Back Injuries from Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC
There are many forms and causes of back injuries. Yet, the damage most typically occurs because of sprains and strains, bulging discs, or a fractured vertebra. They often occur in accidents that cause a sudden twist or blunt trauma to the back. Even a minor back injury commonly leads to lifelong chronic back pain and disability. If the negligent actions caused you to sustain back injuries, you could have the right to recover compensation. Call an experienced personal injury lawyer at Edwards Injury Law if you sustained back injuries because of careless actions. We are a black-owned and veteran-owned law office with a commitment to our clients. We will fight tirelessly for the settlement amount you need for recovery.
North Carolina Back Injury Statistics
According to the research from the North Carolina Division of Public Health, chronic back pain is significant among the population and affects about 19% of the people in our state. In many cases, back injuries are the direct result of the negligent or reckless actions of another person. If you suffered any kind of back injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure your legal rights are protected.
The Common Back Injury Causes in Negligence Claims
Accidents that cause a back injury could lead to a lifetime of chronic pain and disabilities. The back and spine include many vital elements, including muscles, bones, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. The injuries often lead to various types of back problems. Some of the common causes include:
Car Crashes
Car crashes commonly cause strains and lumbar spine injuries. The forceful impact often causes the driver or passengers to twist into awkward positions. They may also suffer a blunt force blow to their back during the collision.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Truck and passenger car accidents often lead to devastating consequences, including severe injuries and property damages. Frequent back complications include fractured spinal cords and herniated discs.
Motorcycle Collisions
Motorcyclists commonly suffer severe and life-altering back injuries in collisions with other vehicles. A thoracic spine injury is the most common and could have a lasting impact on the rider’s life.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Painful injuries sustained in falls are the most common cause of spinal cord and back injuries. They often leave the individual with severe pain and mobility issues. The elderly are especially at risk of suffering back damage in a fall.
Violent Assault Cases
Violent acts, such as domestic violence and aggravated assault, can lead to severe back damage for the victim. A blow to the back or gunshot wound can lead to painful muscle, nerve, and ligament damage.
Treatments for Back Injuries
In many cases, rest and recovery is the most beneficial way to treat a back injury. However, severe back injuries may require medical devices for support, medications, surgery, and physical therapy. Your medical care provider may complete the following assessments for diagnosis.
- Various scans, including X-Ray, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Nerve studies
- Blood testing
A healthy diet and doctor-approved exercises can also potentially help with chronic back pain.
What To Do If You Suffered from a Back Injury as a Result of Someone Else’s Negligence
After an accident leading to back injuries, the first and most critical step is seeking medical care immediately. The injured party should also apply an ice pack or heating pad to the painful area and limit physical activity. Over-the-counter pain medication could also be helpful.
Legal Steps To Take After A Back Injury
If you suffered a back injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should consider visiting with an experienced attorney in order to learn all of your legal options to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. For a successful claim, a victim must establish the defendant’s negligence caused the accident, making them liable for the damages. As per the North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions C102.10, the burden of proof in negligence civil actions lies on the plaintiff. That means the greater weight of the evidence must establish the defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of the damages. There must be four elements present to prove liability in negligence claims. The four components include:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty of care
- Causation
- Verifiable damages
A qualified attorney at Edwards Injury Law will work to complete a thorough independent investigation and evidence review. We can help build a solid claim to establish liability and damages on the plaintiff’s behalf under the law.
Damage Recovery in Back Injury Civil Claims
After successfully proving negligence, civil law divides compensation into two major categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the out-of-pocket and verifiable expenses a person sustains in accidents, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of pay
- Future earning potential
- Renovations to the home, if necessary
- Necessary transportation costs
- Medical devices
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the subjective losses that are not easily verifiable, including:
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Losing the enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
- Loss of consortium
The court will consider many things before awarding damages. Important information such as case specifics, the severity of injuries, and the victim’s age are vital factors. Awarding damages in civil claims is to restore the victim to their financial position before the accident and help ensure that justice occurs against a negligent party.
The Time Limit to File a Claim for Damage Recovery
The standard time limit to file a claim in personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident in the state of North Carolina. Many factors may extend or shorten the time frame. It is always in the injured party’s best interest to file a claim as soon as possible, as there are strict deadlines according to the North Carolina General Statutes Section § 1-52. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help answer questions on this regulation and ensure that you file your claim within the statute’s requirements.
How Edwards Injury Law Can Help After Your Accident
A severe back injury can devastate your life and cause severe pain and mental anguish. It could leave you needing extended medical care, missing work time, and unsure of where to begin. An avoidable accident can turn your entire life upside down within an instant. When a person’s careless actions cause the accident, the court will hold them financially accountable. We will vigorously pursue the compensation you need for recovery. If negligence caused you or someone you love to suffer back injuries or other damages, contact Edwards Injury Law. We are a continually client-centric law firm with a history of success and client satisfaction.
Related
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Negligent Security
Slip and Fall Accidents
