Expert Wisconsin Lower Back Pain Attorneys
Of all the different types of injuries sustained in accidents, lower back pain is one of the most common we see here in Wisconsin. Injuries to the lower back take a very long time to heal and during that time, victims suffer from immense pain and limited mobility. These can prevent accident victims from being able to return to work, meaning they also lose out on wages and other employment benefits.
In and of itself, back pain is a very serious injury. However, it can also indicate other injuries. For example, when a person suffers from lower back pain, they may have also suffered a whiplash injury. Back pain can also signal a herniated disc, muscle damage, and other soft tissue injuries. When lower back pain results in tingling or numbness, it could also be an indication of pinched nerves. When lower back is caused by another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim against them for financial compensation. Get in touch with our expert Wisconsin lower back injury lawyers today!
Symptoms of Injury to Lower Back After an Accident
In the days following an accident, you will likely feel sore all over and so, it may not be easy to differentiate your back pain as its own injury. Over time, the soreness and obvious injuries may heal but your back pain remains. This indicates that you likely suffered a lower back injury. A mild injury to the back, such as a pulled muscle or spasm, can be treated non-surgically. On the other hand, if the spine has suffered any damage, the situation becomes much more concerning.
One way to determine whether you have suffered a minor or serious lower back injury is by the symptoms you are experiencing. The most common symptoms of a minor lower back injury are as follows:
- Pain that is severe, but bearable
- Spasm
- Pains and spasms do not last for more than two weeks
- Pain and spasms become better with massage and other treatments
Unfortunately, serious spine injuries are common after any type of accident. The most common symptoms of these injuries include:
- Lower back pain that is unbearable
- Pain that radiates from the lower back to the arms, forearms, or legs
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or feet
- Sweating and faintness
- Insensitivity to needles or touch
Different Types of Lower Back Pain Injuries
If you have experienced lower back pain after an accident, you may not immediately know what type of injury you have suffered. Some of the most common types of lower back pain injuries after an accident are as follows:
- Spinal stenosis: Stenosis is a medical term that refers to an abnormal narrowing of any channel in the body. Spinal stenosis results in ruptured discs and fragments of bone in the spinal canal. This applies pressure to the nerves in the spinal column, which also causes severe pain.
- Lumbar sprains: Lumbar sprains are a result of the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the back stretching excessively. Lumbar sprains are very difficult to diagnose and they are also very painful.
- Herniated discs: The vertebrae in the spinal column are cushioned by discs. These discs can easily slip or rupture. This causes the disc to protrude from its protective case and move out of position. Herniated discs are also incredibly painful injuries.
- Fractured vertebrae: People with certain medical conditions or who are of a certain age may suffer from conditions such as osteoporosis. This can cause vertebrae in the spinal column to break during an accident. Even when a fractured vertebrae is minor, it can always turn into an injury that is much more serious.
When Should I See a Doctor for Lower Back Pain After An Accident in Wisconsin?
Any time you are in an accident, it is critical to see a doctor. This is true even if you do not think you were injured, or you do not believe your injuries are that serious. A doctor can perform a full examination and identify any injuries you may have sustained. The doctor can then treat them so they do not become worse and result in additional complications. Your safety and well-being is the most important priority after an accident and seeing a doctor will ensure they are protected.
Additionally, if you do not see a doctor after an accident, it can significantly hurt any future personal injury claim you file. The insurance company will argue that because you did not seek medical help, you are not as injured as you are claiming. Without medical documentation to prove your injuries, the insurance company will likely be successful with that argument.
Your Legal Options After an Accident Resulting in Lower Back Pain
After an accident that causes lower back pain, you do have legal options. You can likely file a claim against the negligent party that caused the accident resulting in injury. When you file a claim, you file it with an insurance company. The amount of compensation you can pursue is limited by the insurance policy. For example, if you sustained a lower back injury in a car crash, the driver’s policy is likely capped at $25,000 for bodily injury to one person and $50,000 for all bodily injuries resulting from the accident.
Insurance policy limits are not always enough to fully cover the cost of injuries and other losses after an accident. Still, there may be other legal options to recover the remaining damages. You may be able to file a claim directly against the negligent party. Or, you may be able to identify other at-fault parties, allowing you to pursue a claim against each of them and their individual insurance policies.
Our Wisconsin Lower Back Pain Attorney Can Determine Liability
It is not always easy to identify the liable party after an accident, or claim the full damages you deserve. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin lower back pain attorney can determine who is to blame for your injury and hold them accountable for paying the full and fair damages you are legally entitled to. Call us now at (608) 784-4370 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to get the legal help you need.