San Antonio Back Injury Lawyer
As anyone who has suffered from back pain knows, a back injury can be debilitating, making it impossible to work or even to enjoy the things we used to. Suffering from this type of injury is always frustrating, but can be especially aggravating when it was the result of someone else’s negligence. Fortunately, it is possible for accident victims to recover compensation for these kinds of injuries with the help of a San Antonio back injury lawyer.
Herniated Discs
There are a lot of different kinds of back injuries, but some of the most common involve herniated discs. These injuries occur when the disc of cartilage that cushions individual vertebrae (and that act as shock absorbers and a support for the upper body), rupture or tear. This is often the result of excessive twisting or the compression of the spine that can occur after sustaining a forceful or abrupt impact. If these discs are ruptured, they can actually start to protrude, irritating nearby nerves and causing significant pain, potential numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness.
Spinal Fractures
Many accident victims also suffer from spinal fractures, which occur when the vertebrae in the spine become dislocated or fractured. These kinds of injuries are common amongst car accident victims and those who suffer falls from great heights. The most common types of spinal fractures include:
- Compression fractures, which occur when the front portion of the vertebra fracture or deteriorate, while the back remain stable;
- Axial burst fractures, which occurs when the vertebrae break in multiple directions and are often seen after falls or amongst those who suffer a vertical impact; and
- Chance fractures, which happen when the vertebrae actually pull away from each other, usually due to a violent forward flexed injury.
While minor fractures can often be healed with medication and rest, more severe injuries may require surgery to realign and support the bones. If left untreated, spinal fractures can result in permanent nerve damage and even paralysis.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are perhaps the most serious type of back injury that a person can sustain. They occur when the nerve structure in the spine becomes damaged. The spinal cord is located inside the vertebrae and is made up of a bundle of nerve fibers, which carry messages to and from the brain to the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, either due to bruising, partial severance, or complete severance, a person could suffer from an inability to control motor, sensory, or autonomic functions. These injuries could be the result of everything from a car crash, a fall, a sporting event or recreational activity accident, or an act of violence. Typical symptoms include a lack of coordination, an inability to feel sensations, paralysis, numbness, and severe pain. These symptoms can lessen or worsen over time, depending on the seriousness of the injury.
Speak with a Dedicated San Antonio Back Injury Lawyer Today
To learn more about your own back injury-related recovery options following an accident, please call dedicated San Antonio back injury lawyer Israel Garcia. You can set up a free consultation with a member of our legal team by calling 210-529-9999 today.