Chicago, Illinois Auto Accident Attorneys
Representing Clients Suffering from Back Injuries Following an Auto Accident
The back is made up of bones and joints of the spine (vertebrae), discs separating the vertebrae, and muscles and ligaments holding the spine together. Back and spine injuries can be caused by damage, wear and tear, or trauma to the bones, muscles, ligaments, or other tissues of the back and spine. Back injuries often occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, home projects, or auto accidents. Some common back injuries include sprains and strains, herniated disks, and fractured vertebrae.
Common Back Injuries Caused by Auto Accidents
Auto accidents can cause a wide array of back injuries, but some of the more common back injuries include the following:
- Disc injuries. Auto accidents often result in a back injury known as a herniated disc (also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc). The discs that separate the vertebrae in the spinal column can be injured following an accident, which can result in a loss of the disc’s ability to cushion the bones of the spine. As a result, the vertebrae can rub together or the damaged disc can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, which can cause pain and numbness to other areas of the body. When the disc injury occurs in the lower back, the condition can also result in sciatica, which causes shooting pain, numbness, and tingling down the leg. Disc injuries can be severe and debilitating, and they can worsen with time.
- Spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body and, when the spinal cord is injured in an auto accident, paralysis can result. The higher the spinal injury, the more of the body will be affected. For instance, an injury to the middle or lower spine usually impacts the legs, but an injury to the upper spine often results in quadriplegia (paralysis of arms and legs).
- Compression fractures. Auto accidents often result in compression fractures, particularly in older individuals. Compression fractures are small cracks in the bones of the spine that can cause the vertebrae to collapse or become deformed. Symptoms of a compression fracture are often mistaken for the signs of arthritis, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately following an auto accident.
Back injuries can result from any type of auto accident, including rear-end accidents and low impact auto accidents. If you have suffered a back injury following an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries in a personal injury lawsuit, as well as social security disability benefits and workers’ compensation depending on the circumstances involved with the auto accident.
Accordingly, it is important to seek immediate medical attention and to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney. The Chicago back injury attorneys at Ankin Law focus on representing the victims of catastrophic accidents who have suffered back injuries, including injuries caused by auto accidents. We will act as your full service legal advocate, representing you in your personal injury lawsuit, social security disability claim, and worker’s compensation claim, if applicable.
Contact our office at (800) 442-6546 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Chicago back injury attorneys to learn more about how to obtain compensation for your back injuries.