If you’ve suffered a back injury in an accident, Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Back injuries can be severe and affect your daily life. They may require long-term treatment, including surgery or physical therapy. Personal injury cases involving back injuries can be complex, but we are here to guide you through the process.
Queens personal injury attorneys specialize in helping victims of car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and workplace injuries. We can help you pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our reliable personal injury lawyers are dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim.
If you’re dealing with a back injury, reach out to us. We offer a free consultation and will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Back injuries can happen for many reasons, and understanding the causes can help you determine your legal options.
Some of the common causes of back injuries are:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a leading cause of back injuries. The force of a collision can cause whiplash, which is a common neck and back injury. It happens when your head is jerked forward and backward suddenly. This can lead to muscle strains, herniated discs, and other serious injuries in the spine.
In more severe cases, accidents can cause fractured vertebrae or even damage to the spinal cord. The impact of a car crash can also throw you against the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt, worsening the injury. Seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t immediately feel pain.
Some injuries, like herniated discs, may not show symptoms right away but can cause serious long-term issues. If you suffer a back injury in a car accident, contacting a seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your pain and suffering.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of back injuries. When you trip, slip, or fall, your body can land awkwardly, causing fractures or soft tissue damage in your back. A fall on a hard surface can lead to fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or muscle strains.
Falls on wet floors, uneven ground, or in areas with poor lighting often result in back injuries. The severity of these injuries depends on the height of the fall and how your body hits the ground. In some cases, the injury may be more severe, such as a spinal cord injury.
If you’ve suffered a back injury from a slip and fall, be sure to get checked by a doctor immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s best to rule out serious damage. You may be entitled to compensation if the fall was due to negligence, such as improper maintenance of the property.
Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries are another common cause of back injuries. Many jobs, especially those that require heavy lifting or repetitive movements, put workers at risk for strains, sprains, and fractured vertebrae. Jobs like construction, warehousing, or nursing can lead to back injuries when workers are lifting, bending, or twisting improperly. In some cases, workers may even suffer from long-term injuries due to poor posture or repetitive motion.
Workers who sustain back injuries on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if the injury was caused by negligence or unsafe work conditions, a personal injury claim may be necessary. Back injuries can be serious, affecting mobility and causing long-lasting pain. If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, it's wise to seek medical treatment immediately and speak to a competent personal injury lawyer to help guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can also lead to back injuries. During surgery or treatment, errors made by healthcare providers can result in spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, or fractured vertebrae. In some cases, back surgery errors can cause serious, permanent damage, making it difficult for victims to return to normal life.
If a back injury happens as a result of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and pain. You should understand that medical malpractice cases can be complex, and the burden of proof is on the victim. This means you need to show that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer experienced in medical malpractice is essential to help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your injury.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are another leading cause of back injuries. When a pedestrian or cyclist is struck by a vehicle, the force of the impact can cause fractured vertebrae, spinal cord injuries, or other serious back-related injuries. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable because they have little protection compared to those in vehicles.
A back injury resulting from a pedestrian or bicycle accident can be severe, affecting mobility and quality of life. If you’ve been injured, don't hesitate to seek medical attention right away to assess the damage properly. In some cases, physical therapy may be required for recovery. Personal injury lawyers can help you with your insurance claim or file a lawsuit if necessary to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical treatment, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Types of Back Injuries in Personal Injury Cases
Back injuries can vary greatly in severity, from mild strains to life-altering spinal cord injuries. Understanding the different types of back injuries can help you determine the right course of action and seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Herniated and Bulging Discs
Herniated and bulging discs are common back injuries in personal injury cases, especially after accidents like car crashes. The discs in your spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. When these discs are damaged, they can bulge or rupture, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain.
Herniated discs can result in sharp, shooting pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. A bulging disc, on the other hand, may cause less immediate pain but can lead to chronic discomfort and mobility issues. Treatment may include physical therapy, pain medication, or even surgery in severe cases. Be sure to get evaluated by a healthcare professional right after an accident to assess the damage and determine the best treatment options.
If you've suffered a herniated or bulging disc due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most serious types of back injuries. These injuries can cause long-term or permanent damage, affecting mobility and even leading to paralysis. A spinal cord injury can occur from direct trauma to the spine, such as in car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or other personal injury incidents.
Depending on the location of the injury, spinal cord damage can result in paraplegia (loss of movement in the lower half of the body) or quadriplegia (loss of movement in both the arms and legs). SCI often requires extensive medical care and rehabilitation, including physical therapy. Victims may also face life-long challenges, including lost wages, emotional distress, and medical expenses.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation for all your losses.
Fractured Vertebrae
Fractured vertebrae are another serious back injury resulting from accidents, particularly car crashes and falls. The vertebrae in your spine can crack or break due to sudden impact or force. A fractured vertebra can lead to severe pain, limited movement, and nerve damage. If left untreated, it can result in permanent disability.
Treatment for fractured vertebrae often requires immobilization, but in some cases, surgical repair may be needed. Spinal surgery can help stabilize the vertebrae and relieve pressure on surrounding nerves.
If the injury causes nerve damage, additional therapies like physical therapy or pain management may be required. If you've suffered fractured vertebrae due to an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains and Strains)
Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains are common after accidents involving car crashes or slip-and-fall incidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back. While sprains involve overstretching or tearing of ligaments, strains occur when muscles or tendons are stretched too far.
Sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. Although these injuries may not always require surgery, they can be quite painful and may require physical therapy to regain full mobility. In more severe cases, chronic pain or limited movement may persist.
If you've sustained soft tissue injuries from an accident, it's best to seek medical treatment to ensure proper healing. You may also be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and any pain caused by the injury.
How a Queens Back Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you've sustained a back injury, a Queens back injury lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. They can guide you through every step of the legal process.
A few ways in which a personal injury lawyer can help you include:
Investigating the Cause of the Injury
A Queens back injury lawyer will begin by thoroughly investigating the cause of your injury. Whether it happened in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace accident, identifying the responsible party is crucial. Your lawyer will collect evidence, review police reports, and consult with experts to determine fault. This helps build a strong case.
The lawyer may also speak with witnesses and examine the accident scene. Understanding how the injury occurred is important for proving negligence and liability. If the injury is the result of someone’s carelessness or failure to follow safety rules, you may be entitled to compensation.
A Queens back injury lawyer works tirelessly to ensure that all aspects of your case are properly handled, maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
A Queens back injury lawyer will also handle the negotiation process with the insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out for claims, but a skilled lawyer can ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will present all the evidence from your case, including medical records and witness testimony, to support your claim.
They will work to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, especially when you are recovering from an injury. Having a lawyer on your side can level the playing field.
With their experience, your lawyer will fight to protect your rights and advocate for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take further action, including pursuing a lawsuit.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations with insurance companies do not result in a fair settlement, a Queens back injury lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. This legal action involves bringing the case before a judge and potentially a jury, where both sides present their evidence and arguments. Filing a lawsuit is often a necessary step when an insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation.
Your lawyer will guide you through every step of the lawsuit process, ensuring that all deadlines are met and proper documents are filed. They will help gather crucial evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony, to prove that the other party’s negligence caused your back injury.
If you win your lawsuit, you could receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to your injury. A personal injury attorney will represent your best interests, ensuring that you have the best chance of receiving a fair outcome.
Compensation Available for Back Injury Victims
If you’ve suffered a back injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. A Queens back injury lawyer can help you understand what you can claim and how to pursue it.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses that can be easily calculated. These include:
- Medical expenses: This covers all costs related to treating your injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for the wages you lost during recovery.
- Future medical costs: If the injury requires long-term care or future treatments, these costs can also be included in your compensation claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the intangible effects of your injury. These include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Emotional distress: You may be entitled to compensation for the mental strain caused by the accident, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury affects your ability to enjoy daily activities, you can claim damages for this loss.
Punitive Damages (If Negligence Was Extreme)
In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the back injury was caused by gross negligence or extreme recklessness. Punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter others from acting similarly in the future. These are separate from other types of compensation and are typically awarded in cases involving severe misconduct.
If your injury is the result of extreme negligence, such as reckless driving or an unsafe working condition, your lawyer may pursue punitive damages in addition to other forms of compensation.
What to Do After a Back Injury in Queens
If you hurt your back in Queens, there are a few things you should do right away. First, get medical help. See a doctor as soon as possible to make sure your injury is treated properly. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it's wise to get checked out.
Next, take notes about the accident. Write down everything you remember, including what happened and where it happened. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the scene if you can.
After that, contact a Queens back injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next. They can also help you with insurance claims or even file a lawsuit if needed. Getting legal help early can make a big difference in getting the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
What should I do if I’ve suffered a back injury in a Queens personal injury case?
If you’ve suffered a back injury, get medical attention right away. After seeking treatment, you should document the accident details and gather information from any witnesses. Contact a New York personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. They can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for physical injuries and other related damages.
Can a Queens personal injury case include wrongful death?
Yes, a wrongful death claim can be part of a personal injury case if the injury leads to death. If your loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation for wrongful death. A New York personal injury lawyer can help you with the legal process.
How can personal injury law help me after a back injury?
Personal injury law helps victims who suffer due to another person’s negligence. If you’re injured, like in a car accident or slip and fall, personal injury law allows you to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A New York personal injury lawyer can guide you through this process.
What types of physical injuries can result from a car accident?
Car accidents can cause many physical injuries, such as back injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and whiplash. Each case is different, and the severity of the injury will depend on factors like the type of accident and impact. A New York personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for these injuries.
How long do I have to file a Queens personal injury case after an accident?
In New York, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the time limit may vary depending on the specifics of the case, such as if the accident involves wrongful death or government liability. Contact a New York personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the time limits.
Contact Our Queens Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to get legal representation from a Queens personal injury lawyer. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our personal injury law firm specializes in helping clients recover compensation for their injuries. Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries from a car accident, slip and fall, or any other incident, we are here to help.
Our experienced team will work with you to understand the details of your case and guide you through the process. We’ll make sure your rights are protected and fight to get you the best possible outcome. Whether through negotiation or a lawsuit, we will work hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call us today for a free consultation with a Queens personal injury lawyer at our firm. We’ll help you understand your options and take the next steps toward recovering from your injury.
