A broken neck is one of the most severe injuries a person can suffer as a result of a personal injury accident. This injury happens when the bones in the neck are fractured or broken, which can lead to nerve damage, paralysis, or even death.
The legal consequences for the injured person involve a challenging claims process. Proving exactly how the injury occurred and who is at fault is essential to your physical and financial recovery.
Symptoms of a Broken Neck
Symptoms of a broken neck often appear right after the injury and can cause serious issues throughout the body.
If you notice any of the following, immediate medical attention is necessary:
- Sharp pain in the neck, head, or upper back
- Swelling or visible bruising around the neck area
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the arms or legs
- Difficulty or pain when moving the head or neck
- Muscle weakness or a loss of movement in certain parts of the body
- A burning feeling
These signs should never be ignored.
Common Accidents Leading to Broken Neck Injuries
Broken neck injuries can happen suddenly and are often the result of dangerous accidents.
Here are some of the most common situations that lead to these serious injuries and subsequent personal injury claims:
- Car Accidents: Car crashes, whether from the front, side, or back, can forcefully throw a person’s body and put too much strain on the neck. Rollovers and crashes at high speeds make these injuries more likely.
- Slip and Falls: A fall from stairs, ladders, or even slipping on wet floors can result in a hard landing. If the impact is focused on the head or neck, fractures can occur.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists lack the protection of a car frame, so when they are thrown from their motorcycle, their necks are at risk from direct trauma or awkward landings.
- Workplace Accidents: Jobs involving ladders, scaffolding, or heavy equipment create situations where they can fall, machinery can hit a worker, or something heavy can fall onto the neck, sometimes causing these life-altering injuries.
Neck fractures from these kinds of accidents need immediate attention because lasting complications can develop if not treated quickly. Recognizing the cause can also help in seeking fair legal and financial recovery.
Legal Considerations in Personal Injury Cases Involving Broken Neck Injuries
When a broken neck happens because of someone else’s actions, it’s important for victims and their families to understand the relevant legal issues.
Here’s how these cases are handled and what you should know:
Establishing Liability
The starting point in any personal injury case is determining who is responsible for what happened. If a driver, property owner, or employer was negligent or somehow intentionally caused your injuries, they could be liable for your injuries.
Proving fault involves gathering and organizing police reports, accounts from people who saw the accident, video footage if it exists, and detailed notes from your medical visits.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Broken Neck Injury
Those suffering a broken neck might have the right to seek payment for a range of damages:
- Medical costs are often the most immediate concern, covering treatments ranging from the initial hospital stay to long-term therapy and possible future surgeries.
- Severe injuries often prevent a person from working, so claims may seek to recover lost pay and any future earnings they lose out on due to the accident.
- Compensation can address the long-term pain and suffering a person experiences, which includes physical pain as well as emotional issues, like anxiety or PTSD.
- In some cases, courts award extra money to punish the person at fault for extremely dangerous or intentional behavior. These are known as punitive, or exemplary, damages.
The best way to determine what you could be entitled to is to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Importance of Medical Documentation
The strength of any injury claim relies heavily on medical records that show just how bad the damage is and what kind of care is needed. Doctors’ notes, test results, and long-term care plans are powerful pieces of evidence.
Sometimes, expert witnesses with specific medical knowledge must testify to help the court understand how the broken neck will affect someone’s life in the years ahead.
Understanding these aspects of a claim will help victims and families get the help and support they need after such a serious injury.
Why You Should Seek Legal Representation Immediately
Taking quick action after a broken neck injury can make a huge difference in your physical recovery and your financial future. Here’s why finding the right legal help right away should be a top priority:
Statutory Deadlines
Every jurisdiction has a deadline for filing personal injury claims, known as the statute of limitations. In Texas, it’s generally two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you could lose the chance to get financial support for your medical bills and other losses.
Peace of Mind
Handling phone calls, paperwork, and insurance companies on your own while trying to heal adds stress you don’t need. A lawyer takes care of the legal details so you can focus on what matters most – your health and family.
Having strong legal representation gives you a better chance to move forward after a serious injury. If you have any questions or need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a broken neck injury lawyer.
Contact Our Texas Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating a broken neck injury can be. The physical, emotional, and financial toll is immense, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Our experienced personal injury team is here to fight for the compensation you deserve and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Contact us online or call (214) 556-8321 today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with