There are many ways to sustain a back injury, from being involved in a car or motorcycle accident to injuring it while at work or tripping on an uneven sidewalk. The effects of a back injury can linger for years and may be financially, emotionally, and physically devastating. Unfortunately, many back injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence. If you suffered a back injury due to another party’s carelessness, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and any resulting losses.
The personal injury lawyers at Ardalan & Associates, PLC, have worked for many years with clients suffering from back injuries. We understand your pain and are here to manage the legal issues surrounding your injuries. Our caring team will make you feel at ease and will always fight for your rights. We’ll take on the insurance companies for you so you have space to recover from your injuries. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
Causes of Back Injuries
Back injuries have many possible causes. Some typical incidents that result in back injuries include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – Motor vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of back injuries. The type and severity of the injury may depend on the speed of the crash, the angle of impact, and other factors. Vehicle accidents may cause a variety of back injuries, from whiplash to severe spinal cord injuries.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents – Slip-and-fall accidents occur in private homes, on worksites, at restaurants, retail stores, and office buildings, and on public property. They may result from uneven flooring, obstacles in walkways, liquid spills, and other causes. Twisting motions during a fall can cause severe back injuries.
- Heavy Lifting – If your job involves heavy lifting, you risk injuring your back. If you sustain a back injury at work while performing your job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as you recover.
These are just a few ways you might experience a back injury. Common symptoms of back injuries include persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Muscle spasms, tingling, or numbness may occur in the limbs. Pain can be localized or radiated down the legs. Swelling, bruising, and difficulty standing or walking are also typical indicators of a back injury. Some symptoms may appear almost immediately following an injury, while others may take longer.
Treatment for Back Injuries
Seeking immediate medical treatment for a back injury, no matter how minor, will aid in your physical recovery and strengthen your personal injury or workers’ comp claim. Some of the treatments your healthcare professional may recommend include:
- Medication – This is the most common way people treat a back injury. Many medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Some types of back injury medication include painkillers, topical balms, or muscle relaxants.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is another way to relieve back pain. A physical therapist can help you with exercises to reduce your current pain levels and minimize the odds of experiencing worsening pain in the future.
- Alternative Treatments – Many people with back pain have found relief through alternative therapies, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, or yoga.
- Cortisone Shots – Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug given by injection if other medications don’t relieve back pain. It is injected into the spinal area and is usually used for long-term relief.
- Surgery – Back surgery is usually a last resort if no other treatment is working. It is commonly used to repair spinal issues or to remove herniated discs. Recovery from back surgery can be a lengthy and challenging process.
- Spinal Decompression Therapy – This type of treatment is used to gently stretch the spine and relieve spinal disc pressure. It can also be used to retract herniated or bulging discs.
Seeking Compensation for Your Back Injury
After consulting with a back injury attorney, you may decide to file a claim against the party whose negligence caused your injuries. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic Damages – Economic damages are easily calculated because they have a defined dollar value. Damages in this category include medical bills, prescription payments, hospital bills, future medical needs, and current and lost wages resulting from the inability to work.
- Non-Economic Damages – Non-economic damages are more complicated to calculate and can be a source of contention between the lawyers on both sides of the claim because they are subjective. Damages in this category include pain and suffering, psychological and emotional trauma, loss of consortium, and loss of quality and enjoyment of life.
In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages as a means of punishing the at-fault party and deterring future behavior of the sort that caused your back injury.
Keep in mind that, in California, you have just two years from the injury date in most situations to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for your back injury. Some circumstances may extend or shorten this deadline, so it’s important to contact a lawyer right away to determine the best course of action. Your attorney will know which deadline applies and ensure your legal paperwork is filed on time.
Contact Our Thousand Oaks Back Injury Attorneys Today
The personal injury lawyers at Ardalan & Associates, PLC, have helped numerous clients relieve the financial, physical, and emotional stress associated with injuries, including severe back injuries. We’re ready to fight for the justice, accountability, and compensation you deserve from the party whose actions or negligence hurt you. We serve clients in Thousand Oaks and all over southern California. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options and begin the process of taking back your life after a back injury.
Ardalan & Associates, PLC is a personal injury law firm based in Thousand Oaks, serving all of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, and Orange County. We are committed to helping our clients involved in car accidents seek justice and navigate their legal journey.