Every year, tens of thousands of individuals suffer serious injuries such as a herniated Disk when involved in a rear end, side impact or head on collision with other vehicles or pick-up trucks. The range of injuries occurring in these Rhode Island accidents is significant, where many victims suffer severe lacerations, whiplash, soft tissue injury, pinched nerve injury, broken bones, spinal cord damage, disc herniation and fractured vertebrae. Over time, many of their conditions can pinch their nerves and cause significant long-lasting injury that requires extensive medical care to treat.
Herniated Disc as result of Accident
Vehicle accidents in Rhode Island that cause injuries to innocent victims often occur from driver distraction, fatigue, recklessness, weather conditions, intoxication or driving under the influence of drugs. Most of these RI car accidents cause serious back injuries to victims that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and therapy, and leave them in debt for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Legally, every automobile accident in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations involving more than one vehicle usually involves some type of liability. It is up to insurance companies, law enforcement,RI auto accident attorneys and others to determine who is at fault for the car accident, so the victim can receive compensation from insurance coverage. Often times, proving liability in Rhode island is challenging, and requires the skills of an experienced East Providence personal injury attorney who specializes in vehicle and car accidents.
Bulging and Herniated Disks
The back contains 23 discs along the spine positioned between 24 vertebrae. When the back suffers trauma in a car, truck or van accident, the impact can rupture portions of the discs, exposing inner cartilage that is pushed outwards. When the spine compresses, the herniated discs are squeezed from their natural position, causing severe pain and extensive damage to the spinal column.
Flexion Distraction Fracture and herniated disk
Typically, a head-on crash in Rhode island will produce serious injuries to drivers and passengers wearing seatbelts. During impact, the spinal cord and upper vertebra contort violently in a forward motion while the lower vertebra and pelvis are held firmly in place by the seatbelt acting as an anchor. The violent movement of the upper body exerts significant pressure, causing vertebra fractures in the upper back.
Compression Fractures, Bruising and Tearing
The force of an impact in a Rhode island motor vehicle accident can produce trauma so significant that the anterior (front) of the spine and vertebra compress in a downward motion. During compression, fractures to the vertebra can occur. Soft tissue muscles, tendons and ligaments can become bruised as the vertebra violently tears or stretches, causing excruciating pain from pinched nerves.
Crosswise Fractures and Axial Bursts
The driver and passengers involved in a Warwick, Cranston or Woonsocket RI car accident can suffer serious injury to the spine and vertebra as it pitches side-to-side, backward and forward during a violent collision. The spine and vertebra can instantly twist beyond the natural radius causing a crosswise (traverse) fracture. In addition, the force of the impact can cause disintegration to numerous vertebrae in the lumbar and cervical regions. The impact force often causes axial bursts where there is a loss of mass to the vertebra.
Building a Case for Compensation
In many incidences, vehicle accident victims in Pawtucket, Lincoln and Cumberland suffering serious back injuries caused by another motorist need to seek compensation to recover their damages including extensive medical bills and lost wages. Because of the complexities of tort and negligence law, the victim will hire a personal injury lawyer in Rhode Island to handle their case.
Central Fall Injury lawyer
The Johnston, South Kingston or Central Falls personal injury attorney can build a strong claim for compensation by obtaining the police report that contains diagrams of the scene of the Rhode Island car, semi- truck or taxi accident, the names of witnesses, any tickets issued by law enforcement along with the opinions of officers determining fault.
In addition, the Newport, Bristol, North Kingstown or Wakefield personal injury lawyer will review medical records to ensure that the attending physician’s report is clear and concise. The record should outline the level of the victim’s back injuries, whiplash and the extensiveness of additional surgeries, rehabilitation, therapies and procedures to heal properly.
Lawsuits related to herniated discs and pinched nerves typically fall under the category of personal injury or medical malpractice cases. Here is some general information about these types of lawsuits:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: a. Herniated Disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. If someone suffers a herniated disc due to another person’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, they may have a personal injury claim. This could happen in situations like car accidents, slip and falls, or workplace injuries.
b. Pinched Nerve: A pinched nerve occurs when pressure or compression is applied to a nerve. This can result from various accidents, such as car accidents, falls, or medical procedures. If someone’s pinched nerve is caused by another party’s negligence, they may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
- Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: If a herniated disc or pinched nerve is the result of medical malpractice, such as a surgical error or misdiagnosis, the injured person may have a medical malpractice claim against the healthcare provider responsible for the injury.
In both personal injury and medical malpractice cases, the injured party typically needs to prove the following elements:
- Duty: The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.
- Breach: The defendant breached that duty through negligent or intentional actions.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the herniated disc or pinched nerve injury.
- Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income.
It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in personal injury or medical malpractice law to assess the specific circumstances of your case. These cases can be complex, and an attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you. They will also assist in gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, or pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.
Keep in mind that laws and regulations can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s essential to seek legal advice from an attorney who is knowledgeable about the laws in your area. Additionally, statutes of limitations may apply, meaning there is a limited time within which you can file a lawsuit, so it’s crucial to act promptly if you believe you have a valid claim.
