Back & Neck Injury Attorneys in Raleigh, North Carolina

Suffering any injury can be an emotional, physical, and financial burden. More specifically, if an accident has caused injury to the neck or back, you need to take it seriously, even if you think the pain will subside. Back and neck injuries can be some of the most complex injuries and can even go undetected in the initial days and weeks following the accident.  

Whether it be a stiff neck, a few sore muscles in the back, or any other symptom, getting the right medical care and understanding compensation rights is not something anyone should tackle alone. At Life Law, we have the experience to represent people who have sustained a neck or back injury as a result of motor vehicle accidents, work accidents, and slips & falls. Our team will handle the uniqueness of your injury with compassion and competence, and we serve those beyond Raleigh, North Carolina, including Nags Head, Charlotte, Asheville, and Wilmington. Reach out today to learn more.  

Common Causes of Neck and Back Injuries 

Although car and motor vehicle accidents cause the vast majority of neck and back injuries, there are a few other common causes to note, including: 

• pedestrian, cycling, or other traffic-related incidents 

• environmental slips, trips, and falls 

• workplace injuries related to machinery, equipment or other repeated tasks 

• hobby or sport-related injuries 

Why Are Neck and Back Injuries Hard to Identify? 

Regardless of the cause, responding quickly to the injury is the critical first step. Neck and back injuries are notoriously difficult to identify and can even go unnoticed for weeks. These injuries are challenging to pinpoint because the spine is made up of many complex components. Additionally, even though pain may be experienced in the neck and back, it may not be the actual source of the injury. Finally, pain is completely subjective. What one person thinks may be a few sore muscles may be described as a severe physical impairment by another.  

What Are the Recoverable Damages? 

In most personal injury cases, two types of damages may be recovered: economic and non-economic.  

Economic damages generally refer to the tangible losses a victim has or will incur because of the injury. Economic damages can include lost wages, medical bills and property damage. Non-economic damages are far more subjective and not as easily identified. The goal of non-economic damages is to provide compensation for accounts of pain, suffering, and emotional distress that stems from the injury.  

It is important to note that in order to file a workplace compensation claim, a settlement cannot be obtained until Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) has been reached. In short, MMI means that the doctor overseeing your care concludes that regardless of treatment, further improvement is not possible. Because MMI is a point of contention between medical professionals, insurance companies, and employers, it is vital to partner with an experienced personal injury attorney early on in the process. Doing so helps you feel confident that your rights are protected and the right party is held liable for both economic and non-economic damages.  

What Should I Do if I Feel Neck or Back Pain After an Accident? 

Seek medical attention now.  

An undiagnosed or mistreated neck or back injury can change your life forever. If you are experiencing neck and back pain as a result of any accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The first step toward compensation is always seeking medical attention. Even if you are unsure and have questions, prioritizing medical attention safeguards you in three critical areas: 

• It protects your personal well-being. Your personal health and well-being should always be your top priority. Take it seriously, and visit the doctor, even if you think you might be fine in the long run.  

• It initiates the documentation process. Filing a compensation claim is a complex process. Ensuring you have up-to-date medical records will be helpful as you navigate a claim.  

• It helps dispute against insurance companies. Insurance companies work hard to downplay or dismiss personal injury claims. Maintaining appointments with those overseeing your recovery helps prove the legitimacy of the injury.