Accidents, such as car accidents and slip and fall accidents, commonly cause injuries to the back, neck, and their surrounding structures. Some neck and back injuries are easily diagnosed, while others, such as whiplash or a tear in the ligament that holds the disk in place between the spinal vertebrae, do not reveal themselves in an X-ray or MRI. This fact can present significant obstacles when you present a personal injury claim to your insurance company.
If you have suffered an injury to your neck or back due to an accident, you should speak with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney as soon as possible. The Santa Ana and Anaheim neck and back injury lawyers at The Cifarelli Law Firm will review your case and explain your legal options.
Our firm is comprised of a team of attorneys that provides skillful representation and strong advocacy for people who have suffered serious injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents and other acts of negligence. We take every possible measure to obtain results for our clients, seeking full compensation for their financial losses and pain and suffering.
Our Santa Ana and Anaheim attorneys represent individuals who have suffered all types of traumatic neck and back injuries, including:
We have represented people with spinal cord injuries, including cervical, lumbar, sacral, and thoracic spine injuries.
Paralysis injuries are usually the result of an accident or injury in which the head, brain & spinal cord were severely injured. The type of paralysis is directly related to what part of the nervous system was impacted in the injury, as various portions of the Central Nervous System (CNS) innervate different areas of the body. The types of paralysis are:
Slipped discs, also referred to as herniated & bulging discs, are serious and painful conditions that cause significant pain & limit mobility. They are often referred to as a pinched nerve, bulging disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc. A damaged spinal disc exerts pressure on nerves within the spinal column. This pressure is directly responsible for any pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities that the injured victim feels after the injury occurred. The section of the spine ( C, T, L, or S) where the ruptured disc is located determines where any pain or irritation is experienced, as each section innervates a different area of the body.
One of the most common neck injuries sustained in many types of accidents is whiplash. Whiplash is a non-medical term that is commonly used to describe a range of injuries to the neck area. These injuries are caused by or related to a sudden distortion and extension of the neck and its supporting structures.
The most common type of accident resulting in whiplash is an auto accident, in particular, a rear-end collision. This is directly related to the mechanics and inertia exerted upon impact. Other, less common types of accidents that can induce whiplash are sports injuries such as skiing accidents, slips and falls, being assaulted, and amusement park ride accidents. Any movement or accident that strains the neck with sufficient force can result in whiplash.
Oftentimes, although not all the time, one may not know they have whiplash until a few days after the accident. Typical symptoms include back pain and aches. One can also feel numbness and tingling in the extremities as well as headaches. In terms of back pain and aches, the neck and mid-back are most commonly affected.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve can result in pain, numbness and tingling down the back of the leg, ankle and foot. Ruptured or bulging discs are most commonly the culprit in sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica. Although sometimes sciatica is a symptom of a larger problem such as spinal stenosis or bone spurs.
Diagnosing a minor back injury can sometimes be as simple as a discussion with the injured party where they subjectively describe what happened to them and where the pain is. Other methods of diagnosing neck and back injuries is through the use of injection therapy such as epidural shots where an anti-inflammatory steroid is injected into the inflamed area. Determining the extent of a more severe back injury frequently involves the use of diagnostic technologies such as an MRI or CAT scan. These help to objectively determine the level of damage to the spinal cord and its surrounding tissue. Unfortunately, a back injury does not always present itself right away. The symptoms are not always acute and may take some time to develop. However, the sooner the appropriate tests can be performed, the sooner an appropriate treatment plan can be prescribed and the sooner the injured party will feel relief and be able to return to their daily lives. Contact a Santa Ana and Anaheim attorney for more information on diagnosing neck and back injuries.
Treating a back injury frequently requires a conservative treatment plan. It may involve an evaluation by an orthopedist and a physical therapy referral. Oftentimes, back injuries improve over time. Others may require medication & pain management as well as injections such as epidural shots & inflammation therapy. More severe neck & back injuries, such as pinched nerves or herniated discs, may require surgery to relieve the pressure on the damaged discs. This, in turn, may help to relieve the injured party’s pain symptoms. Consulting with an experienced neck and back injury attorney in Santa Ana and Anaheim is a wise move, as they will help you get the medical care you need and the benefits you deserve.
The Cifarelli Law Firm’s lawyers provide results-oriented representation for people who have suffered neck and back injuries in Santa Ana and Anaheim. In your case, we will investigate the accident that harmed you and identify your medical and rehabilitation needs in discussions with your doctor. The Cifarelli Law Firm will vigorously represent you in court or settlement negotiations, seeking the best possible result. We want to help you get the medical care and compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact a Santa Ana and Anaheim Neck and Back Injury Attorney
To learn how our Santa Ana and Anaheim neck and back injury lawyers can help you obtain medical care and compensation, contact the Cifarelli Law Firm at (949) 502-8600.
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