Many people don’t think about the importance of their back until it starts acting up on them. That’s when you realize that your back affects so much of your daily life, down to issues as basic as being able to walk without pain. Back problems are some of the most common personal injuries our clients suffer while on the job. If you’ve suffered a back injury while working , experienced injury lawyer Herbert Thornbury can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
When you’ve suffered a severe personal injury while on the job or in any other context, the medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. This only makes the pain you’re suffering even harder to bear.
Our personal injury lawyer will be able to work with you, deal with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf. You can call (423) 667-0184 for a free consultation.
Causes and Consequences of Back Injuries
Your back is a sensitive, complicated area, with numerous muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and nerves intersecting. It’s easy to injure one or more of these interconnecting systems doing many activities. Our injury lawyer has seen enough clients who’ve hurt their backs in horrible accidents.
Your back is like a load-bearing wall for your body. If it’s compromised, so is your entire body. If you’ve hurt your back on the job, you might be suffering from:
- Intense pain
- Difficulty moving
- Discomfort when in certain positions
- Inability to sleep
What are the Common Causes of Spinal Injuries?
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has collected the following data related to spinal cord injuries. These are the most severe of all back injuries and may involve partial or complete paralysis. These statistics can also be representative of minor back injuries.
- Motor vehicle accidents account for 38 percent of spinal injuries
- Falls account for 30 percent of these injuries
- Acts of violence account for 14 percent of spinal injuries
- Recreational activities and sports account for 5 percent
- Medical or surgical malpractice or accidents account for 4 percent of spinal injuries
What Types of Back Injuries are Common in a Personal Injury Case?
Personal injury cases may involve back injuries that range from the mildest to the most severe spinal cord injuries. The most common claims relate to the following:
- Spinal cord injury
- Fractured vertebrae
- Soft tissue injuries
- Herniated disc
- Nerve damage/chronic pain
Can I Receive Compensation for My Back Injury?
You may be entitled to compensation if your back injury can be attributed to an intentional act or negligence on someone else's part. Your personal injury lawyer can help you understand the damages you're entitled to after a thorough conversation about your injury and how it occurred. In the state of Tennessee, three elements must be present to establish negligence. These include:
- The other party had a duty to exercise care to avoid causing harm.
- The other party breached that responsibility, meaning they failed to behave in a way that would prevent harm.
- Your injuries were a direct result of that breach of responsibility.
What Damages Can I Claim for My Back Injury?
A back or neck injury can incur debilitating physical, emotional, and financial effects. At the very least, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical costs. These may include visits to your primary care doctor, medical specialists, ambulatory services, prescription medication, surgical procedures, medical supplies, and rehabilitation. You may even receive compensation for your transportation to and from your various medical visits.
Beyond the costs directly related to your injury, you may also recover damages for economic losses and non-monetary losses. Economic losses include loss of income related to your injury. Non-monetary losses can include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium (relating to personal and intimate relationships).
What Should I Do After Hurting My Back in an Accident?
The vast majority of personal injury cases involve some type of accident. Vehicle accidents are the most common, although it's beneficial to know what to do in the case of any kind of accident. First and foremost, your case will rely on documentation. If you've been in a car accident or you've fallen in a public area, one of the best steps you can take is to take photos of the scene. Is it wet? Is the weather bad? Where is the sun shining and where is it shady? Was there signage that could have prevented or caused the accident?
If you've suffered injuries severe enough to warrant immediate medical care, take photos of your injuries if bruising, lacerations or other visible injury has occurred. As soon as possible, get the contact information of the other person or people involved in the accident. If necessary, communicate with the police and be honest about your current condition. Also as soon as possible, contact our Chattanooga law practice at (423) 667-0184 to discuss your case. We can help you take the next steps to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injury.
What Our Injury Lawyer Can Pursue For You
We’re experienced in injury law and can help you navigate the difficult terrain you’ll be facing after your suffering. We can help you pursue:
- Medical benefits
- Insurance claims
- Loss of salary/benefits
Don’t let your employer or their insurance company bully you into signing away your rights. Tennessee lawyer Herbert Thornbury will be able to tell you if you have a case for the back injury you’ve suffered. He will be able to evaluate your case and answer any questions you might have.
If you’ve suffered a back injury and you need a Chattanooga, Tennessee Back injury lawyer to fight for you, please contact Herbert Thornbury, Attorney at Law today for a free consultation.
