Damage to the cervical vertebrae can be life-changing or life-ending. Anything from a car accident to landing the wrong way in a football game can cause this damage. A person with such damage has to hold a realistic view concerning what poses a general threat to their well-being.
One needs to understand what the likely impacts of such injuries to the cervical spine would be. If you are the victim or you have a close person who has suffered injuries to the cervical vertebrae, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible and also hire a good attorney.
Continue reading to know more about how experienced lawyers can help you fight for compensatory damages for your injuries and suffering.
The Effects of Cervical Vertebrae Damage
An injury to the cervical vertebrae impacts many features of a person’s life, ranging from physical health to their state of emotions and financial condition. The following are some examples of how an injury to the cervical spine might influence an individual:
- Chronic Pain: The condition of the cervical vertebrae should naturally come with the much-expected chronic pain in the neck, moving down to the shoulders and even hands. Constant pain can extensively affect an individual’s lifestyle, making it difficult to carry out simple chores and fun things as they should.
- Cervical Spine Injury: The accident results in movement issues in the neck and upper body. You may feel stiff and have difficulty turning your head or making simple movements like bending or lifting. A cervical spine injury may affect mobility, reducing participation in work or recreational activities.
- Injury to the Nerves: Normally, a direct injury to the nerves causes them to stretch and compress. A cervical injury leads to numbness, tingling, and weakness. Injuring the nerves affects sensory and muscle functions, characterized by issues in coordination and fine motor skills.
- Emotional Distress: The stress of coping with physical limitations and pain resulting from cervical spine injuries usually goes hand in hand with affecting the mental and emotional health of such an individual. People can tend to be frustrated, anxious, and, in cases of extreme depression, socially isolated as they try to come to terms with life with a spinal injury.
- Financial Burden: The medical expenses involved in treatments, including diagnostic, surgical, rehabilitation, and assistive devices, are usually very high. Apart from the medical costs, there is also lost wages since the victim is not in a position to work and generate income.
Seeking Legal Guidance
It is advisable that if a cervical spine injury has occurred due to another person’s fault or negligence, one should consult an attorney to get an appropriate idea of the legal path to be taken.
Here is how an accomplished lawyer can help:
Case Assessment
The lawyer can guide you in reviewing your case details, which might involve your medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, so that together you can be in a position to determine how strong your claim might be.
No More Dealing with the Insurance Companies on Your Own
Your attorney takes the load off your back. They will negotiate for you, representing you for a fair and reasonable amount in terms of compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and any other impairment.
Litigation Representation
If negotiations fail, the case will be presented before a judge. The lawyer will put in the effort required to convince the judge and jury regarding your current condition.
Conclusion
Cervical injuries change the life of a person as a whole: their physical being, their emotions, and their stability in terms of finances.
In most cases, damage to the cervical spine is usually caused by the carelessness of a third party. In such instances, the assistance of a lawyer will be very helpful.