Pursuing Compensation for Back Injuries

 Posted on January 27, 2020 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

The spine is made up of 33 bones that encase the delicate nerves of the spinal cord. In addition to the spine, the back contains muscles and soft tissue that support the body and allow us to move. When the spine or back is injured, the injured person may experience extreme pain and be unable to move around normally for months or even years. Even a seemingly minor back injury can cause a person debilitating pain and discomfort. If you have suffered a back injury in a work accident, car accident, slip and fall, or other incident involving negligence or wrongdoing, a personal injury lawsuit may help you receive compensation.

Common Back Injuries That May Lead to a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Almost any type of back injury that causes damages such as missed work and medical bills may be grounds for a personal injury claim. Most personal injury claims are brought against a negligent party. The negligent party could be a driver who caused an accident by driving drunk or texting while driving, a restaurant that exposed patrons to a hazardous condition, a landlord who did not properly maintain a property, and many more. 

Some of the most common back injuries involved in personal injury claims include:

• Slipped discs: Discs that act as cushions between the vertebrae in the spine absorb shock and allow us to move. An accident can cause these discs to become damaged or broken. A ruptured disc or herniated disc can cause a person a tremendous amount of pain.
• Soft-tissue injuries: Damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the back can cause pain and significantly reduce a person’s mobility.
• Broken vertebra and other broken back bones: The back is a very complex system of bones, muscles, soft tissue, and nerves. When a bone in the back is broken, the shards of bone can cause further damage. Broken bones near the spinal cord are especially dangerous.
• Nerve damage: Damage to major nerves in the spinal cord can leave a person with loss of sensation or reduced muscle control. In some cases, a major injury to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis.

Damages Available in a Back Injury Case

Through a personal injury claim, a person who has suffered a back injury may receive compensation for both economic and noneconomic injuries. If your back injury has caused you to miss work, you may be able to get compensation for your lost income. If the injury has reduced your ability to work in the future, you may also receive compensation for your future lost income and reduced earning capacity. You may also be reimbursed for your past and future medical expenses. Depending on the details of your injury-causing accident, you may also receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

Contact a Lake County Back Injury Lawyer

A major back injury can affect the rest of your life. You may be left unable to work and unable to enjoy life the way you could before the injury. For help pursuing financial compensation after a major back injury, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. Call us at 847-662-3303 and schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Waukegan personal injury attorney today.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/pain-management-back-pain

https://courts.illinois.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf