If you’ve sustained harm to your back in any form, you likely know that these kinds of injuries affect more than your body. The smallest of daily tasks can become a struggle, and as you deal with the physical pain, you may also be facing missed time from work, a growing pile of medical bills, and stress about what comes next.
Back injuries impact your income, your relationships, and your peace of mind. That kind of trauma (both physical and emotional) typically doesn’t go away quickly. And for some, it doesn’t go away at all, forcing them to adapt to a new normal from there on out.
The following are some of the most common types of back injuries our experienced Charleston personal injury lawyers see on a regular basis.
Scenarios That Lead to Back Trauma
A back injury can be caused in a number of ways. Car accidents, especially rear-end collisions, are a common cause. Additionally, many people injure their backs as a result of a slip-and-fall at the store or tripping on an old and bumpy sidewalk. People can also end up hurt at work, particularly in jobs involving construction, trucking, or manufacturing.
Common Types of Back Injuries After an Accident
Back trauma can be tricky to pin down, as it doesn’t always arise immediately following an accident. You might just feel a twinge at first, only for it to turn into a full-blown problem days later. That delay can make it tough to figure out the kind of injury you’re dealing with, what caused it, and how serious it is.
Herniated discs, for instance, are the result of the cushioning between your spinal bones slipping out of place and pressing on a nearby nerve. It’s usually very painful and can also trigger weakness and numbness in your arms and legs.
Sprains and strains, which affect the muscles and ligaments in your back, might not sound like a big deal at first, but they can lead to months of agony. Some people experience sciatica, pain that travels down their lower backs and into their legs. It’s often caused by a compressed nerve, and it can make sitting or standing unbearable.
Lastly, there’s degenerative disc disease. This condition is not directly caused by an injury and instead develops over time, but trauma can speed it up and amplify its symptoms. Insurance companies love to point to pre-existing conditions as a way to deny legitimate claims, so people dealing with exacerbated pain after an accident tend to face uphill battles.
The Hidden Cost of Back Injuries
The average person doesn’t have the financial safety net to take months off work, yet recovery can easily last longer than that. Medical treatment isn’t cheap, either; add together MRIs, specialist visits, physical therapy, or surgery, and any savings get blown away. Insurance often doesn’t cover anything, and even when it does, it can be a fight to get it to pay up.
Additionally, after severe back injuries, some find themselves unable to lift, bend, or even stand for any length of time without experiencing severe pain. Such limitations often cause people to quit their jobs for something less physically taxing, and some can never work again. Without a steady income, knowing how to afford even the daily essentials is difficult.
But beyond (or perhaps because of) all of that, there’s the emotional toll. Constant discomfort messes with a person’s sleep, focus, and ability to enjoy life. Many experience anxiety and depression after a serious back injury and are ultimately never the same.
Documentation Matters
If you’re dealing with a back injury and choose to file a personal injury claim, you’ll need proof to connect your trauma to the accident it derives from. Medical records are a great start, but you’ll also want detailed notes from your doctors, physical therapists, and perhaps your mental health providers as well.
The more you can document how your pain has affected your life, the better, so consider keeping a journal and writing down any symptoms you experience, as well as what you can and can’t do anymore.
Take pictures of any visible injuries or medical devices you’ve acquired, too. While it might not seem “official” enough to be significant, it helps to have a first-hand account and timeline of what you’ve been through.
Fighting for Your Recovery Takes More Than Rest
Getting better physically is just the start. When someone else’s mistake causes your injury, you’re often stuck cleaning up the mess. That includes making sure your medical bills are paid, your job is protected, and your future is covered. That’s a lot to handle alone, especially when you’re in pain.
Some people accept settlements quickly just to quell the chaos, but these offers typically fail to match the damage done. If you take an offer before you know the full cost of your injury, you could be stuck with bills you can’t pay later.
Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Back injuries don’t just go away, and neither do their consequences. If you’ve suffered one in Charleston, West Virginia, and someone else is at fault, don’t try to handle your personal injury claim on your own. Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with a Charleston personal injury attorney at (304) 346 5990.
