Chicago Neck Injury Lawyer
Neck injuries can be caused by car accidents, workplace accidents, a slip and fall accident, or other trauma. Neck injuries can involve considerable and persistent pain, as well as substantial medical and rehabilitation costs. When one party’s negligence causes a victim to suffer painful neck injuries, a Chicago neck injury lawyer can help him or her pursue compensation for the associated losses.
At Ankin Law, our injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience protecting the rights of accident victims in Illinois. Let us help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.Â
Were you injured in an accident? Call a Chicago neck injury lawyer with Ankin Law. 312-600-0000.
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Types of Neck Injuries
There are a variety of neck injuries a victim can sustain. The nature and severity of a neck injury is often connected to the type of accident or circumstance that caused it. Depending on how severe a neck injury is, a victim may suffer lifelong pain, permanently restricted movement, or even paralysis.
Neck injuries can range from minor to severe, and proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery. If you suspect a neck injury, it’s advisable to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation and appropriate care. This promotes better healing and provides you with crucial documentation for your injury case.
Common Neck Injuries
Victims can sustain a variety of types of neck injuries in accidents. The most common neck injuries seen by neck injury lawyers include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, often as a result of a car accident. It can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes even cognitive and psychological symptoms.
- Strains and Sprains: These injuries involve the stretching or tearing of muscles (strains) or ligaments (sprains) in the neck. They can occur due to sudden movements or overuse, and typically result in pain and limited range of motion.
- Cervical Fractures: Fractures or breaks in the bones of the neck, such as the cervical vertebrae, can result from high-impact trauma, falls, or sports injuries. These fractures can vary in severity and may require immobilization or surgery.
- Herniated or Bulging Discs: Intervertebral discs between the cervical vertebrae can herniate or bulge, pressing on nearby nerves and causing radiating pain or numbness into the arms and hands.
- Pinched Nerves (Cervical Radiculopathy): Nerves in the neck can become compressed or irritated, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness in the areas supplied by those nerves. This condition is often caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis.
- Torticollis: Torticollis is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to tilt to one side and the chin to turn to the other. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired, and may cause pain and limited neck movement.
The severity of a neck injury and the impact it has on a victim’s life will directly contribute to the value of a related accident settlement. A neck injury lawyer at Ankin Law can help you pursue fair compensation for the losses caused by your injuries.
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How Much Is My Neck Injury Lawsuit Worth?
The value of a neck injury lawsuit is determined by the losses sustained by the victim. A neck injury settlement is equal to the sum of the economic and non-economic damages the victim is able to claim. More severe injuries will yield a higher settlement, as they correlate with higher medical bills, longer recovery times leading to more time off work, and a more substantial impact on the victim’s daily life. The damages a victim can claim in a neck injury case include:
- Economic Damages: Economic damages are awarded in personal injury claims to compensate victims for the financial losses caused by an injury. Although many direct financial costs are claimable, settlements most frequently compensate victims for lost wages, medical bills, long term care costs, the costs to modify a home due to a sustained disability, and medical equipment and prescription expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages compensate personal injury victims for the emotional losses sustained in an accident. These can include mental health-related injuries, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression. They can also compensate for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases where malicious intent, intentional acts, or gross negligence cause a victim’s neck injury, a court may award a third type of damages to punish the at-fault party. These are referred to as punitive damages, and they are meant to deter future similar acts. A neck injury lawyer at our law firm can review your case to uncover the true cost of your injury and pursue an equitable settlement.
Common Causes of Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can transpire under a variety of conditions. The cause of the neck injury will influence the type of lawsuit or claim a victim files. Motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, workplace accidents, and sports are the most common causes of neck injuries.Â
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents can cause neck injuries by subjecting the occupants to sudden and forceful movements, such as whiplash. The rapid acceleration and deceleration during a collision can strain neck muscles, ligaments, and discs, leading to pain, stiffness, and potentially more severe injuries like fractures or nerve compression. When neck injuries are caused by car accidents, the at-fault driver can be held liable for resulting damages.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents occur when individuals lose their balance and fall due to slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, or hazards like debris or obstacles. These incidents often lead to injuries such as sprains, fractures, or head and neck trauma. Slip and fall accidents can happen in various settings, including businesses, workplaces, and public places. When a slip and fall accident causes a victim’s neck injury, the at-fault property owner, business operator, or employer may be responsible for damages.
Sports
Sports-related neck injuries can result from high-impact collisions, tackles, or overuse during athletic activities. These injuries include strains, sprains, and more severe conditions like cervical spine fractures or herniated discs. Adequate training, protective gear, and proper technique are essential to reduce the risk of neck injuries in sports.
Workplace Accidents
Neck injuries in the workplace can occur due to heavy lifting, poor ergonomics, or accidents involving machinery or equipment. These injuries may involve muscle strains, herniated discs, or nerve compression, causing pain and reduced mobility. Implementing workplace safety measures and ergonomic practices can help prevent and mitigate such injuries. When workplace neck injuries do occur, financial recovery is obtained through a workers’ compensation claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Injury Lawsuits
How Do You Know If a Neck Injury Is Severe?
A severe neck injury often presents with warning signs such as intense pain, significant swelling, visible deformity, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or loss of consciousness. Any neck injury with these symptoms requires immediate medical attention to assess its severity and provide appropriate care.
Can I Claim Compensation for Neck Pain?
Whether you can claim compensation for neck pain depends on the circumstances of your injury and the applicable laws in your jurisdiction. In many cases, you can claim compensation if your neck pain resulted from someone else’s negligence or as a workplace injury covered by worker’s compensation. It’s essential to consult with a legal professional who can evaluate your specific situation and advise you on the potential for making a claim. Laws and regulations vary by location, so legal advice tailored to your case is crucial.
Are Back and Neck Injuries Common in Accidents?
Back and neck injuries are relatively common in accidents, especially in motor vehicle collisions and slip and fall accidents. The forceful impacts and sudden movements involved in these accidents can strain or damage the muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae in the back and neck. Whiplash, herniated discs, and fractures are among the injuries frequently observed in such incidents. However, the severity of these injuries can vary widely, from minor strains to severe trauma, depending on the nature and intensity of the accident.
Helpful Resources From Our Neck Injury Lawyers
Workers’ Compensation for Neck and Back Injury Victims
Workers in the United States frequently pursue workers’ compensation claims for neck and back injuries, which can result from repetitive stress in various industries. Despite their prevalence, it can be challenging to prove that these injuries are work-related, as they often develop gradually. Employers and insurers sometimes dispute these claims, attributing injuries to other causes. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for job-related injuries, but obtaining these benefits may require legal assistance.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries, like brain and spinal injuries, have a profound and often lifelong impact. They can result from various accidents, such as car crashes, falls, and workplace incidents. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lead to lost wages. Catastrophic injuries encompass spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, burns, amputations, loss of senses, and disfigurement. Compensation may cover economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.Â
How Much Is a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit Worth?
The value of a spinal cord injury lawsuit varies depending on factors like fault and injury severity. Such cases may range from five to six figures, but can go into the millions in exceptional cases. Compensable damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, with punitive damages. Factors influencing the lawsuit’s worth include the extent of paralysis or injury, the defendant’s negligence level, the impact on the victim’s life, shared liability, and whether the case is typical or an outlier. Consulting a spinal cord injury lawyer is crucial to assess and pursue compensation accurately.
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