Three Steps Toward Obtaining Compensation after a Serious Back Injury

 Posted on April 26, 2022 in Personal Injury

While many types of accidents can lead to serious injuries, back injuries can be especially dangerous. Injuries sustained to the spine, vertebrae, or other areas of the back can limit movement and cause an individual intense pain. These injuries can occur from doing home improvement projects around the house, playing a sport, partaking in heavy lifting, or other accidents. When an individual sustains a back injury due to another person’s negligence or malice, a victim can pursue compensation to cover any related costs. 

Understanding Serious Back Injuries 

Back injuries, especially to the lower back, are widespread. Many people sustain lower back injuries, such as sprains, resulting from moving heavy objects or even sleeping in the wrong position. Severe back injuries can be harder to identify, but they may cause lasting damage to the spine. Spinal cord injuries can lead to severe medical consequences. Symptoms that can indicate a severe back injury rather than a common sprain include:

• Persistent tenderness and pain
• Difficulty moving
• Muscle spasms around the spinal area
• Swelling 
• Radiated pain into other areas of the body

These symptoms may indicate serious back or spinal cord injuries, such as a herniated disk or fractured vertebrae. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis. If you or someone you know are experiencing any symptoms of a severe back injury, it is in your best interest to speak to a doctor immediately. 

Pursuing Compensation 

Similar to other types of personal injuries, compensation can be awarded if an accident, at the fault of another individual, caused a serious injury. For example, if you were in a car accident that was not your fault and you now suffer from chronic back pain, you could be awarded compensation to cover the costs of physical therapy or other treatments. Similarly, if you slipped or fell due to the negligence of a store or property owner, you could also seek compensation for any injuries that followed. 

The three-step process for pursuing compensation for a severe back injury includes:

• Obtaining Important Documents — The first step when seeking financial compensation following an injury is to get all the necessary documents to help win your case. These documents include any police or medical reports from the accident, medical records detailing the extent of your injury, financial logs of the money spent on treatment, and information explicitly showing the other party’s fault or negligence.  

• Filing a Claim — The next step is to file a personal injury claim in your corresponding county. Individuals can choose from 24 Illinois circuit courts to submit their complaints in Illinois.  

• Working With an Attorney — Once a complaint has been filed, the court will review the case to determine the next steps. Sometimes, the claim is accepted. Other times, it is moved to arbitration, or it is denied. The plaintiff should retain an attorney who can help guide them through any legal procedures during the court case.

Speak Directly to a DuPage County Personal Injury Attorney Today

Serious back injuries can lead to expensive medical treatments and other financial losses. If you sustained a severe injury due to an accident or negligence, the Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. could help. Our Wheaton personal injury attorney, David Clark, has years of experience working to obtain compensation for unjustly injured clients. Please reach us at 630-665-5678 today to schedule a free consultation with our office. 

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2375&ChapterID=67

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/back-injuries.html 

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries