Every year, it’s estimated that between 250,000 and 500,000 people worldwide suffer a spinal cord injury.
Many more will suffer other back injuries.
It’s a huge figure, so if you’re part of that number, you’re not alone.
If you have a back injury, it might be able to lead to a lawsuit.
Of course, there are many types of back injuries, but some have a better chance of leading to a lawsuit than others.
If you’re interested in finding out which types of back injuries can lead to lawsuits, check out our list below.
1. Spinal Cord Injuries
These are the most serious back injuries and can have severe consequences.
Spinal cord injuries can range from bruising to permanent damage and long-term disability.
Paralysis, loss of feeling, and loss of reflex function can all result from spinal cord injuries.
They’re not something to be taken lightly—you can find out more on the Sweet Law accident page.
People with spinal cord injuries can also be at a higher risk for other medical problems.
These include blood clots, spinal fluid leaks, pneumonia, and infection after surgery.
2. Thoracic Spine Injuries
These injuries are generally pretty serious, too, as they can often result in permanent nerve damage.
They’re most often caused by high-velocity accidents, with sprains and fractures occurring.
The thoracic spine is your upper back and is connected to your rib and chest areas, so injuries here can be very serious.
3. Lumbar Spine Injuries
Moving down to the lumbar spine, or your lower back area, we aren’t in quite so serious territory here.
However, a lower back injury can definitely lead to a lawsuit.
This part of your back has five sizeable vertebrae which are supported by the muscles in your lower back, abdomen, and hips.
Injuries here can heavily impact your ability to carry out everyday activities and be pretty sore and tender too. Luckily, you can use one of these mild procedure doctors in Orlando, Florida to improve your lumbar spine injuries.
4. Herniated Discs
Herniated discs aren’t too uncommon but can still lead to lawsuits. Discs act as cushions, separating vertebrae and protecting your spine.
So a herniated or slipped disc is likely to occur when a vertebrae disc is moved or displaced.
The bones then press on nerves or nerve roots, which can be incredibly painful.
The pain can vary in intensity, while other symptoms include tingling and burning sensations as well as muscle weakness.
5. Whiplash
This is the most common back injury that a car accident or other incident can cause.
It occurs when somebody’s head and neck are thrust forward faster than the rest of the body in a sudden movement.
This causes the cervical vertebrae to “whip,” giving the condition its name.
Although whiplash is often mild, it can be severe in some cases.
Symptoms can include headaches, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, blurred vision, and tenderness.
Now You Know the Types of Back Injuries
It’s important that you’re aware of the main types of back injuries so you know whether an injury can lead to a lawsuit.
You never know what will happen, so it’s always best to be prepared.
With our guide above, you should now be aware of the main five types of back injuries that can lead to lawsuits.
If you’re after more health advice, why not check out some of our other posts? We might have just what you’re looking for.