What Are the Most Common Back Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents?
Nearly 80 percent of adults experience a back injury at some point. Depending on the severity, type, and location of a back injury, the cost of medical treatment can be exorbitant. If you cannot return to work while you recover, you may be concerned about your family’s financial stability.
A back injury can affect soft tissue, muscles, vertebrae, and the spinal cord. Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries (SCI), which can present a range of symptoms including numbness, a tingling sensation, bowel control problems, or bladder incontinence.
If you or someone you love suffered a back injury in a crash with a negligent driver, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. A Marksville auto accident lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and non-economic damages. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 800-522-6733.
Read on for a brief overview of four common back injuries sustained in motor vehicle wrecks:
Compression Fractures
This injury occurs when the anterior spine compresses downward and causes the vertebrae to fracture. High-impact collisions are a leading cause of compression fractures.
Herniated Discs
There are 24 vertebrae in your spine, and there are 23 discs between those vertebrae. When put under the stress of a car accident, those discs can become herniated, or rupture, causing the inner cartilage to leak out.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Your spinal cord is a collection of nerves that send signals throughout your body. It plays a role in almost all of your body’s most essential functions. An injury to your spinal cord can cause a range of symptoms. The most debilitating SCIs tend to occur higher on the spine.
Dislocation Fractures
A dislocation fracture occurs when a vertebrae fractures and the soft tissue that surrounds the disc fills in the damaged area.
How Much does a Spinal Injury Cost to Treat?
The answer to this question depends on the location and severity of the SCI. While some patients maintain their mobility and can live independently, others require 24/7 care.
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, a person who sustains a SCI that causes a minor loss in mobility can expect to pay $347,484 for medical treatment during the first year and $42,206 for each subsequent year.
However, a person with high tetraplegia can expect to pay at least $1 million during the first year and $184,891 for each year that follows.
As you can see, a back injury can be exorbitantly expensive to treat. It can also cause tremendous emotional trauma and affect your relationships, career, and enjoyment in life.
If you or a member of your family suffered a back injury in a crash with a negligent driver, contact a Lafayette spinal cord injury lawyer from Laborde Earles.
A Marksville personal injury attorney will help you fight for the compensation you need to maintain financial stability. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free consultation.
