Accidents involving cars frequently result in neck and back injuries. Each year 2 million back injuries occur across the US. Unfortunately, any damage to the spine or the muscles and tendons surrounding it can be costly, challenging to heal from, and have a long-term impact. In fact, back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Because of this, it is even more crucial to ensure you are fairly compensated for any injuries sustained if the accident was due to the negligence of another.
Back and Neck Whiplash Injury Symptoms
Many of these symptoms will manifest right away following the collision. Whether a doctor examines you immediately or later, it is always best to have them do so as soon as possible. Err on the side of caution if you experience any pain at all because it could indicate an injury. Visit your doctor as soon as you suspect there might be a problem if you weren’t evaluated on the scene. Better outcomes may result from early diagnosis.
Following are a few warning signs and symptoms of a neck or back injury:
- Numbness or tingling
- Back or neck discomfort
- Headaches such as migraines
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- A clicking or grinding sound in your neck or back when you move
- Bumps, bruising, or redness
- Reduction in motion (such as being unable to turn your neck)
- Cramping, weakness, or spasms in the muscles.
Identifying the Level of Injury to Your Back and Neck
If you think you could have a severe injury, don’t try to move, and don’t let anyone else move you unless it’s required for your immediate safety (like if you’re in danger from other traffic). Many neck and back problems won’t be obvious right away. When you’re still at the scene of the accident, you can be aware that your neck hurts, but you might not know the reason why or how bad it is. This is why it’s critical that you receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Even after a few days have passed, it is still beneficial to be checked out.
Always keep a record of whatever papers your doctor gives you and any receipts. These might later turn out to be of great value.
Neck and Back Injury Settlement
The majority of people prioritize getting their medical expenses paid when thinking about receiving compensation for an injury. When it comes to your injuries, there are other costs to take into account. For example, in a case involving a car accident, the following expenses would be considered:
Medical Expenses: Medical expenses may include both current and estimated future costs.
Lost Earnings: Both past and future lost wages may be included in this category. In addition, if the accident forces you to accept lower-paying employment, the court might take that into account and award damages to make up for the loss of your prospective earning power.
The Cost of Long-Term Treatment or Rehabilitation: This expense could be considered if you require a home nurse or need to move into specialized accommodations.
Pain and Suffering: Depending on the circumstances, different states may have different limitations on how much can be recovered for pain and suffering. You can learn more about North Carolina’s damage caps here.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are occasionally granted in extreme cases to punish and deter the offender from repeating offenses and to compensate the victim. This varies from state to state, just like pain and suffering do. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in auto accident litigation.
What Is the Value of a Back and Neck Injury Case?
So what is the value of a neck and back injury claim? Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. Generally, the more damages you are entitled to for an injury, the more expensive the treatment will be and the more likely it will impact your life.
A typical injury following a car accident is whiplash. Your head and neck snapping back and forth during an impact is what leads to it. Many whiplash injuries can be treated for a reasonable cost and recovered quickly. In many cases, less than $10,000 may be awarded for an accident like this, where the most damage is done to tendons and soft tissue. That sum might be increased by two or three times if physical therapy is necessary.
However, compensation for other tissue and tendon damage might range from $10,000 to $100,000. Those that fall on the higher end of this range may be those that require more medical attention or restrict your capacity to live your life as you did before the accident.
A settlement in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars may be awarded for catastrophic injuries, such as damage to the spinal column or vertebrae. As previously indicated, this may entail receiving payment for medical expenses (including anticipated future costs), pain and suffering, and lost wages. These payments might be exceedingly high given that injuries such as a spinal injury might make it impossible for the victim to ever work again.
How to Show You’ve Injured Your Neck and Back
Getting a quick medical checkup and finishing the necessary follow-ups with your doctor are the most significant ways to demonstrate your neck and back injuries. Don’t immediately rule out receiving medical care at the accident scene. Having any on-site medical staff examine you if something hurts (or even if it doesn’t) is always a good idea.
After that, follow up with your doctor and let them know as soon as you can about any symptoms. Then, take extra precautions to avoid long-term issues from untreated back injuries. Imaging techniques, including x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can also be used to diagnose many back and neck issues.
What Is the Standard Settlement Amount for Back and Neck Injuries?
Since every case is unique and the injury’s severity significantly impacts the amount of damages granted, it is difficult to pinpoint the average settlement. Another factor is the state you’re in. But, again, because rules differ so significantly from state to state, some states’ average amounts may be higher (if they, for example, have a broader definition of pain and suffering). With all of this in mind, the typical payout for a neck and back injury in the United States is generally between $100,000 and $500,000.
Neck and Back Injury Lawsuit
It’s critical to keep in mind that insurance providers and the agents who work for them are not your friends. Therefore, you must take aggressive measures to ensure that you receive all the compensation you are legally entitled to since they have different priorities than yours. Your attorney will represent you in negotiations with the insurance provider. Trials in a neck and back injury lawsuit are extremely rare. This is due to the fact that attorneys frequently have great success obtaining larger settlements without having to go to trial. However, if a trial is required, your attorney will also be ready for it. Remember that you are not required to accept the initial offer and that a lawyer can frequently assist you in negotiating a better deal.
Neck and Back Injury Lawyers You Can Trust in North Carolina
If you were involved in a car accident and suffered a neck or back injury, you probably feel anxious and stressed about the future. Your first move should be to call your doctor or get checked out if you haven’t already. It’s essential to consider suitable compensation for your injuries if you’ve obtained a diagnosis.
An attorney can significantly simplify the procedure for you and assist you in understanding it. In addition, a neck and back injury lawyer in North Carolina can be retained at any stage of the procedure (although hiring one as soon as possible is ideal). You are entitled to financial compensation for your damages if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. At Tatum & Atkinson, “the Heavy Hitters,” we are dedicated to fighting for fair compensation on behalf of victims who have suffered severe injuries in accidents. To schedule your free case evaluation right away, call (800) 529-0804 or contact us online.
