Although in the same location as a spinal cord injury, neck and back injuries do not affect the spinal cord or column itself. Instead, muscles, tissues, ligaments or some combination of those structures are injured.
Car accidents can easily cause this type of trauma, as can other types of accidents. But you may be eligible to pursue compensation above and beyond what the insurance company is offering you. To find out, please call Kelleher Law at 833-546-3675 for a free claim review.
How Serious Was Your Neck or Back Injury?
These injuries vary widely. If you had minor discomfort that cleared up on its own, and your doctor has no concerns for future ramifications, then you may not have a claim; however, back and neck injuries can easily lead to expensive treatment, time out of work and pain. Some of the most common types are:
- Whiplash
- Herniated disks
- Fractured vertebra
- Sprains
- Twisting of the spine
Whiplash injuries:
Whiplash is a very common injury, especially in auto accidents. The bones and ligaments are overextended as your head is propelled forward and then backward. You may be unable to work because of an injury like this.
Whiplash is not always immediately apparent, which is why it is so important to visit your doctor after an accident. Some of the most common whiplash symptoms are:
- Neck pain
- Stiff neck
- Chronic headaches
- Dizziness
- Limited range of motion in your neck
- Numbness or tingling in your extremities
- Ringing in your ears
- Vision problems
- Back and shoulder pain
Some people may have symptoms so mild they do not even realize they are occurring. Your doctor can assess you for injury after an accident, even if you don't think you are hurt. Getting the care you need can only be good for your future.
How Do I Know if My Neck Injury Is Serious?
Your doctor can help you determine if your neck injury is serious. However, even when a neck injury is considered temporary, circumstances may demand legal action. During your free case review, we can help you determine if you have cause to file suit.
When Should I Seek Help From an Attorney?
You do not need to talk to an attorney if your injury self-resolves within a few days, but you should always speak to an attorney following severe injury in an accident.
Talking with a lawyer before accepting an insurance settlement is crucial. Once you have accepted payment, you will not be able to file a lawsuit.
Should I Provide a Recorded Statement to My Insurance?
You need to cooperate with your insurance company's investigation and provide your insurer with the basic facts. Your insurance company cannot force you to provide a recorded statement. It is best to speak with your attorney before agreeing to anything the insurance company asks you to do.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Back and Neck Injury Claim?
In Florida, you have four years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, we strongly encourage you to take action long before the statute of limitations approaches.
Waiting to file a personal injury claim can complicate the process and result in victims receiving less than they are owed.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Resolve an Injury Claim?
Once your claim has been filed, it will enter the discovery phase. During this portion of the claim, both sides will interview witnesses, gather evidence, and work with experts to create their cases. This process can take several months.
After discovery, both sides will meet for a settlement agreement. The case will go to trial if an agreement cannot be reached.
Claims that settle pre-trial may be resolved within 12 months. However, it may take two or more years to reach a verdict in claims that require a trial.
What Are My Options if the Insurance Company Is Not Treating Me Fairly?
Insurance companies are infamous for trying to delay, deny, or reduce settlements. If your insurance company mistreats you, we can deal with them on your behalf.
Having an attorney on your side frees you from the burden of dealing with the insurance company and protects you against the tricks and tactics they might use to convince victims of serious injury to accept less than they are due. If your insurer is acting in bad faith, we are here to hold them to account and fight for every penny you are owed.
Potential Compensation for Neck & Back Injuries
We cannot guarantee a compensation recovery in your case. When you call us for a claim review, we will listen to the details of your situation and how your back or neck injury was caused. If we determine you have a claim, we will immediately begin fighting for you. We want to help you restore normalcy in your life, by getting you compensation for medical care and other losses, such as:
- Hospital bills
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Costs of job re-training
If someone else's carelessness caused your neck or back injury, then we may be able to help you. We do not charge any fees with a recovery, so you will not face additional financial strain by choosing to use the services of our personal injury attorneys.
Find Out If You Have a Case in Florida or Georgia
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe back or neck injury in Florida or Georgia, please call us to find out if you have a claim. You can reach us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – for a free case review at 833-546-3675. Kelleher Law has offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Atlanta.
