Neck Injuries – Whiplash
Neck Injury Attorney: Cleveland
Neck injuries can occur in many ways, and they can vary greatly in terms of severity. Some neck injuries result from muscle strain due to repetitive or overuse, while other neck injuries are traumatic and can be caused by serious car accidents or falls.
If you suffer a neck injury, it can be difficult or even impossible to go to work, and you could face substantial medical bills. If someone else is responsible for your neck injury, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. If your injury occurred on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
As a Cleveland personal injury lawyer, I have many years of experience representing clients in various types of injury claims. If you call me today, we can begin working on your neck injury case. I will do everything I can to help you recover lost wages, as well as compensation for current and future medical bills.
If you’ve suffered a neck injury due to medical malpractice, car accident, or work-related tasks, you need a personal injury attorney with vast experience and financial resources to take on even the biggest corporations!
Call me today for your free consultation, I’ll give you my direct dial cell phone number, and I’ll Make Them Pay!® Remember, you will not pay any legal fees out of pocket!
What Is A Neck Injury?
The neck has many different parts, and any of them can be injured. The following information reviews all of the parts of your neck that can be injured by repetitive use or strain, as well as in traumatic incidents:
Muscles: A neck injury can lead to muscle strain or spasms in the neck region, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. The muscles may become tender to the touch and may exhibit weakness or fatigue due to the injury.
Bones: In severe cases, a neck injury can result in fractures or dislocation of the cervical vertebrae. This can lead to instability in the neck and potential damage to the spinal cord, which may cause paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site.
Joints: The neck consists of several joints, including the atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints. A neck injury can cause inflammation or damage to these joints, resulting in pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty in turning or tilting the head.
Tendons: Tendons are the tough bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. In a neck injury, tendons in the neck can be strained or torn, causing pain, weakness, and difficulty in moving the neck. This can impact everyday activities and range of motion.
Ligaments: Ligaments provide stability to the neck by connecting bones to bones. When the neck is injured, ligaments may become sprained or torn, leading to instability and pain. This may cause difficulty supporting the weight of the head or maintaining proper posture.
Nerves: The neck houses important nerves that transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body. A neck injury, such as a herniated disc or compression of nerves, can cause symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.
In many cases, neck pain may also result from an injury to nearby areas of the body, such as a shoulder injury, jaw injury, head injury, or upper arm injury. If you’ve suffered a neck injury, call me to discuss your personal injury case.
Common Neck Injuries
When you experience neck, shoulder, or head pain after an accident, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor. Personal injury lawyers will advise this is not only a benefit to your health and recovery, but these records are important to your case. The following are among the most common types of neck injuries:
Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury commonly caused by a sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, resembling the cracking of a whip. It can result in damage to the soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and restricted neck mobility.
Spinal Cord Injury: Damage to the spinal cord can affect the crucial bundle of nerves running through the vertebrae. In the neck, such an injury can lead to varying degrees of sensory loss, paralysis, or weakness in the limbs and other body parts. Severe spinal cord injuries in the neck can result in complete tetraplegia, affecting all four limbs and potentially impacting bladder and bowel control as well as respiratory function.
Vertebrae Fractures: Fractures in the vertebrae of the neck can occur due to high-impact accidents or falls. These fractures can range from minor cracks to more severe breaks that may lead to spinal cord compression or instability. Symptoms can include localized pain, difficulty moving the neck, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, loss of sensation or motor function below the fracture site.
Disk Injury: A disk injury refers to damage or herniation of the intervertebral discs in the neck. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and when injured, they can cause pain, stiffness, and limited neck mobility. Herniated discs may also compress nearby nerves, resulting in radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.
Repetitive Strain Injuries: Strain injuries in the neck are typically caused by repetitive movements, poor posture, or prolonged stress on the neck muscles and tissues. Symptoms can range from neck pain, stiffness, and muscle fatigue to radiating pain, numbness, or tingling sensations. These injuries often occur in individuals who engage in activities like prolonged computer use, repetitive lifting, or jobs that require sustained neck positions.
Causes Of Personal Injury: Neck Injuries
Automobile Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions, especially rear-end accidents, are a leading cause of neck injuries. The sudden jolting motion and impact can result in whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and fractures.
Sports and Physical Activities: Certain sports and physical activities can put strain on the neck, increasing the risk of injury. Contact sports like football, rugby, and hockey, can cause neck injuries. If proper safety precautions were not exhibited while you were competing, it may indicate negligence and you may have a personal injury claim.
Work-related Tasks: Occupations that involve repetitive or prolonged neck movement, poor posture, or heavy lifting can contribute to neck injuries. Jobs that commonly lead to neck strain include those in construction, manufacturing, healthcare (e.g., nursing), and those that require prolonged computer or desk work.
Falls: Falls can result in sudden and forceful impact on the neck, leading to various neck injuries. Falls from heights, slips and trips, and work accidents may result in a severe neck injury.
Any issues with your neck may require extended periods of medical attention. If you believe your neck injury was due to someone else’s negligence, call me today and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Possible Lifestyle Changes
Limited Physical Activity: A serious neck injury may necessitate a reduction in physical activity or limitations on certain exercises and movement. High-impact or strenuous activities may need to be avoided to prevent further damage or exacerbation of symptoms.
Altered Work Routine: Depending on the severity and nature of the neck injury, a person may need to make changes to their work routine. This may involve modifying workspace ergonomics, taking breaks to rest the neck, or even transitioning to a new job or work-from-home opportunity that can accommodate the condition.
Pain Management Strategies: Chronic pain is a common consequence of a serious neck injury. Individuals may need to adopt various pain management strategies, such as taking prescribed medications, attending physical therapy sessions, or using heat or cold therapy.
Assistive Devices: In some cases, a serious neck injury may require the use of assistive devices to support the neck or facilitate daily activities. This can include neck braces, cervical collars, ergonomic pillows, or specialized equipment to minimize strain on the neck during tasks like lifting or carrying objects.
Emotional and Psychological Support: Dealing with a serious neck injury can take a toll on a person’s emotional well-being. Lifestyle changes may involve seeking emotional and psychological support, such as counseling or therapy, to manage stress, anxiety, or depression.
There are a lot of upfront costs associated with managing neck injuries in order to make your life more comfortable and to prevent further damage. I can help you obtain compensation for your injury! Call me today!
Neck Injuries On The Job
Construction Worker
Construction workers often perform tasks that involve repetitive neck movements, heavy lifting, and working in awkward positions. Constantly looking up or down, operating heavy machinery, or carrying heavy tools and materials can put strain on the neck, leading to potential neck injuries.
These injuries can cause significant pain, limit the worker’s ability to perform job duties, require medical treatment and rehabilitation, thus making the injured person eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Dentist
Dentists and dental hygienists spend long hours leaning over patients while performing dental procedures. This prolonged and sustained neck flexion, combined with the use of handheld tools and the need for precise positioning, can lead to chronic neck strain and potential neck injuries.
Dentists may file a workers’ compensation claim for a neck injury resulting from the repetitive and prolonged neck flexion required during dental procedures. These injuries can cause debilitating pain, impact the dentist’s ability to work, and require medical interventions.
Hairstylist
Hairstylists frequently work with their arms elevated, requiring them to tilt their heads and necks for extended periods. This sustained neck extension, combined with repetitive movements such as cutting, blow-drying, and styling hair, can contribute to neck strain and muscle imbalances.
This can cause chronic pain, limit the stylist’s ability to work, and necessitate medical treatment. We should talk about your options for worker’s compensation benefits.
Office Worker
Office workers who spend significant time sitting at a desk and using computers may develop poor posture. Incorrect alignment of the head, neck, and spine, along with prolonged periods of neck flexion or rotation, can lead to muscle tension, stiffness, and potential neck injuries.
These injuries can be very painful, often affecting productivity., They may also require medical attention, making them eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers often spend long hours on the road, frequently looking over their shoulder to check blind spots or deliver packages. The repetitive neck movements, coupled with the vibration and jolts from driving, can contribute to neck strain and potential injuries, especially in cases where drivers are involved in accidents or sudden stops.
A delivery driver may file a workers’ compensation claim for a neck injury resulting from the physical demands and risks associated with the job.
Workers’ compensation claims can be complex cases. Often times, the ability to earn a living may be in jeopardy. With decades of experience as a personal injury lawyer, I am here to help you with your workers’ compensation claim! Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!® Remember, there is no out of pocket fee to manage you claim.
Call Me for Assistance with Your Neck Injury Case
If you were involved in a serious accident and suffered a neck injury, it is essential to find out more about your options for seeking compensation. As an experienced Cleveland accident attorney, I routinely assist injury victims with catastrophic and serious injury claims resulting from a wide variety of accidents.
While some neck injuries are relatively minor and allow an injury victim to recover, other neck injuries can result in permanent disabilities. If someone else was responsible for your neck injury. I want to help you seek the financial compensation you deserve. Call to learn more about how I can help. I’ll Make Them Pay!®