An average Friday turns into a nightmare for a young mother of two as she slips on slick flooring at a supermarket. She was only supposed to be there for a second, picking up milk before heading out to pick her kids up from daycare. Pain radiates down her neck, becoming more intense as she tries to pick herself up off the floor. Amid the stares of passersby, she can feel her face turning beet red.
An employee rushes over, apologizing profusely. They had just mopped the floor and forgotten to put out the Slippery When Wet sign. Anxious to remove herself from the embarrassing situation, she mumbles that she is fine, grabs the milk she needs, and heads to the checkout.
It isn’t until she gets into her car that she realizes that her neck is still aching and it becomes more stiff as time passes. Days turn into weeks and she is still experiencing the same shooting pain and stiff muscles. It is beginning to impact her ability to interact with her kids and her daily life. After a trip to the doctor’s office, she is diagnosed with a neck injury. Medical bills, missed time at work, and loss of enjoyment in life have robbed her of enjoying watching her two angels grow up.
If this situation sounds familiar to you or you have been injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, you are not alone. The Hernandez Law Group, P.C. advocates for individuals suffering from neck injury that was no fault of our own. We know the stress of dealing with an injury and how difficult trying to put your life back together can be. This is why our team works tirelessly to recover compensation that will help you get your life back on track. Allow our family to fight for yours by contacting us today.
Understanding Neck Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Impact
The neck is made of muscles, vertebrae, spinal discs, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. When an accident causes damage to any of these tissues, minor to severe neck problems can occur, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Some of the most common neck injuries include:
- Neck fracture
- Neck sprain
- Pinched nerve
- Arthritis in the neck
- Whiplash
- Slipped disc
- Damage to the trachea or larynx
- Vertebral dislocation
- Transient quadriplegia
What Causes Neck Injuries?
Neck injury is the result of muscle strain or damage to the bones of the upper spine. Most of the time this is caused by trauma caused by an accident. The most common accidents that lead to neck injuries are as follows:
- Vehicle Collisions
- Motorcycle Collisions
- Truck Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Heavy Equipment Accidents
- Sports Injuries
What Are the Symptoms of a Neck Injury?
The symptoms of a neck injury are dependent on what is causing the specific problem and what part of the neck is injured. It is not uncommon for any neck injury to cause pain that spreads from the neck to the head, as well as down the jaw, shoulders, or upper arms. Other symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle spasms
- Decreased ability to move the head
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Loss of feeling in the arms or hands
- Headache
- Persistent aches
- Stabbing or burning pain
If you experience any of these after an accident, such as a slip and fall, then you will want to see a healthcare professional immediately. Neck injuries can get worse if not treated promptly, leading to further complications.
How Are Neck Injuries Treated?
Treatment for neck injuries will be dependent on what kind of injury it is. Some common treatments are:
- Pain medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Physical therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit
- Steroid injections
- Alternative therapies
- Surgery
What Are the Impacts of a Neck Injury?
Neck injuries can lead to a wide range of issues. Not only does one’s day-to-day activities become more difficult but, depending on the severity of the injury, some individuals may not be able to return to work, meaning a loss of income for them and their families. This, coupled with the cost of medical treatment and potentially physical therapy, will lead to worsening financial strain on the injured party and their family.
The changes to daily life for the injured party can lead to other issues, such as anxiety and depression, as they suffer from chronic pain and long-term complications. This is one of the reasons why seeking medical attention and contacting a neck injury lawyer is vital to helping get your life back on track after an accident.
Why Legal Representation Is Critical for Neck Injury Victims
One of the trickiest parts about seeking compensation for a neck injury is that many individuals are unsure that they have suffered a neck injury at the time of the accident. Neck injuries often present themselves later, as adrenaline can mask the pain at the time of the accident. In some cases, symptoms may not show up for a couple of days.
If the injured party didn’t seek medical attention after the accident, the defendant and their insurance companies may claim that the injured party is lying about their injuries or the severity. It takes experienced personal injury attorneys to be the voice for the injured party and ensure that they get the compensation they deserve.
What Should I Do If I Have Sustained a Neck Injury?
If you have suffered a neck injury, taking these steps can not only prevent further injury but protect your right to compensation:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you believe that you are okay, it is important to get checked over by a medical professional. Doing so will ensure that any hidden injuries are promptly treated and that the injury is documented.
- Report the accident: You will need to notify the proper authorities of your accident to get an accident report placed on file. This could be the police for a car accident or your employer for a workplace accident.
- Keep all documents: Make sure you keep track of all your medical records, including doctor’s appointments for your injury, treatment plans, and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit fault or make statements about the accident to the insurance companies without an attorney present. Doing so can result in you undermining your right to fair compensation.
- Contact a Dallas neck injury attorney: You will want to contact a trusted neck injury attorney to ensure that you are getting the best representation for your case and to further discuss your legal options.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Neck Injury in Texas
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be entitled to the following compensation for your neck injury:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Hernandez Law Group: Advocates for Neck Injury Victims in Texas
The Hernandez Law Group, P.C. can help you hold the negligent party responsible for the accident and your injuries by getting you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can assist with the following:
- Investigating your case
- Negotiate with the defendant and insurance companies
- Litigation
Since our founding in 1999, the Hernandez Law Group, P.C. has served thousands of clients and recovered hundreds of millions for their injuries. We have a success rate of 98%, making us one of the most trusted names in personal injury law in the state of Texas. When you have been injured in an accident, don’t allow the defense to bully you into accepting anything less than what you deserve. Our attorneys will crush the competition and ensure that your voice is heard. Contact our attorneys today to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.
FAQs About Neck Injury Claims:
Texas law gives injured parties two years from the date of the accident to file a neck injury claim.
To prove a neck injury claim, the plaintiff must be able to show that the defendant was negligent in their actions and that it was this negligence that led to the accident that caused their injury. Evidence that can be key in proving this is as follows:
– Medical records
– Accident report
– Witness statements
– Photographs of the accident
– Expert testimony
The Hernandez Law Group, P.C. works tirelessly to ensure our clients have their voices heard. We work with our clients every step of the way, from filing the claim to taking the fight to court if we cannot reach a fair settlement during negotiations with the defendant and the insurance companies. You can rest assured that your case is in the best hands when you partner with the Hernandez Law Group.