A broken neck is one of the most serious injuries a person can suffer. Regardless of how it happens, the physical trauma is often life-threatening. Beyond the immediate medical emergency, victims frequently face a long road to recovery, the possibility of permanent disability, and serious financial burdens.
Understanding Broken Neck Injuries
A neck is considered “broken” when one or more vertebrae in the cervical spine fracture. These bones protect the spinal cord, so when they break, there’s a high risk of paralysis or even death.
The severity of the injury depends on the type and location of the fracture.
Common types of fractures include:
- Stable: The bones stay aligned, and the spinal cord isn’t at immediate risk
- Unstable: The bones shift, increasing the chances of damage to the spinal cord
- Compression: The vertebrae collapse due to extreme force
- Dislocation: The vertebrae move out of place
Neck fractures can happen in just about any kind of accident, but they’re perhaps most often seen in the aftermath of car accidents. Rollovers and rear-end crashes, in particular, can cause a victim’s head to snap forward or backward violently. This frequently causes a bad case of whiplash. If the force is great enough, however, it can break the bones in the neck.
What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Neck?
After a serious accident, adrenaline can mask pain, and some symptoms may not be readily apparent. If you think you may have a neck injury, it’s vital to get checked out at a hospital right away, even if you’re not in pain.
Some of the signs of a broken neck to watch for include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Loss of movement or sensation in the limbs
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling
In some cases, a person suffering from a broken neck might lose consciousness at the scene of the accident. Others might still be able to move, but that doesn’t mean the injury isn’t serious. Moving the neck after a fracture can make the damage worse, so it’s best to let medical professionals handle it.
Treatment and Recovery for a Broken Neck
The exact treatment for a broken neck will depend on how bad the break is. Small fractures can heal with the support of a cervical brace to keep the neck still, but more severe fractures may require surgery, spinal fusion, or traction. Recovery can also involve physical therapy, pain management, and procedures to insert plates, screws, or other supports.
The recovery process is often long and painful. Some accident victims are able to regain full mobility, while others can face permanent disability. Paralysis is a very real risk, especially if the spinal cord is damaged.
What Is the Cost of a Broken Neck Injury?
Between the costs of emergency care, surgeries, rehab, and long-term treatment, medical expenses can add up fast. To make matters worse, many people with severe neck injuries can’t return to work for months, if ever. Not having a regular income makes it harder to figure out how to pay for care, adding significantly to the stress of the situation.
For many accident victims, the financial burden is impossible to manage alone. Legal action is often needed to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
Legal Options for Broken Neck Injuries in California
If your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file for financial compensation. California law allows injury victims to file a personal injury claim against the person or entity responsible for their harm.
To prove negligence, you must be able to show the following:
- The other party had a duty to act responsibly
- They breached that duty through their actions (or lack of action)
- Their breach of duty directly caused your injury
- You suffered damages as a result
After a car accident, for example, this could mean proving that the other driver was speeding, texting, or otherwise not paying attention while on the road.
How a Personal Injury Claim Can Benefit You After a Broken Neck
Filing a personal injury claim can help you seek recovery for the financial and emotional losses you’ve suffered because of your broken neck.
Depending on the circumstances, the compensation you receive might cover the following:
- Medical costs (both current and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning ability
- Permanent disability
- Reduced quality of life
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Pain and suffering
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so even if something you did contributed to the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your payout will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often take advantage of this rule, attempting to shift blame in an effort to minimize claims. That’s why you need an experienced attorney.
Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Chula Vista Personal Injury Attorney
A broken neck can change your life forever. If your accident was caused by negligence, Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can assist you in securing justice and fair compensation. Our team understands the challenges you’re facing and will fight to get you the resources you need to recover. Contact our Chula Vista personal injury lawyers today at (619) 722-3032 for a free case evaluation to discuss your rights.