You can tell your back injury is serious if you experience severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest, numbness or tingling in your limbs, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
If you’re concerned about the severity of your injury, a Charlotte spinal cord injury lawyer from our firm can help guide you through your legal options and help you seek damages if someone else’s carelessness or recklessness caused your injury.
You can learn more during a free consultation.
Understanding the Severity and Potential Risks of Back Injuries
Back injuries can range from mild discomfort to serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention. It is important to recognize the severity of your injury so you can receive the appropriate treatment for it.
If you’ve been in an accident or experienced a sudden strain, knowing the signs of a serious back injury can help you make informed decisions about your health and legal options.
Common signs that a back injury can be serious are:
- Severe pain: Intense, persistent pain in the back that does not subside with rest could signal a serious injury such as a herniated disc or fracture.
- Numbness or tingling: If you experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your legs or feet, it could be a sign of nerve damage. You should have a professional evaluate this immediately.
- Weakness: Unexplained weakness or loss of mobility in your legs or arms is a serious symptom that may suggest a spinal injury.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: This could be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.
- Visible deformity: If your back appears misshapen or you have visible bruising or swelling, it could indicate a fracture or another severe injury.
Examples of Back Injuries That Could Be Serious
If you’re dealing with a back injury, certain types can be more serious than others. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of these injuries so you can seek the appropriate treatment.
Here are a few examples of back injuries that could be more serious:
- Herniated discs: A herniated disc can cause severe pain and lead to nerve damage.
- Spinal fractures: Serious fractures often require surgery and may lead to permanent disability.
- Whiplash: Although often seen as a minor injury, whiplash can lead to long-term pain and complications.
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When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Back Pain
Even if the pain is not severe, some back injuries can worsen over time, making it critical to seek early intervention. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:
- Pain that continues for more than a few days without improvement
- Any loss of function, such as the inability to walk or lift your legs
- Pain that radiates down your legs or extends below the knees
- A history of accidents that could have caused a spinal injury
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel functions
How to Self-Assess the Severity of Your Injury
While a doctor should always evaluate a back injury, here are a few ways to self-assess if you should seek medical attention:
- Evaluate pain level: If the pain is constant and intense, it might indicate a serious injury.
- Check for movement restriction: Try simple movements such as bending or twisting your back. Difficulty with these movements may indicate a more serious problem.
- Monitor changes in sensation or strength: Any changes in your ability to move or feel sensation in your limbs could point to nerve involvement.
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We Handle Various Cases Involving Serious Back Injuries
Understanding the cause of your injury is important for your medical treatment and legal claim. We handle various incidents that can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Car accidents: Sudden impacts can cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and other back-related issues.
- Falls: Falling from a height or slipping can lead to fractures, sprains, or soft tissue injuries.
- Workplace accidents: Lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive motions at work can contribute to long-term back problems and musculoskeletal issues.
- Sports injuries: High-impact or contact sports can result in severe back injuries, including fractures, strains, or muscle tears.
Each injury requires careful attention and proper medical care, as well as experienced legal support to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Our Lawyers Will Seek Compensation for Your Injuries
If someone else’s negligence caused your back injury, our personal injury lawyers in Charlotte will work on your behalf to recover financial awards for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses.
We offer all the following when we lead your case:
- Thorough investigation: Our team will investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.
- Negotiating settlements: We work with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Court representation: If necessary, we will prepare your case for trial. We also will file your lawsuit by the state’s statute of limitations deadline, as North Carolina gives you just three years from the accident date to sue for damages, per G.S. § 1-52.
Call Us Today for Legal Help With a Serious Back Injury
You must pay attention to the symptoms you are experiencing before you’re able to tell if your back injury is serious. Even if you think the pain you’re feeling is minor, you should seek medical treatment right away.
The legal team at DeMayo Law Offices can help you pursue justice and compensation for severe injuries caused by negligence. Whether your case is big or small, Your North Carolina Law Firm™ will fight for justice for you.
Contact us for a free case review, and let us help you.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
