A spinal fracture can occur when there is trauma to the spine that causes a break in the vertebra of the neck and back. This can happen in a variety of ways including being in a car accident or from a slip and fall. Spinal fractures may not cause instant pain, so you may not be aware that you are injured. Not being diagnosed properly can sometimes lead to long-term complications and permanent disability. If you have been injured in an accident, seek immediate medical attention and consult with an experienced back injury attorney for legal guidance. 
Symptoms of a Spinal Fracture
Spinal fractures can range from mild to severe depending on the force of the impact. The trauma can injure the spinal cord and cause a break in the vertebra of the neck and back as well as damage the surrounding nerves.
While many spinal fractures don’t cause immediate pain, there can be other symptoms in the arms and legs such as:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Radiating pain
- Paralysis
In addition, a spinal fracture may make it difficult to walk or move normally or cause bladder or bowel issues. If you do not seek medical help for a spinal fracture and leave it untreated, it can cause permanent neurological damage or result in chronic pain.
Treating and Living With a Spinal Fracture
After an accident, it is important to seek medical attention for any injuries you may have even if you don’t experience pain. A physician can order imaging tests such as an X-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI to diagnose a spinal fracture that occurs in the back and neck:
- A cervical spine fracture involves the vertebra in the neck. These type of fractures can be fatal.
- A thoracic fracture involves the mid-back area of the spine.
- A lumbar fracture involves the lower back area of the spine.
- A spinal compression fracture happens when the vertebra collapse and put pressure on a nerve.
- A spinal fracture dislocation occurs when one vertebra slips off the one next to it and causes instability in the spine.
Once diagnosed, treatment options will be recommended based on the location and severity of the fracture. Some treatments may include:
- Injections of a cementing-agent to hold the fracture together and promote healing or epidural injections to help reduce pain
- Surgical decompression by manipulating the spine to relieve pressure on the affected nerves
- A back or neck brace, used for up to 12 weeks, to keep your spine immobilized in order to prevent further injury while healing
- Surgery to fuse the damaged vertebra after a severe fracture
A spinal fracture can lead to lifelong problems such as chronic pain and disability. You may have ongoing medical treatments, require hospitalizations, and need care. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may need to make modifications to your home or vehicle. Living with a spinal fracture can be painful and costly.
Potential Spinal Fracture Injury Damages
If you suffered a spinal fracture due to another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages such as:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Medical equipment
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
If you were involved in a car accident that resulted in a spinal fracture, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help with your case by:
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene
- Investigating what happened to determine liability
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Calculating damages to ensure you get a fair settlement
- Representing you at trial, if the case goes to court
Contact Browning Law Firm
If you have been injured in an accident or a fall in Florida and sustained a fracture to your spine, contact Browning Law Firm today for a free, no obligation consultation. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form, or call us today.
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