Serious Neck Injuries

At Earnhart Law, we see all kinds of bodily injuries—broken bones, burns, and traumatic brain injuries. But some of the most painful are neck injuries. The neck is enormously complex, which means a lot can go wrong, leaving you in considerable pain and possibly keeping you out of work. Fortunately, you can receive compensation if someone injured you through their own negligence.

Whiplash

You can suffer a neck injury in many ways, including slipping and falling or through repetitive motions. However, most of our clients suffer a neck injury in a motor vehicle collision, which leaves them in considerable pain.

By far, whiplash is the most common neck injury we see as a result of a car accident. Whiplash strikes when your head is violently thrown forwards, backwards, or to the side. The forceful movement stretches the ligaments in the neck beyond their normal range, causing tears. You can also suffer injury to the soft tissue in the shoulders and upper back.

As a result of whiplash, victims suffer from the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Neck pain
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Lower back pain
• Neck stiffness
• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sleep disruption
• Irritability

Mild whiplash can clear up in a matter of weeks, though moderate and severe whiplash can take months to heal. Some people with severe whiplash suffer chronic pain that lasts for years. To help with your symptoms, a doctor will likely prescribe painkillers, heat, ice, massage or physical therapy.

The key to recovery will be your ability to recover your range of movement in spite of the pain. For this reason, you should not wear a stiff foam collar for too long, as it will limit your movement and impede recovery. Instead, commit to doing the stretching exercises your doctor recommends, and stick to the plan.

Other Neck Injuries

Whiplash isn’t the only severe neck injury you can suffer. Our clients also come to us with other neck injuries, such as:

• Compressed nerve. You suffer a compressed nerve when something puts pressure on nerve in your neck. For example, herniated discs and stretched ligaments can push on nerves, causing pain.
• Cervical fracture. The neck has seven vertebrae surrounding your spinal cord. Traumatic force can cause one or more of them to fracture, leading to a “broken neck.”

These other neck injuries are very serious and warrant immediate medical treatment. Fractured vertebrae, for example, can lead to paralysis or death if they worsen and sever the spinal cord. After an accident, call emergency services, who can safely transport you to the hospital without making your neck injury worse.

Speak with a Delray Beach Lawyer

If you have suffered a neck injury, you might receive compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. The Florida lawyers at Earnhart Law are ready to help you navigate the claims process or bring a lawsuit, whichever is warranted. Unfortunately, Florida law does not give you an unlimited amount of time to pursue compensation, so reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Resource:

webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-management-whiplash