New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Neck & Back Injuries in NJ

If you’ve suffered a serious neck, back or spine injury, you may have experienced a life-changing event. Your ability to function may be severely restricted; you may be paralyzed, unable to work and financially support yourself or your family. Those with catastrophic injuries may require costly, constant supervision and medical attention for the rest of their lives. Depending on the circumstances of the accident causing the injury, compensation may be available.

The neck is the upper part of the spine, called the cervical spine. The middle section of the back is the thoracic spine, and the lower part is called the lumbar spine. The spinal cord serves as the main pathway for connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system. The cord is covered and protected by a column of bones called vertebrae.

Discs between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers. They are made of a gel-like material with an outer shell. If the shell is damaged, inflammation can cause the disc to put pressure on nearby nerve roots or on the spinal cord. This pressure can cause pain, weakness, tingling, numbness, spasms, exaggerated reflexes, difficult breathing and loss of sensation.

Injuries to the neck, back and spine can result in spinal cord injuries due to damage to the vertebrae, ligaments or disks of the neck, spinal column or to the spinal cord itself. A traumatic spinal cord injury could occur due to a sudden, traumatic blow to your neck, back or spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more of your vertebrae. This trauma could result from a vehicle accident or slip and fall.

Whiplash is a type of neck injury, also called neck sprain or strain. It presents itself with a number of symptoms occurring after damage to the neck. Intervertebral joints (located between vertebrae), discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots may become damaged by an abrupt backward and/or forward jerking motion of the head, often as a result of a vehicle accident.

Symptoms may be delayed for a day or more after the accident. Those with whiplash may get one or more of the following symptoms, usually within the first few days after the injury:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades
• Lower back pain
• Pain or numbness in the arm and/or hand
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue.

A traumatic injury can affect the nerve fibers passing through the injured area and may disrupt some or all of the corresponding muscles and nerves below the injury site.

• A chest (thoracic) or lower back (lumbar) injury can impact your torso, legs, bowel and bladder control, and sexual function.
• A neck (cervical) injury can impair or end movements of your arms and your ability to breathe.

Some of the most common causes of neck, back and spinal cord injuries are:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: The most common cause of back injuries is motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes can cause substantial damage to your back and spine. An accident can cause compression on your spine depending on the severity of the collision. When the spine compresses, it can lead to significant problems and even paralysis. These injuries can lead to lower back pain, and you could be entitled to a car accident settlement if you can prove the other driver was responsible.
• Lifting and Pulling Accidents: Do you work in a warehouse? If so, this occupation can be a common cause of spine injuries. Repetitively lifting and pulling heavy items in a warehouse or on a construction site can cause a lot of strain on your back and spine, especially if you are not lifting correctly. Are boxes being overloaded? Are your managers forcing you to lift too much weight or work extended hours? If so, these infractions can lead to a back injury. If you suffer an injury, workers’ compensation may offer you a reimbursement.
• Falls from Heights: Working on scaffolding, ladders, or a roof are other common causes of back injuries. Falling from heights can be traumatic and even deadly. Many victims of falls suffer paralysis or other serious back injuries. You could also suffer broken bones, dislocated bones, amputations, impalements, and more. Make sure you always wear a harness when working on scaffolding and that all the tools are off the ground, so you do not trip on them. When working on a roof, be sure to wear non-slip shoes and work alongside a partner.
• Other: Acts of violence cause about 15% of spinal cord injuries, often involving gunshot and knife wounds. Additionally, athletic activities, including impact sports and diving into shallow water, cause about 9% of spinal cord injuries.

Certain characteristics and activities may put you at a higher risk of sustaining a neck, back or spinal injury:

• Men suffer a disproportionate number of spinal cord injuries. Females account for only about 20% of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
• Those between the ages of 16 and 30 are most likely to suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury, while those older than 65 are also at higher risk of injuries due to falls.
• Risky behavior such as diving into shallow water, playing sports without the proper safety gear, riding a motorcycle or bicycle can lead to spinal cord injuries.
• Simply riding in a motor vehicle puts you at risk, because accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries for those younger than 65.

There are many short- and long-term effects of a serious neck, back or spine injury. Medical treatment and rehabilitation may improve these complications over time, or limitations and disabilities may be permanent.

If your or a loved one has suffered serious neck, back or spinal injuries due to a car accident or a slip and fall in New Jersey, schedule a free consultation with our office by calling us at (973) 358-6134 or by using our online quick connect form. Statutes of limitations apply, so contact us as soon as possible so you can learn about your legal rights and take action to protect your interests.