Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that back injuries are the most prominent work-related musculoskeletal injury in the United States workforce. Back injuries are also one of the most common injuries individuals suffer in accidents such as motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall cases. Back injuries are painful, debilitating, and can put you out of work and interrupt your daily life, making even minor tasks challenging.
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., our personal injury lawyers have helped accident victims in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding counties find legal solutions to their situation. We understand how back injuries can impact you and your family, so we tailor our legal advice to meet your needs and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
If a back injury from an accident has put you on the sidelines, it is time to contact our office and arrange a confidential legal consultation. We take the time to review your situation and outline your legal rights.
Common Types of Back Injuries
Back injuries occur when trauma or damage affects the back’s structures, including the vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, spinal cord, or other nerves. The back gives us strength and stability. Injuries to this area are not only painful but can also cause numerous functional and mobility issues. Back injuries can be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature and severity of the damage.
Accidents can lead to numerous types of back problems, but some of the most common include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Herniated discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
Most people realize they have sustained a back injury due to pain or soreness in the back. Pain, tingling, or numbness can also radiate to other body regions, like the hands, legs, and feet. Other common symptoms of a back injury include:
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty moving
- Decreased range of motion
- Trouble breathing
- Muscle spasms
Severe back or spine injuries can also cause loss of sensation, loss of movement, and loss of bowel and bladder problems.
Causes of South Carolina Back Injuries and Cases We Handle
Back injuries are among the most common injuries in the U.S. The spine supports nearly the entire weight of your body. It is also a complex anatomical structure with bones, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and muscles all working together to control almost every type of movement you make. The back is also home to the spinal cord, a thick cord of nerves that serves as a super-highway of communication between your brain and the rest of your body. Violent accidents, falls, overuse, and workplace-related injuries can damage the vital structures in the back, causing pain and discomfort. Some back injuries can be so severe that they cause life-altering impairments and disabilities.
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., our personal injury attorneys have the skills necessary to manage complex back injury cases caused by the carelessness or neglectful actions of others. Our legal team can handle back injury cases stemming from:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Construction accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Dog attacks
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Swimming and diving injuries
If someone else’s careless actions or wrongdoing caused your back injury, we want to help you hold them accountable and seek meaningful compensation on your behalf.
Compensation Available for a Back Injury
When you are laid up due to a back injury, even small tasks can feel frustratingly challenging. Fighting for fair compensation for your injuries may not be something you can devote your undivided attention to after a traumatic accident. Insurers know this and count on your vulnerability to save them money, hoping you’ll accept a speedy settlement for pennies before you understand the severity of your injuries and their significant dollar value.
An attorney can manage your claim, outlining your options for pursuing maximum compensation depending on your injury and how it was caused. In workplace-related back injury cases, a workers’ compensation claim can be your best option for recovering the medical and financial benefits you need. Individuals involved in motor vehicle or premises liability accidents may pursue compensation through an insurance claim.
Finally, in some instances, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to hold careless parties accountable. Working with an attorney means you have someone with the knowledge and resources to help you manage the compensation process and choose the path with the chance at delivering the most favorable outcome possible for your circumstances.
In all cases, the value of the back injury claim varies based on the facts and severity of the injury. However, in most personal injury cases, victims can pursue money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Compensation options vary based on the unique circumstances of your situation. Get the answers you need by discussing your case with a personal injury attorney before accepting financial compensation from anyone.
South Carolina Statute of Limitations
You must speak with an attorney immediately to keep all available legal options open. Workers’ compensation cases are time-sensitive. You must notify your employer of your injury right away, and you have only two years to file a claim. Taking too long to act can prevent you from pursuing the benefits you need.
Personal injury lawsuits are also time-sensitive. Victims of accidents generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries. Filing after the legal deadline means the court can dismiss your case. You lose all negotiating leverage, and the court won’t hear your case.
Immediate legal representation keeps you ahead of deadlines and helps you build a stronger case. Waiting too long to discuss your situation can mean the loss of valuable evidence as memories fade or information and data are lost or destroyed.
Contact a Florence & Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Today
The dedicated legal team at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., has been fighting for the rights of South Carolina accident victims for over 120 years. We have a long history and impeccable reputation for protecting our clients. If you suffered a back injury following an accident, we are ready to help.
Contact one of our offices today and request a confidential legal consultation.