Common symptoms of a broken neck include severe neck pain; tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs or arms; difficulty breathing; loss of bladder or bowel control; and paralysis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a broken neck, your medical team will walk you through the recovery process, explaining what to expect and the costs involved. It’s important to understand both the physical and financial challenges ahead.
A Lafayette personal injury lawyer can be a valuable ally in this journey. They’ll help you pursue the financial support needed for medical care, rehabilitation, and other expenses, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
What are the Warning Signs of a Broken Neck?
A neck fracture, also known as a broken neck, can lead to severe neck injuries and cause a range of debilitating symptoms. A broken neck can dramatically affect your physical abilities, lifestyle, and overall quality of life.
If you or someone you know experiences any of the following signs, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling and bruising around the neck
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Loss of movement or sensation in the arms or legs
- Headaches or dizziness
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements
These symptoms indicate serious injuries that may require immediate intervention and long-term treatment. Depending on the cause of your injury, you may be entitled to recover damages.
A Lafayette catastrophic injury lawyer can assist you in proving negligence, holding the responsible party financially accountable, and helping you assess the full value of your case to secure a fair settlement.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientDiagnosing a Broken Neck
Diagnosing a broken neck involves physical exams and imaging tests. If a broken bone is suspected, doctors often rely on detailed imaging to assess the injury.
Diagnostic techniques include:
- X–rays to detect visible fractures in the neck bones
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess soft tissue damage and spinal cord injury
- CT scans for a more detailed view of the cervical vertebrae and fractures.
Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and preventing further damage.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientCan I Have a Broken Neck and Not Know It?
Yes, it’s possible. Neck fractures can sometimes go unnoticed due to their mix of symptoms. In some cases, a broken neck may not even show up on imaging exams, making early detection difficult.
If you experience any of the signs of a broken neck after an accident, it’s critical to seek immediate medical care. These injuries can impact your ability to return to normal activities, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to your recovery.
Additionally, consider consulting with a Lafayette car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The statute of limitations may limit your ability to file a lawsuit, so acting quickly is important to protect your rights.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow Much Time does it Take to Recover?
The recovery time for a broken neck can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Once diagnosed, recovery can take months or even years, and it often involves several stages.
Here’s what you might experience during your recovery and for treatment options:
- Prolonged immobility: Resting and keeping the neck stable to promote healing
- Neck brace: Wearing a brace to support and immobilize the neck while it heals
- Surgical intervention: In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine.
- Permanent paralysis: If the spinal cord is damaged, recovery may not be possible, and it could lead to permanent paralysis.
Each step of recovery will be guided by your healthcare team, who will focus on giving you the best chance for healing and improving your quality of life.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientHow does a Broken Neck Happen?
A broken neck can happen in many ways, often due to traumatic incidents or accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car accidents: A sudden impact can cause significant neck injuries, including fractures.
- Truck accidents: The force of a collision with a larger vehicle can result in serious neck damage.
- Bus accidents: Collisions involving buses can cause severe whiplash or neck fractures due to their size and weight.
- Bicycle accidents: Riders are especially vulnerable to neck injuries when struck by vehicles or falling.
- Motorcycle accidents: Without the protection of a vehicle, motorcyclists are at high risk for broken necks in crashes.
- Falls: Slipping or falling from a height can cause severe damage to the neck.
- Sports injuries: High-contact sports, such as football or wrestling, can result in neck fractures.
- Workplace accidents: Jobs involving machinery, construction, or heavy lifting can lead to neck injuries.
- Assaults: Physical attacks or violent altercations may cause a broken neck.
Understanding how these injuries happen can help you take steps to prevent them, but if you’ve experienced a broken neck, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
How Will My Injury-Related Medical Bills Be Paid?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. For example, in a car accident, the at-fault driver could be held financially responsible for your injuries.
Your car accident lawyer in Lafayette will prove key elements of negligence, such as:
- The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care
- The at-fault driver breached that duty
- Their actions caused the accident
- Your injuries resulted in financial harm
To support your case, your legal team will gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, accident reconstructions, and medical records. We’ll also handle negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
If an agreement can’t be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Other Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
If a broken neck was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s only fair that the responsible party is held accountable for all the expenses that come from your injury. Beyond just medical care, there are other costs to consider, such as:
- Past and future lost wages
- Property damage or loss
- Disability or disfigurement
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the injury tragically results in the loss of a loved one, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. The attorney handling your case will guide you through this process, explaining which family members can file and making sure the claim is filed on time.
We know how difficult and emotional this journey can be, and we’re here to stand by your side, helping you get the justice and peace of mind you need during this challenging time.
Contact Our Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a broken neck due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. What does a broken neck feel like? The pain can be intense, and recovery may take time, but with the right support, you can begin to heal.
As a Lafayette personal injury lawyer, we’ve helped clients recover over $1 billion. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, so you don’t have to face this alone.
You have the right to hold the responsible party accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact our team at Laborde Earles today to learn how we can help you recover the financial support you need.
