Los Angeles Back Injury Lawyers

Back injuries can be severe, and they often require prolonged, expensive medical care before a victim reaches maximum recovery. Unfortunately, a full recovery is not possible in many cases. As a result, victims must cope with rising medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, and emotional trauma.

However, if you suffered a back injury in Los Angeles because of someone else’s negligence, you should not have to face those expenses alone. Instead, the party responsible for your injury can be held accountable for your damages. Our team has the experience and resources to help you and your family recover the fair compensation you deserve.

Below, we explain some of the most common types of back injuries that may support a compensation claim.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common back and neck injury following rear-end crashes. Typically, it results from sudden back-and-forth neck movement, much like a whip cracking. In addition, physical assaults, slip and fall accidents, and sports injuries can also cause it. Because whiplash symptoms may take hours or days to appear, victims should seek prompt evaluation. Common symptoms include neck and back pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and dizziness.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries rank among the most severe back injuries a victim can suffer. Depending on the severity, they can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Moreover, they may cause additional complications such as infections, internal bleeding, blood clots, and spinal fluid leakage. As a result, recovery can take a long time, and victims often rely heavily on family and friends for support.

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures occur when the head or spine absorbs a severe impact. One common form is a compression fracture, which is a small crack around the vertebrae. While this may cause little pain at first, the discomfort can intensify with breathing or walking. Treatment depends on severity; some patients recover with rest, whereas others may need surgery.

Herniated Discs

During an accident, the discs cushioning the vertebrae can absorb excessive force. Consequently, that force shifts the discs, which then pinch nearby nerves and cause pain or numbness. This condition is called a herniated disc, and it is sometimes known as a slipped, ruptured, or bulging disc. Although non-invasive methods usually work best, some severe cases may require surgery.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis develops when fractures cause a vertebra to slip out of alignment. As a result, the displaced bone can compress the nerves or spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, fatigue, and difficulty walking. In most cases, physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments provide relief. Nevertheless, some patients ultimately need surgery to correct the problem.

Spinal Stenosis

Although spinal stenosis is not usually triggered by an accident, a collision can cause someone with asymptomatic stenosis to begin experiencing symptoms. Therefore, a spinal injury specialist can assess whether your accident worsened the condition. If it did, you may file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for your injury.

Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue injuries occur when the head, spine, chest, and shoulders are suddenly jolted during a crash. Because of that violent motion, muscles and ligaments can tear or rupture. In turn, these injuries may seriously limit your ability to perform daily activities. For example, a sprain or strain of the thoracic and lumbar spine is a common result.

Most back injuries do not show up immediately, so prompt medical attention is essential for a proper diagnosis. Furthermore, if your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, you should speak with a skilled attorney who handles back injury claims as soon as possible. Doing so helps protect your rights and preserves your legal options.