aches and pains, while others may suffer from more severe neck and spine damage. Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and limited range of motion in the neck. In some cases, individuals may also experience radiating pain in the shoulders and arms.
Almost 8% of people with whiplash injuries do not return to their usual level of activity within one year. [1]
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic injuries that can have a life-altering impact on individuals, causing significant physical limitations and requiring ongoing medical support. There are two main types of spinal injuries: complete and incomplete.
In a complete injury, there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This often results in paralysis, affecting mobility and bodily functions. In an incomplete injury, some sensory and motor function remains.
Spinal cord injuries result in significant financial expenses, including medical costs, home modifications, and lost wages. Legal representation is important for pursuing fair compensation for these financial needs.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are a common occurrence in neck injuries and can have significant implications for individuals. They occur when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can result in pain, numbness, and weakness, as the herniated disc may compress nearby nerves or the spinal cord itself.
Common symptoms include neck pain, radiating pain down the shoulders and arms, tingling or numbness in the arms or hands, and a reduced range of motion in the neck. In severe cases, it can even lead to muscle weakness or difficulty with coordination.
Herniated discs in the neck can be caused by trauma from an accident or injury or repetitive motions that put a strain on the neck. These injuries can have a substantial impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to work, engage in everyday activities, and enjoy their usual hobbies or social interactions.
Common Causes of Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can occur due to various factors, and understanding the common causes can help individuals take preventive measures and seek appropriate legal recourse when necessary.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in Fresno, with numerous factors contributing to their frequency. Some common causes include distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and poor road conditions.
Motor vehicle accident injuries may be in severe injuries and may result in a wrongful death. Rear-end collisions are one of the most likely auto accidents to cause a neck injury.
In car accidents, victims can suffer from traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, shoulder injuries, and road rash.
Truck accidents are often the fault of careless drivers and can cause catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for the rider.
Workplace Accidents
Neck injuries in the workplace can be caused by falls, repetitive motions, overexertion, workplace accidents, poor ergonomics, occupational hazards, and prolonged exposure to hazardous environments.
Goldberg & Loren specializes in workplace accidents and can help establish the liability of the third party if appropriate and pursue a personal injury claim for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious neck injuries due to the sudden jerking of the head and neck upon impact. When someone slips or loses their footing on a slippery surface, they may fall backward or forwards, causing their neck to twist, bend, or hyperextend in unnatural positions.
This sudden movement can result in neck injuries like whiplash, strains, sprains, or even more severe conditions such as cervical fractures or herniated discs. The force exerted on the neck during a slip and fall accident can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck, leading to pain, limited mobility, and a range of other symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s daily life and well-being.
Premises liability holds property owners or occupiers responsible for slip and fall accidents resulting in neck injuries. If hazardous conditions were not addressed, the owner may be liable.
Symptoms of Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can occur in various situations, including sports, car accidents, slips- and falls. Recognizing the symptoms of these injuries is important for accident victims to receive timely medical care and avoid further complications.
Neck pain is a common and costly problem, affecting 30-50% of adults in any given year. For many people, neck pain does not go away on its own, and up to 85% of people with neck pain will experience chronic symptoms that impair their daily activities. [2]
Pain and Discomfort in the Neck, Shoulders, Arms, or Back
A neck injury can lead to various types of pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, arms, or back. One common symptom is neck pain, which can range from a dull ache to sharp and debilitating pain. This pain can radiate into the shoulders, arms, and back, making simple tasks like lifting objects or turning the head extremely difficult and painful.
Shoulder pain is also commonly associated with neck injuries. The pain can be localized or spread throughout the entire shoulder region, making it challenging to perform actions that involve lifting, carrying, or reaching. This can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, engage in leisure activities, and maintain overall health.
In addition to pain, individuals with neck injuries may also experience stiffness and limited range of motion in their neck, shoulders, arms, or back. This can further restrict their ability to perform everyday tasks and affect their quality of life.
How Can A Fresno Neck Injury Lawyer Help?
As a victim of neck injury, you may require the assistance of a Fresno neck injury lawyer. Goldberg & Loren law firm has a team of personal injury lawyers with extensive experience in neck injury cases, and we can provide you with the legal representation you need.
Have you recently been involved in an accident that has left you with a neck injury in Fresno?
Goldberg & Loren Fresno personal injury attorneys are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of personal injury laws, our team is dedicated to supporting victims like you through every step of the legal process.
Contact our Fresno personal injury law firm today to schedule a free consultation. We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected. Don’t wait; take action now, and let us help you on your road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fresno Neck Injury Claims
If you’ve suffered a neck injury in Fresno, you may have a lot of questions about seeking compensation for your damages. Here, we address some of the most common FAQs regarding neck injury claims:
After a neck injury, it's important to prioritize your health and safety. Seek immediate medical attention and follow all recommended treatment plans. Gather any evidence you can at the scene, such as photos, witness contact information, or video footage of the accident, if applicable.
In California, there is a limited time frame, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a neck injury claim. Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Fresno is two years from the date of the injury.
While it is possible to handle a neck injury claim without legal representation, it is not recommended. Neck injury claims can be complex and require in-depth knowledge of personal injury law.
A personal injury lawyer has the expertise to navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, access necessary information like police reports, medical reports, and witness statements, and advocate for your rights, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Every personal injury settlement fall under economic and non-economic damages. The financial compensation for victims falls under economic damages and is determined by various factors, such as the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, the extent of medical treatment required, loss of income, and the emotional trauma endured.
Consulting with a Fresno neck injury lawyer can help you understand the specific factors involved in determining the compensation amount for your case.
Sources:
[1] Handicap after acute whiplash injury: a 1-year prospective study of risk factors – PubMed. (2001, June 26). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.56.12.1637
[2] Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in the general population: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders – PubMed. (2008, February 15). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e31816445be
If you have experienced a neck injury in Fresno, we urge you to get in touch with our seasoned team. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights, seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries and the suffering you have endured.
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