Back Injury
Back injuries are among the most common personal injuries, affecting individuals from all walks of life. From minor strains to severe conditions requiring surgical intervention, understanding the nuances of back injuries is crucial for both victims and insurance claims. Serious injury to your back often happens in car and truck accidents. At Baumgartner Law Firm, our Houston spinal cord injury lawyer is committed to providing you with top-notch legal representation to maximize spinal cord damage compensation.
Types of Back or Spine Injuries
1. Acute Injuries
Acute injuries to the back often occur suddenly, usually due to a specific incident or trauma like an auto accident. These injuries can result from falls, car accidents, or sports-related incidents. Common acute injuries include:
- Sprains and Strains– These involve damage to ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains). Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Herniated Discs- A herniated disc occurs when the soft material inside a disc in the spine bulges out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves. This condition can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
- Fractures– Spinal fractures can be particularly serious, often requiring surgical intervention. They may result from severe trauma or osteoporosis.
- Spinal Cord Injuries– Spinal cord injuries are often severe, requiring extensive medical care.
2. Chronic Injuries
Chronic back injuries develop over time, often due to repetitive strain or degenerative conditions. Common chronic back injuries include:
- Degenerative Disc Disease– This condition involves the gradual wear and tear of spinal discs, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Symptoms may worsen with activity and improve with rest. However, trauma can bring the symptoms forward.
- Sciatica– This term describes pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs. A herniated disc or spinal stenosis often causes significant pain.
- Spinal Stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, and difficulty walking.
Symptoms of Back Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of back injuries is essential for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Localized Pain – Discomfort may occur in specific areas of the back, often worsened by movement.
- Radiating Pain – Pain may extend to the legs or arms, indicating potential nerve involvement.
- Numbness or Tingling – These sensations can signal nerve damage or compression.
- Muscle Weakness – Difficulty in lifting objects or performing daily tasks may indicate a more serious issue.
Need an Attorney for an Auto Accident in Houston?
- Rest and Activity Modification – Allowing the body to heal by avoiding activities that exacerbate pain.
- Physical Therapy– A tailored physical therapy program can help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
- Medication– Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help manage pain and inflammation.
Surgical Interventions
In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical options may be considered:
- Discectomy—This procedure involves removing part or all of a herniated disc to alleviate pressure on spinal nerves.
- Spinal Fusion– A surgical technique that connects two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
- Laminectomy– This procedure removes a portion of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
What Causes Back Injuries?
Back injuries are prevalent and can stem from a variety of incidents, often leading to significant physical and emotional challenges. Recognizing the causes of these injuries is crucial, as is understanding your rights if you are affected.
Conservative Treatments
Car Accidents: A Leading Cause
Auto accidents are the most frequent contributors to spinal cord injuries and various back ailments. The impact of a collision can cause whiplash, herniated discs, and other debilitating conditions. Individuals involved in motorcycle accidents or other commercial vehicular accidents may experience acute pain and long-term consequences, necessitating comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Workplace Incidents: Falls and Repetitive Motion
Falls from heights, particularly in construction and industrial settings, are significant sources of back injuries. Such incidents can result in fractures, sprains, and chronic pain conditions. Additionally, repetitive motions—common in many occupations—can lead to cumulative trauma disorders, affecting the back’s muscles and ligaments over time.
In Texas, workers’ compensation often covers workplace injuries, providing essential support for medical expenses and lost wages. Reporting any workplace injury promptly is imperative to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation and benefits.
Recreational Vehicle Accidents
With the popularity of recreational vehicles (RVs) in Texas, accidents involving ATVs, boats, or jet skis can also lead to severe back injuries. The nature of these vehicles, coupled with high speeds and rough terrain, increases the risk of accidents that may cause significant harm to the back. Legal recourse is available for those injured in such incidents, allowing victims to seek compensation for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Crushing Injuries
Drivers exchanging information after an accident is required in Texas. Information to get includes:
- Name and contact information.
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of the vehicle.
Crushing injuries can occur in various scenarios, including work-related accidents and motor vehicle collisions. Such injuries may involve substantial damage to the vertebrae and surrounding tissues, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues. Understanding the full scope of your injuries and undergoing the necessary medical evaluations is crucial for a successful recovery.
Legal Considerations for Back Injury Claims
1. Establishing Liability
In personal injury claims related to back injuries, establishing liability is critical. This involves proving that another party’s negligence directly caused the injury. Key elements to consider include:
- Duty of Care– The responsible party had a legal obligation to ensure the safety of others.
- Breach of Duty- The responsible party failed to meet this obligation, resulting in an unsafe situation.
- Causation– There must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the injury sustained.
- Damages– The injured party must demonstrate the extent of their injuries and the impact on their life.
2. Types of Damages in Texas
- Medical Bills and Expenses– Reimbursement for the injury’s past and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages– Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work following the injury.
- Pain and Suffering– Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Physical Disability– Damages for being unable to do things you used to do.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life- Compensation for the loss of joy experienced due to the injury.
3. Shared Fault Rules in Texas
Texas uses a contributory fault system with a bar to compensation if you are found to be over 50% at fault. This compensation method reduces the injured party’s damages by the percentage of fault for causing the accident.
For example, if you are 20% at fault and the damages are determined to be $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $ 80,000 (or 20% less). With 51% or more responsibility, you will not get damages in Texas.
For severe spinal cord injuries requiring specialized expertise, consult our dedicated spinal cord injury lawyers in Houston at (281) 587-1111.
For a FREE Consultation Contact Us Today
"*" indicates required fields
Related Links
Our Experienced Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help!
Legal Services
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm to Talk Directly with a Preeminent Rated Injury Attorney
If you have a back injury from a car accident or another event, you may deserve significant compensation. At Baumgartner Law Firm, our injury attorneys understand that back injury cases can be complex. We are dedicated to supporting our clients throughout the legal process. Whether your back injury is recent or long-lasting, our experienced team is ready to assist you. We want to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury, contact our law firm today to discuss your options and receive personalized legal guidance. (281) 587-1111. FREE CONSULTATION
About Our Law Firm in Houston
Houston personal injury lawyer Greg Baumgartner heads the Baumgartner Law Firm.
Our firm was established in 1985 and has helped thousands of injury victims get maximum compensation for their cases. If you have been injured in an accident in Houston, TX, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. (281) 587-1111.
Since 1985, Baumgartner Law Firm has limited our law practice to serious personal injury cases. Our legal team has won maximum compensation for thousands of accident victims and recovered millions of dollars for real people like you.
Helping these areas around Houston
"*" indicates required fields
