Our Utah neck injury lawyers want to help you receive financial compensation if you’re hurt because of the actions of others. Though a neck injury can change your life in a moment, it can take weeks, even months, to understand the extent of your injury. That’s why it is vital to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. You may receive the medical care and compensation you deserve if you bring a legal claim.
At Good Guys Injury Law, our lawyers for neck injury accidents ensure you receive the respect, compensation, and care you need. We want to help you on your path to a full physical and financial recovery.
Can I Receive Financial Compensation for a Neck Injury?
Yes, you may receive financial compensation for a neck injury. Many neck injuries result from the negligence of others. Car accidents, slip and falls and defective products are just a few of the ways that a neck injury can occur. A neck injury may be the basis for financial compensation.
What Are My Legal Rights After a Neck Injury?
Neck injuries resulting from car crashes are common—victims report hundreds of thousands of whiplash injuries each year. The cost to the economy is more than $8.5 billion.
Neck injuries can range from something as simple as a stiff neck to something as severe and life-changing as paralysis or a permanent disability. Not only will you feel pain and discomfort right after the injury, but you could experience life-long pain and limitations.
If you’re injured, you have important rights. When negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts cause an injury, those responsible must pay the victims for damages. You have the right to have your voice heard, build the evidence, and pursue your case until you have justice.
Common Types of Neck Injuries
The cervical spine is composed of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull. The neck has a significant amount of motion and supports the weight of the head. The bony vertebrae create stability in the spine. Muscles allow for support and motion.
Most neck injuries fall into four categories:
- Broken Neck
- Slipped Disc
- Stiff Neck
- Whiplash
Neck injuries are caused by trauma sustained during a sudden impact or by a gradual and repetitive strain. Whiplash is the most common type of neck injury after a car accident.
What You Should Know About Whiplash
Whiplash occurs from accidents and other intense positions which jerk the body forward. Sudden extension of the neck can strain the components of the neck in ways that it cannot withstand.
Treatment of Whiplash
Whiplash is classified on a scale from one to four. Different treatment plans are recommended based on the severity of the injuries:
- Zero: No neck pain whatsoever. No noticeable soreness or disconnected parts.
- One: Stiffness or tenderness. The doctor cannot see anything.
- Two: Moderate stiffness and limited range of motion. The physician noticed some pain.
- Three: Severe stiffness and neurological signs. Decrease or ultimate changes in mood.
- Four: Neck fractures, dislocation, or injury to the spinal cord that needs surgery or other intense medical care.
Doctors may prescribe pain medication or neck braces depending on the severity of the issues. Time away from work may also be appropriate for rest and recovery.
Compensation for whiplash depends on its severity—the more severe your symptoms and limitations, the more compensation you may deserve. Our Utah neck injury lawyers are ready to help you get the maximum settlement for your injuries.
Neck Injury FAQs
From our lawyers for neck injury accidents, here are the FAQs you need to know about your injuries and the legal process.
What is a neck injury?
A neck injury damages the structure of the neck, including soft tissue, bones, spinal column, and nerves.
What is the treatment for neck injuries?
Depending on the severity and type of injury sustained, the treatment and recovery of the injury will vary. A treatment plan could include:
- Physical Therapy
- Manipulative Therapy
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Rest
- Physical supports
How do I know when to seek treatment for a neck injury?
Usually, damages from a neck injury are not visible. That’s why only a doctor can accurately diagnose the type and severity of a neck injury. Since neck injuries can be long-lasting and cause other symptoms like headaches, numbness, nausea, and pain, it is always important to see your doctor right away if you think you might have a neck injury.
How long do neck injuries take to heal?
Most mild or moderate neck injuries take a few days to a few weeks to heal. For a more severe neck injury, it could take months, with symptoms lasting even years after the accident.
How long do I have to claim financial compensation for a neck injury?
How long you have to claim financial compensation for a neck injury depends on the cause of the injury. It may be as short as two years in the case of a defective product or four years for a car accident injury. It’s always best to talk to a lawyer about neck injuries as soon as possible.
Will my neck injury claim go to trial?
Most neck injury claims don’t go to trial. Before the trial date, the parties have the opportunity to build the claim and exchange information. When the strength of the case is clear, the parties can engage in productive settlement negotiations. Most cases settle, but you have the right to take your case to trial.
What is my neck injury claim worth?
A neck injury claim is worth the number of economic losses and an additional amount for pain and suffering. Your economic losses like medical bills and income loss are combined with an amount of pain and suffering based on the severity of the accident. Legal issues and the availability of insurance may also impact the final value of the claim.
Neck Injury Statistics
Here are some facts and statistics on neck injuries:
- Neck injuries are common in car accidents, including motorcycle accidents.
- According to NHTSA, all kinds of car accidents can result in neck injuries. Rear-end crashes are especially likely to produce whiplash because of the unexpected jolting of the neck forward. Rear-end crashes are responsible for hundreds of thousands of whiplash injuries per year
- About 45% of neck injury victims have symptoms 12 weeks later
- Around 25% of neck injury victims have symptoms six months later
- For even minor cases, symptoms often continue six weeks after injury
- Women and children suffer more severe injuries because they have smaller necks
- Seniors are especially prone to injury because their ligaments and muscles are less pliable than younger counterparts
- Sitting too close to the steering wheel or wearing an ill-fitting shoulder harness increases the risk for a neck injury
Neck Injury Resources
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) discusses the causes of surgical fractures. They provide a guide for emergency response, treatment, and prevention. AAOS also gives information about the causes of neck pain and when to seek medical attention.
- Intermountain Health Care. Intermountain Health Care provides information on neck problems and injuries. Minor neck injuries may result from tripping, falling a short distance, or excessive twisting of the spine. Severe neck injuries may result from whiplash in a car accident, falls, direct blows, sports-related injuries, a penetrating injury such as a stab wound, or external pressure applied to the neck, such as strangulation.
- Spine Universe. Spine Universe features whiplash, including neck trauma, and describes the sign and symptoms of the problem, as well as diagnoses and recommended treatment.
- Spine Health. Spine Health provides complete information on neck pain and injury, including causes, signs and symptoms, treatments, and recommended exercises.
- University of Utah Health Care. University of Utah Health Care explains spinal cord and neck injuries and considers their Spine Services as one helpful program for SCI patients and their families. The site also provides resources and information on back and neck pain.
- Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic defines neck injuries and explains when to see a doctor. They provide information on diagnosis and treatment as well as symptoms.
Free Consultation Lawyers for Neck Injuries
If you are suffering from a neck injury, we invite you to talk to our legal team about how you might receive financial compensation. We know how frustrating it can be to try and handle your claim on your own. It can be hard to know where to begin.
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