In this Article:
Introduction
Common Causes of Back and Spinal Cord Injury
Recognizing and Treating Massachusetts Back Injuries
Working with an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Back injuries are surprisingly common in the U.S., including Massachusetts. About 80% of Americans will sustain a back injury at some point. Of course, these injuries vary significantly in seriousness and duration. A serious spinal cord injury may cause lifelong pain and limitations.
Common Causes of Back and Spinal Cord Injury
A back injury can happen any time a person suffers a blow, fall, or other jarring motion. Some common causes of back injury include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from a height
- Sports injuries
- Bicycling injuries
- Being hit by a car
Back injuries cover a broad range, from painful muscle spasms or stiffness to spinal cord injuries that may cause significant ongoing problems, including paralysis.
Recognizing and Treating Massachusetts Back Injuries
Back injuries, neck injuries, and other spinal cord injuries can be tricky. Whiplash, for instance, is a potentially serious injury caused by the sudden snapping of the head in a traumatic event such as a car accident. Although whiplash can cause ongoing pain (neck, back, and shoulder), limited range of motion, dizziness, severe headaches, fatigue and other symptoms, it isn’t always immediately recognizable.
The same is true for other back and spinal cord injuries. This is partly because pain may increase as muscles clench and compensate, tissues swell, or displaced disks continue to shift. Another reason back and neck injuries may not be noticed immediately is that they often occur from a jarring or jolting motion, without any actual contact. Finally, a person who has been in a traumatic accident such as a motorcycle crash is often in shock, meaning that the sensation of pain is suppressed.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, fall, or other physically jarring event and are uncertain as to whether you need medical attention, err on the side of caution. Spinal injuries and other injuries that may not be immediately apparent can worsen if left undiscovered and untreated. In addition, if you do turn out to be seriously injured, a delay in medical treatment may complicate your claim for damages.
Working with an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Connect with an experienced back injury attorney as soon as possible after your injury. Although the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Massachusetts is three years, there are many reasons you will want to secure qualified representation much sooner. For example:
- Your attorney will run interference with insurance companies that may want to mislead or strongarm you into a premature, inadequate settlement
- Your attorney will have the best opportunity to gather evidence and interview witnesses on your behalf right after the accident, when memories are fresh and physical evidence hasn’t yet been altered or destroyed
- Putting your case in the hands of a trusted advocate allows you to focus on recovering and rebuilding your life rather than
Attorney Kevin J. Broderick has devoted his career to helping people who have been injured through someone else’s fault. He understands how difficult and stressful the aftermath of a serious injury can be, and wants to make it as easy as possible for you to get the help you need.
You can schedule a free consultation right now to:
- Learn more about your rights and what to expect if you pursue a personal injury claim
- Get advice on how to protect your claim and avoid common missteps
- Get a general assessment of the type of damages that might be available in your case
Just call 978-459-3085 or fill out the contact form on this site to get started.