Neck and back injuries can be debilitating and even life-altering. Whether you got whiplash from a motor vehicle accident, herniated a disc on the job, or fractured your neck in a slip and fall on someone else’s property, your injuries can be agonizing and incredibly costly.
When someone else is responsible for an injury to your neck or back, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer in Charlotte to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. The team at Ted A. Greve & Associates has recovered millions for injured North Carolina residents. We can be your fiercest advocates as you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-693-7833 for your free case review.
Common Causes of Neck and Back Injuries
Neck and back injuries can occur in a variety of ways, whether it’s in a car crash on I-85 or a fall down hazardous stairs on someone else’s property. Some of the most common causes of neck and back injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five workplace injuries is related to the back. In motor vehicle accidents, the abrupt jerking motion caused by sudden stopping frequently results in neck injuries. Whatever the cause of your injury, an experienced Charlotte personal injury attorney can determine who caused your injury and seek maximum compensation from them.
Types of Neck and Back Injuries
There are several types of neck and back injuries, all of them painful and potentially debilitating. The most common among them include:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Herniated discs
- Nerve compression
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal cord damage
A neck or back injury doesn’t need to be catastrophic to have severe consequences. Your lawyer will work with medical experts to obtain proof of the extent and impact of your injuries.
The Role of a Neck and Back Injury Lawyer
Seeking out a neck and back injury lawyer in Charlotte, NC, after suffering injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence can be critical to the success of your claim or case. Your lawyer’s role involves:
Reviewing Your Case
You may be unsure if you have a legitimate claim to compensation, but that’s a complex topic that doesn’t always have clear answers. Your neck and back injury lawyer can look at the details of your case in an initial consultation, which is usually free. They can offer some clarity and then inform you of your legal options.
Investigating the Cause of Your Injury
Determining if the other party was at fault requires a thorough understanding of what caused the accident. Your attorney will look at police or incident reports, investigate the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to determine how you were injured and who may be liable.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
The ideal outcome in any personal injury claim is an out-of-court settlement for maximum compensation. That involves negotiating with insurance companies that will do whatever they can to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Your lawyer will represent you at the negotiating table and fight for the settlement you deserve.
Representing You in Court
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and take your claim to court. A seasoned trial attorney will represent you in the courtroom and aggressively advocate for your rights.
Compensation for Neck and Back Injuries
When assessing the value of your claim for compensation for your neck and back injuries, your attorney will consider all the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by your injuries. In most cases, you could seek money for:
Medical Expenses
Medical treatment for neck and back injuries can be extensive, and it’s almost always expensive. You may be entitled to compensation for the cost of ambulance services, hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, prescription medications, medical devices, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
Lost Wages
Chronic pain and limited mobility due to your injuries can make it difficult to earn a living. If your accident keeps you out of work for any period of time, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you’ve lost. That includes not only hourly wages and salary but also missed raises or promotions, commissions and tips, sick days, vacation time, medical benefits, and future lost wages.
Property Damage
The most common form of property damage related to these types of injuries is damage to a car or other vehicle, but that’s not the only thing property damage is limited to. The responsible party may be liable for the repair or replacement of any personal property damaged in the accident, such as spectacles, a laptop computer, or a cell phone.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and mental anguish caused by your injuries are often the most personal, consequential aspects of the accident. Just because they are intangible losses, that does not mean they are not compensable. Your settlement could include compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Emotional Distress
Accidents and their resulting injuries can be deeply traumatizing. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to suffer anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. The responsible party may be liable for the emotional distress caused by their irresponsible or malicious actions.
Navigating North Carolina’s Legal Landscape
North Carolina’s statute of limitations sets the time period in which a lawsuit for compensation can be filed. After this window has closed, your legal options will be significantly diminished. North Carolina law allows three years after the date of the accident for the injured person to file suit.
Three years can pass quickly, and the legal process can take time. Speaking with a lawyer about your accident as soon as you’re able can help you avoid missed deadlines and prevent insurance company stalling tactics.
It’s also crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you haven’t noticed any clear injuries. Injuries may be asymptomatic for days, weeks, or even months after they’ve occurred. A medical professional can detect those injuries, help them to heal, and allow you more time to build your case.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates for a Free Consultation
Don’t allow neck or back injuries caused by someone else’s negligence to disrupt your life any more than they already have. Let the team at Ted A. Greve & Associates seek the justice and fair compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
