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Neck and back injuries can range from a simple muscle strain to a severed spinal cord. Injuries may resolve themselves with home remedies and physical therapy; however, more serious injuries can be life-altering. Unfortunately, neck and back injuries can occur anytime and anywhere. If these catastrophic injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, a Chicago neck and back injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
Any accident that causes the back or neck to experience abnormal movements can result in injuries. Some common causes include the following.
A rear-end collision can cause the body to continue its forward motion until the seat restraints force the body back. A rollover or T-bone accident can violently toss the body inside a car, truck, or SUV, causing serious injuries. What may begin as a little stiffness and muscle soreness can escalate into a chronic numbness or pain.
Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries as riders are thrown from their bikes. They may land on the ground, other vehicles, or stationary objects. If riders are not wearing helmets, their injuries could include traumatic brain injuries as well.
Bicyclists and pedestrians have essentially no protection when it comes to vehicle collisions. They can be tossed in the air only to land on a hard surface or object that causes a broken neck or a shattered back and spine.
Whether slipping on an ice-covered parking lot or a poorly maintained stairwell, your body can land awkwardly, causing damage to your back or neck in the process.
When accidents are caused by someone’s negligence, injured parties are entitled to compensation for their medical bills and lost wages. They may also be entitled to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Drivers, property owners, and businesses have a responsibility to act with the well-being of others in mind. If they fail in that duty, they may be found negligent. Proving negligence requires gathering evidence to establish fault. That may include accident reports and pictures. Depending on the location, surveillance footage may be available, as well as witness videos of the accident, so collecting contact information for bystanders is crucial.
Once a breach of duty is established, injured parties must prove that the breach caused the accident and the resulting injuries. If the victims can establish fault, they can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Sometimes, back and neck injuries result in temporary or permanent impairment. In those cases, injured parties can seek compensation for future expenses and lost employment.
Experienced neck and back injury lawyers in Chicago may rely on expert opinions to establish medical and financial compensation for current and future needs. They can help clients gather evidence and prepare legal strategies to maximize potential compensation.
In most cases, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. However, the longer you wait, the greater chance there is that evidence will be lost and witnesses cannot be located. Contacting a Chicago neck and back injury lawyer promptly can reduce the risk that critical information is lost. Reach out to McCready Law now to schedule a free consult.