Back injuries are some of the most common types of injuries in the U.S. and elsewhere, arising in everything from car crashes to workplace accidents. Every year, more than a million people hurt their backs at their places of work, leading to workers’ compensation claims and sometimes personal injury cases.
There are numerous types of back injuries you can suffer, some of which have the potential to leave you with lasting pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. Learn more about these injuries and what your legal options could be if you find yourself with one.
Most Common Types of Back Injuries
Slip and fall accidents, collisions, and workplace mishaps can all result in back injuries of varying severity. The following are some of the most common types:
Sprains and Strains
Sprains are injuries that affect the ligaments, which are bands of connective tissue that hold bones together. They occur when a joint is forced out of its normal position, stretching or tearing the ligament. Lifting a heavy object incorrectly or twisting during a fall or crash can lead to sprains.
A strain is a similar type of injury that affects the tendons or muscles. Heavy lifting, twisting, and traumatic impacts can all cause strains. You may experience back spasms, tingling, or numbness after experiencing one.
Herniated Discs
The spine is made up of a stack of segmented bones called vertebrae. Cushioning each of these bones are vertebral discs, which have gel-like centers. These discs keep the bones from rubbing together while providing flexibility to move the spine.
Trauma can place a significant amount of pressure on the discs, potentially causing the center of the cushioned pad to push through its exterior membrane. A herniated disc can press on the surrounding nerves, resulting in severe back pain, numbness, and weakness in the torso, arms, and legs.
Treatment generally involves resting, taking medications to deal with inflammation and pain, and physical therapy. In the most severe cases, surgery could be necessary.
Fractured Vertebrae
If you fracture a vertebra, you can experience intense pain and spinal instability. You might sustain a compression fracture, which occurs when the front part of the vertebrae deteriorates or collapses, or an axial burst fracture, which happens when both the front and back of the vertebrae become damaged.
Minor fractures may heal with rest and the support of a back brace, but more serious ones often require surgery. You may be unable to move normally for months and could experience chronic pain.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward and over the one below it. It typically occurs in the lower back, giving rise to pain, numbness, and tingling, though some patients don’t experience any symptoms. Treatment can involve medication, physical therapy, and the need to wear a back brace. Surgery may be required in some cases.
Understanding Your Legal Options After a Back Injury
If you’ve suffered a back injury because of another party’s careless or deliberate actions, one way to go about recovering your losses is to file a personal injury claim. This requires demonstrating that the other party was negligent in some way, which isn’t always easy to do.
You’ll have to show that the liable party owed you a duty of care and that they breached this duty. If their negligent conduct directly led to your injury, you can file a claim to recover your losses.
The process is a bit different if you were hurt at work. Your employer will likely have workers’ compensation insurance, which means they’re typically insulated from lawsuits. Workers’ compensation covers the medical expenses and lost wages of any employee who suffers a work-related injury or illness. It functions as a type of no-fault insurance, so proving negligence isn’t necessary.
However, you can’t be repaid for pain and suffering with workers’ comp. That’s only possible if you file a personal injury claim against a third party. If someone, like a contractor, delivery person, or equipment manufacturer was responsible for your accident, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim.
Because of how complex these claims are, you should never attempt to handle one on your own. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can get the support you need.
Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve sustained a back injury because of another party’s actions in Columbus, OH, you can benefit from hiring an attorney to file your claim or personal injury lawsuit. The accomplished team at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers will thoroughly investigate how your accident occurred and gather the evidence needed to establish liability.
With our knowledgeable guidance, you’ll have a chance to recover fair compensation for your injury-related losses. Schedule a free consultation today to get started at (614) 587 8423.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Columbus, OH
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers
20 E Broad St Suite 1000
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
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