Lower back injuries are among the most common—and debilitating—consequences of serious accidents. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or worksite accident, these injuries can affect your mobility, livelihood, and quality of life.
At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we help accident victims across Chicago recover compensation for a wide range of lower back injuries. If you’re dealing with back pain after an accident, call us today at (312) 236-2900 so we can guide you through your legal options.
Common Types of Lower Back Injuries
Lower back injuries can take multiple forms depending on the type of accident you were involved in, how your injuries occurred, and your overall physical health. We can help you get compensation for lower back injuries like these:
- Compression fractures
- Lumbar fractures
- Back strains and sprains
- Herniated discs
- Spinal osteoarthritis
- Bulging discs
- Sciatica
- Degenerative scoliosis
- Pinched nerves
- Degenerative disc disease
- Other spinal disorders
Signs and Symptoms of a Lower Back Injury
Recognizing lower back injuries can minimize the likelihood of your condition worsening without treatment. Some of the most common symptoms of severe lower back injuries include:
- Muscle spasms
- Discomfort when standing or walking
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Severe burning pains in the backs of your legs
- Headaches
- Numbness and tingling
- Disorientation and dizziness
- Sharp pains while walking
How Back Injuries Are Diagnosed After an Accident
Treatment for lower back injuries is crucial if you hope to regain as much functionality and mobility as possible and reduce your chronic ongoing pain. The treatment you receive will depend on several factors, including where you were injured, how badly you were hurt, and your medical history.
Your healthcare providers may diagnose your lower back injuries with X-rays, CAT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These diagnostic records will prove valuable in your claim against the liable party. Once your lower back pain has officially been diagnosed, your healthcare providers will determine which treatment options best suit your case.
Treatment Options for Back Injuries
For those with less severe lower back injuries, rest and gentle stretching may be enough to use your symptoms and help you get back to your life. However, for those with more serious lower back injuries, additional treatment options may be appropriate. Some examples of these potential treatments could include:
- Ongoing occupational and physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications and over-the-counter painkillers
- Muscle relaxants and other prescription drugs
- Regular chiropractic care
- Use of a back brace
Your healthcare providers may refer you to a spinal surgeon for evaluation. Some fractures, spinal cord injuries, and herniated discs may require surgical intervention. You may need to join local support groups or see a mental health counselor who can help you cope emotionally with the physical and lasting implications of your lower back injuries.
What Accidents Commonly Cause Lower Back Injuries?
Nearly any accident could cause catastrophic lower back injuries. Some of the most common types of accidents known for producing debilitating back injuries include:
These are just a few incidents and events that can potentially cause critical lower back injuries. If you were involved in another type of accident we did not include, you may still have the right to compensation for your injuries and damages. Do not hesitate to contact our team to learn how we can advocate for you.
Proving Your Back Injury Was Caused by an Accident
To prove the accident you were involved in caused your lower back injuries, your attorney will need valuable supporting evidence. The burden of proof in personal injury claims is based on a preponderance of evidence, which means you need compelling evidence.
Some examples of such evidence could include:
- Photos of your lower back injuries
- Medical records, including surgical forms and photos
- Incident reports
- Testimony from your healthcare providers
- Expert testimony
- Witness statements
- Video of the incident
- Police and crash reports
Compensation for Lower Back Injuries
When someone else’s negligence causes your lower back injuries, they can be held accountable. You have the right to be made whole if another party is liable for your damages.
This does not only include restitution for your economic losses but your non-economic damages as well. Some examples of the compensatory damages that may be available for a lower back injury include:
- Loss of income
- Physical chronic pain
- Emotional suffering and stress
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of employee and wage-related benefits
- Loss of consortium
- Disfiguring skin scar injuries
- Diminished quality of life
- Total coverage of your medical expenses both now and in the future
Understanding Illinois’ Comparative Negligence Law
It is important to note that your injury settlement could be reduced if you share the blame for your injuries. Illinois follows a comparative negligence system that allows victims to share up to 50% of the responsibility for their injuries and still recover compensation for the damages. However, sharing fault will reduce your settlement in proportion to your percentage of the blame.
For example, if you were hurt in a car accident while you didn’t have your seat belt on, the judge might determine you are 10% liable for your injuries. Your settlement will be reduced by 10% accordingly. Having your personal injury attorney assess fault accurately will protect your settlement and avoid unfounded accusations of shared liability.
How a Chicago Lower Back Injury Lawyer Can Help
A serious back injury can impact every aspect of your life. While you focus on healing, let Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. take care of the legal process. Our experienced team will:
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Investigate the cause of your accident
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Gather the evidence needed to prove fault and damages
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Identify all liable parties
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Handle communication with insurance companies
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Negotiate for a fair settlement
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Take your case to trial if necessary
We won’t settle for less than you deserve. If a negligent party caused your injury, we’ll hold them accountable.
Speak with a Lower Back Injury Lawyer in Chicago Today
If you’re suffering from back pain after an accident, don’t wait to take legal action. You may be entitled to compensation, and time is critical when it comes to building your claim.
Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve injury victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Let us help you move forward with strength and support.
