Upper and middle back pain after a car accident may indicate a serious injury, or it could be general soreness from the impact. The best way to know for sure is to have a doctor evaluate your condition as quickly as possible after the pain develops.
You may be able to recover compensation for your medical assessment, treatment, and related expenses. If you were the crash victim, you can build a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver and seek monetary damages in most states. A car accident from our firm attorney can help.
Back Pain May Indicate a Significant, Life-Altering Injury
The most severe upper and middle back injuries generally cause immediate impairment. However, other serious injuries could cause considerable pain with no other apparent symptoms. Any back injury should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.
If there is a chance of an upper back injury after a crash, immobilization and assessment should occur as soon as possible. Injuries could include:
- Fractures
- Vertebra dislocation, known as spondylolisthesis
- Compression and nerve damage
- Sprains
- Disc herniation
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Paralysis or partial paralysis
Diagnosing and Treating Upper and Middle Back Injuries
If first responders immobilized your neck and back at the accident scene because you reported pain or other symptoms, they will transport you to the nearest emergency department for evaluation. If the pain developed later, you would want to see a physician as soon as possible.
The doctor will likely order medical imaging to understand the injuries better or rule out concerns that could lead to instability or chronic pain later. This could include:
- X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Your treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis and severity of the injury. It could range from spinal stabilization, surgery, and hospitalization to physical therapy and anti-inflammation medication.
In some cases, inpatient rehabilitation may be necessary. For those with spinal cord injuries, occupational therapy and ongoing support and care may be needed.
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Your Injuries Could Affect You for Weeks or Keep You from Your Regular Activities
Upper and middle back injuries can cause short or long-term disabilities. Even when the impact does not affect the spinal cord, pain, inflammation, and nerve damage can cause ongoing limitations. Even whiplash, usually relatively minor, can lead to chronic pain and impairment in some people.
You could miss days or weeks at work and away from your favorite activities. Depending on your injuries and job, you may never be able to return to your previous position.
You may need to hire someone to handle tasks around your home during your healing and rehabilitation. Mowing your lawn or weeding the flower bed, cleaning, or making meals may be impossible or too painful.
Recovering Compensation for Your Injury-Related Expenses and Losses
Because upper and middle back injuries can cause ongoing pain and suffering and lead to catastrophic disabilities in some people, you could end up owing thousands in medical bills while not being able to work and earn a paycheck. You should not have to face this type of financial uncertainty because of an accident you did nothing to cause.
Most states will allow accident victims to pursue a lawsuit or file an insurance claim against the negligent driver who caused the crash. You may choose to work with a personal injury attorney who can manage your case for you. This will allow you to work on your rehabilitation and continue healing as your primary focus.
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Navigating the Claims Process and Taking a Case to Trial
Car accident cases usually settle outside of court. Only occasionally do victims need to sue the at-fault driver, take the case to trial, and ask the judge and jury to award damages. Usually, the victim or their lawyer can gather supporting evidence, identify the liable party, file a claim, and negotiate a fair settlement.
When a lawsuit is necessary, there are deadlines that apply. These vary from state to state. For example, you have only one year in Louisiana under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492. In neighboring Mississippi, though, you may have up to three years per Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49.
No matter the statute of limitations that applies, you may have additional deadlines because of other factors that impact your case. For this reason, and because evidence to support your claim may disappear quickly, you should get started as soon as your injuries allow.
Discuss Your Case with Morris Bart, LLC, for Free Today
The Morris Bart law firm offers complimentary case reviews for accident victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. We have 15 locations and operate a contingency fee law firm. Our team can help you understand your options and rights for free today.
Dial (800) 537-8185 now to speak with a team member about your back injuries and car accident case.
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