Neck injuries can happen in many ways, and they can cause serious pain and long-term issues. Whether from a car accident, slip and fall, or a workplace incident, neck injuries can affect your daily life. If you've suffered a neck injury, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you get fair compensation.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Queens personal injury attorneys are skilled in handling neck injury claims. We fight for victims of serious injuries to ensure they get the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you've been injured, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
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Common Causes of Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can occur from a variety of incidents. While car accidents are a major cause, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, sports activities, and even medical errors can lead to neck injuries.
Some of the common causes of neck injuries that you may encounter are:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of neck injuries, particularly whiplash. In a rear-end collision, the sudden jolt can cause the neck to snap forward and backward. This rapid movement strains muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in the neck, causing pain and discomfort.
Whiplash can lead to long-term complications if left untreated. If you suffer a neck injury in a car accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are another common cause of neck injuries. These accidents can happen in stores, on sidewalks, or in any place with slippery or uneven surfaces. When a person falls suddenly, their head and neck can jerk, causing strain or damage to the neck. In many cases, slip-and-fall victims experience pain and stiffness in their necks, sometimes leading to long-term discomfort.
If your neck injury was caused by a slip and fall accident, you may be able to hold the property owner responsible. A Queens personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, such as photographs of the scene and medical records, to prove the property owner’s negligence and help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can also cause neck injuries. Jobs that involve heavy lifting, manual labor, or repetitive motions increase the risk of straining the neck. For example, lifting heavy objects incorrectly can lead to muscle strains or even more severe injuries, like herniated discs.
Workers who experience neck injuries at work are often eligible for workers' compensation, which can cover medical expenses and lost wages. However, if the injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. A competent personal injury lawyer will help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Sports Injuries and Physical Assaults
Sports injuries are another common cause of neck pain, particularly in contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby. A sudden impact during a game or a fall can lead to muscle strains, sprains, or even fractures in the neck. Neck injuries from sports may also occur in non-contact activities, such as gymnastics or skiing, if a person falls or twists in the wrong way.
Similarly, physical assaults can cause neck injuries if a person is pushed, hit, or thrown. In these cases, the person responsible for the injury may be held liable for medical treatment and other damages. If you suffer from a neck injury due to a sports accident or physical assault, be sure to seek medical attention and consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors
In rare cases, neck injuries can occur due to medical malpractice or surgical errors. Mistakes during surgery, such as improper handling of the neck or spinal cord, can lead to serious injuries. Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can also worsen neck conditions, leading to more pain and complications.
If you believe your neck injury was caused by medical malpractice, you may have a case for compensation. A personal injury lawyer with experience in medical malpractice cases can help investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and pursue a claim on your behalf.
Types of Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can vary in severity, from mild strains to more serious conditions that require long-term treatment. Understanding the types of neck injuries can help you recognize your symptoms and determine the proper course of treatment.
A few of the common neck injuries caused by accidents or other incidents include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common neck injuries, often caused by rear-end car accidents. It occurs when the neck is suddenly forced to move forward and then backward, causing strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. In some cases, whiplash can lead to long-term discomfort if not treated properly. Immediate medical attention and physical therapy can help prevent chronic pain and aid in recovery.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
A herniated or bulging disc in the neck occurs when one of the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine slips out of place or breaks open. This can cause pressure on the nerves in the neck, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms, shoulders, or neck. Herniated discs often result from trauma, such as car accidents or lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
If you suffer from a herniated or bulging disc due to an accident, make sure to seek medical treatment right away. Physical therapy, medication, or surgery may be necessary, depending on the severity of the injury. A personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses and lost wages if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.
Fractured or Dislocated Vertebra
A fractured or dislocated vertebra in the neck is a serious injury that can occur from high-impact accidents, such as car crashes or falls. This type of injury happens when the bones in the neck either crack (fracture) or become misaligned (dislocated). The consequences can be severe, with symptoms including intense pain, limited movement, and, in some cases, damage to the spinal cord.
A fractured or dislocated vertebra often requires immediate medical attention, including imaging tests to assess the damage. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve a neck brace, pain management, or surgery. Recovery can be long and challenging.
If another person’s negligence caused the injury, a personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are some of the most serious neck injuries. These occur when the spinal cord is damaged, often due to trauma, such as a car accident, fall, or violent impact. SCI can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and permanent disabilities, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Treatment for SCI often involves surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming, as SCI can drastically affect a person’s lifestyle. If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, ongoing care, lost wages, and other damages.
A personal injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Chronic Neck Pain and Soft Tissue Injuries
Chronic neck pain and soft tissue injuries are common following accidents. Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement. In some cases, the pain can persist for months or even years, becoming a long-term issue.
Chronic neck pain can also result from poor posture, improper sleeping habits, or repetitive motions, but it’s often aggravated by an accident. Treatment for chronic neck pain may include physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle changes.
If your neck pain is a result of an accident caused by someone else, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Liability in a Neck Injury Case
When you suffer a neck injury, determining who is at fault is crucial for pursuing compensation. In many cases, someone else’s negligence or recklessness causes the injury. It’s important to understand who may be responsible and how liability is determined.
Here are the key aspects of liability in neck injury cases:
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
The person or entity responsible for your neck injury depends on the circumstances of the incident. In car accidents, the driver at fault is typically held responsible. If a slip and fall caused your neck injury, the property owner may be liable.
Employers may be responsible if the injury happens at work due to unsafe conditions. In some cases, third parties like manufacturers or other drivers may also share the blame. A Queens personal injury attorney can help determine who is at fault in your case and hold them accountable.
Proving Liability for a Neck Injury
To prove liability in a neck injury case, you need to show that the responsible party’s actions or negligence directly caused your injury. This often involves gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene. Expert testimony may also be needed to establish the extent of the injury and its long-term effects.
A personal injury attorney will help gather and organize all the evidence necessary to prove your case. They will also handle negotiations with the insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If needed, your lawyer will take your case to court and fight for your rights. Having legal representation ensures that you get the best possible chance at winning your case and receiving compensation for your injuries.
Compensation for Neck Injury Victims
If you’ve suffered a neck injury, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand the types of compensation available and fight for a fair settlement.
Here are the types of damages you can seek after a neck injury:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial costs you face due to the injury. These include:
- Medical expenses: The cost of hospital visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any other treatment.
- Lost wages: If you miss work due to your injury, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during recovery.
- Future medical costs: If your injury requires long-term care or future treatments, you can seek compensation for those costs as well.
A personal injury attorney will help calculate these damages and ensure you receive full compensation for the financial consequences of your neck injury.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the more personal and emotional burdens of a neck injury. These damages are harder to measure but are still important. Common non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for that loss.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or other emotional repercussions caused by the injury.
Non-economic damages aim to compensate for the lasting effects of the injury on your quality of life. A personal injury lawyer can help determine the value of these damages and ensure they are included in your claim.
Punitive Damages (For Cases of Extreme Negligence)
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional. They are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar behavior. Unlike compensatory damages, which cover actual losses, punitive damages are intended to address gross negligence or wrongful conduct.
For example, if a neck injury occurs due to a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, punitive damages may be considered. In such cases, the court aims to penalize the driver for their extreme negligence. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine if your case qualifies for punitive damages and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Neck Injury in Queens
If you’ve been injured in an accident and sustained a neck injury, follow these steps to ensure you are properly cared for and to protect your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention: The first step after a neck injury is to see a doctor. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately, it’s crucial to get checked. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can diagnose the injury and start treatment right away.
- Report the injury: If the injury occurred at work or in a public place, report it to your employer or the property owner. This creates a record of the accident and helps establish that the injury occurred.
- Document the injury: Keep track of all medical treatments, tests, and prescriptions. This documentation will help your personal injury lawyer build your case and ensure all your medical expenses are covered.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will help guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to.
- File your claim or lawsuit: Depending on your situation, your lawyer will file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
FAQs
How long do personal injury cases take to resolve?
The length of a personal injury case depends on the complexity of the case and the severity of the injury. In some cases, settlements can be reached within a few months, while others may take longer if a lawsuit is necessary. A reliable Queens personal injury lawyer can help expedite the process by negotiating with insurance companies and gathering evidence to support your claim.
Can I file a personal injury claim for a neck injury?
Yes, you can file a personal injury claim if you’ve suffered a neck injury due to an accident. If someone else’s negligence caused the injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A personal injury lawyer can help determine the best course of action for your case.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. A Queens personal injury lawyer can help you understand how this rule affects your case.
How can a Queens personal injury lawyer help me after an accident?
Queens personal injury lawyers provide legal representation to accident victims. They help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file personal injury lawsuits if needed. A lawyer will fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you’ve incurred due to the accident.
What types of compensation can I receive in a personal injury case?
In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the injury was caused by reckless or malicious behavior, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand the full range of compensation available in your case.
Contact Our Queens Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered from a neck injury due to an accident, you need a capable personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our personal injury law firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you recover after a personal injury accident.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the challenges that accident victims face. Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, slip and fall, or another form of negligence, we are here to guide you through the legal process. If you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death caused by someone else’s actions, we can help you file a claim and seek justice.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will discuss your case and explain how we can help you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.
