Back injuries are a common occurrence in car accidents, even in seemingly minor ones. These injuries range from muscle strains to herniated discs or spinal cord injuries, and can, therefore, impact a person’s daily life, causing them physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. If you have suffered a back injury due to someone else’s negligence, then you do not have to suffer in silence. You have the right to seek compensation for your losses from the people who caused you harm.
At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating effects of back injuries and are dedicated to helping victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Let us be your advocate and help you get back on your feet after a devastating accident.
Schedule A Free Case Consultation
Key Takeaways
- Back injuries can range from minor muscle strains to severe and debilitating catastrophic injuries.
- When a victim suffers a back injury due to another party’s negligence, they have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.
- A back injury lawyer understands how to calculate the full scope of back injury damages and fight for the maximum potential settlement offer or judgment.
Back Injury Types
Back injuries can manifest in various forms, each presenting its own set of challenges and requiring tailored treatment options. It’s important for you to understand the type of back injury you’ve sustained so you may seek proper recovery and build a compelling legal case. Here are some common types of back injuries:
- Whiplash: Typically associated with rear-end car accidents, whiplash occurs when the victim’s head abruptly jerks forward and backward, thereby straining their neck muscles and ligaments. Each year, over two million Americans experience a whiplash injury and suffer from symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Compression fractures: These occur when one or more bones in the spine weaken and crumble due to a significant impact. Compression fractures can cause sharp or chronic back pain, especially when moving or walking.
- Spondylolisthesis: This condition arises when a vertebra slides forward over the bone beneath it, leading to spinal cord or nerve root compression, which manifests as pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs.
- Herniated discs: Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of the disc leaks out through a tear in the outer layer, causing nerve irritation, pain, and sometimes, numbness in the affected area.
- Ligament issues: Ligaments hold the spinal column together, which is an injury to ligaments that can cause instability and pain. You may also get sprains or tears from sudden movements or impacts.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, usually in the legs.
- Facet joint injuries: Facet joints in the spine can become injured or arthritic, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and pain. This condition often results from aging or trauma to the back.
- Sciatica: Caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, sciatica leads to sharp pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs. Herniated discs or bone spurs can often trigger this painful condition.
Common Causes of Back Injuries
You can get back injuries from various circumstances, such as car accidents, workplace incidents, slips and falls, sports injuries, and violent acts. For instance, in the workplace, overexertion, improper lifting techniques, and falls contribute to the high incidence of back injuries, accounting for one in every five workplace injuries or illnesses. On the other hand, slips and falls leading to serious spinal damage can happen on private property or public spaces, including recreational zones. Each of these scenarios could potentially form the basis for a lawsuit if negligence or unsafe conditions contributed to the injury.
Back Pain After a Car Accident
Car accidents exert sudden and forceful impact on our body, that may cause back pain or exacerbate existing back issues. This happens because the abrupt stop and collision during the accident cause the spine and surrounding muscles to absorb significant force. These injuries can cause immediate discomfort or develop into chronic pain over time, affecting our daily lives and ability to work.
Victims of car accident back injuries caused by another’s negligence have the right to seek financial compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This opportunity to pursue compensation is often crucial in severe back injury cases; it is estimated that for a 25-year-old with a catastrophic injury, the total lifetime cost of healthcare and living expenses could be as high as $2.85 million.
“Even with what appears to be a low impact car collision, serious back and neck injuries can occur. The pain and/or injury may not be immediate but it is important to speak with a lawyer who will assist in getting you the proper medical testing and treatment (if needed) before you sign off on any release with an insurance company.” — Founding Partner Kevin L. Edwards
How Much is the Average Settlement for a Back Injury?
How much money you receive for a back injury in Texas will depend on factors like the severity of the injury, its impact on your life, and the level of medical care necessary. Additionally, pre-existing conditions and partial liability also play a role in influencing the overall settlement amount. For minor injuries, settlements may range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, while more severe or debilitating injuries can command settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even more.
What Does a Back Injury Lawyer Do?
Were you hurt in an accident recently? If so, a back injury lawyer can be your biggest ally in a Texas back injury lawsuit.
A skilled back injury lawyer will dig deep into your case by examining the facts, background, and evidence to estimate the value of your lawsuit. Evidence like medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies are useful for building a strong case. A local attorney will also collaborate with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and other relevant parties to fully understand the extent of the injury and its impact on the client’s life.
At the end of the day, simply proving negligence is not enough; you need lawyers who will be able to ensure you get fairly compensated for your losses. At DFW Injury Lawyers, our back injury attorneys are adept at negotiating with insurance companies, employers, and other parties to ensure you receive a fair settlement. We understand the tactics used by defendant counsels to minimize payouts and are prepared to counteract them effectively. In scenarios where negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial as well.
How Much Does a Back Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most Texas back injury lawyers, including those at DFW Injury Lawyers, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients do not pay upfront fees or hourly rates. Instead, the payment is contingent upon you winning the case or securing a settlement. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or award won. This way, we can help ensure that legal representation is accessible to those who need it, regardless of their financial situation. This arrangement also aligns the lawyer’s interests with the client’s, as the lawyer only gets paid if the client wins.
Why Should I Hire a Back Injury Lawyer?
If you’ve sustained a back injury due to someone else’s negligence, then a back injury lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and your interests are fairly represented. Our back injury attorneys have handled a variety of personal injury lawsuits in Texas, including back injury cases, and understand how tricky and complicated such lawsuits can be. Our firm boasts a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, demonstrating our commitment and effectiveness in personal injury litigation. We encourage anyone who has suffered a back injury to contact our firm for a free and comprehensive consultation so they are well aware of their rights and legal options.
Back Injury Lawyer Near Me
If you’re searching for a reliable back injury lawyer in Texas, DFW Injury Lawyers is ready to muscle up with expert legal representation.
We have offices across multiple locations in North Texas. In Dallas, find us at 1341 W. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 580W, ideally situated near Dallas Love Field Airport.
For those in Fort Worth, our office is located in La Gran Plaza at 4200 South Fwy, Ste. 2335, a vibrant shopping and cultural hub offering easy access and ample amenities.
In Arlington, we’re positioned at 1600 E. Pioneer Pkwy., Ste. 530, right next to the popular Ben Thanh Plaza and Central Market.
Each location is strategically placed to ensure that no matter where you are in the DFW area, expert legal help for your back injury claim is just a short drive away.
Texas Back Injury Lawyer: FAQs
1. How do you know if your back injury is serious?
Serious back injuries often present symptoms such as severe pain, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, difficulty moving or walking, and a change in bladder or bowel control. If you experience these symptoms following an accident, seek immediate medical attention for a proper diagnosis.
2. Are back injuries permanent?
The permanency of a back injury varies depending on its severity and the medical care received. Some individuals may fully recover with proper treatments, while others might experience lingering symptoms or permanent disability.
3. How much is a back injury worth in a car accident?
The value of a back injury claim from a car accident can range significantly depending on the injury’s impact on your life, current and future medical expenses, cost of medical devices or long-term care/nursing care needed, loss of earnings and earning potential, mental anguish, and the extent of your pain and suffering. Each case is unique, which is why it’s helpful to contact a back injury lawyer to assess your specific situation.
4. I have a pre-existing back problem that worsened after a car accident. Can I still get paid?
Yes, under the “eggshell skull rule,” you are entitled to compensation even if a pre-existing condition was worsened by an accident. The law recognizes that the at-fault party takes the victim as they find them, including any pre-existing vulnerabilities or conditions.
5. How long do back injuries take to heal?
Healing time for back injuries varies widely based on the injury type, severity of the impact, and individual health factors. Some may recover in a few weeks or months, while others might face a longer rehabilitation process or ongoing issues.
6. Why should I hire a specialized back injury lawyer in Texas?
Back injuries can have profound long-term consequences, potentially requiring ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, like regular doctor visits, nursing care, assistive devices, physical therapy, and more. A specialized back injury lawyer understands these as well as the legal complexities involved in such cases, and will fight to ensure you get paid by the negligent party.
Bring in the Muscle of DFW Injury Lawyers | No Fee Until You Win
At DFW Injury Lawyers, we recognize the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a back injury can take. That’s why we’re committed to aggressively representing your interests, both in and outside Texas courtrooms. Our experienced team won’t back down from a fight, whether it’s against large insurance companies or influential parties. With our no-fee-until-you-win policy, you can trust that we’re fully invested in your success. Let us bring the muscle to your legal battle and help you get the payment you need to move forward.
Contact us for a free legal consultation today.