West Palm Beach Back Injury Lawyer
Back injuries may develop suddenly as the result of a trauma, or over time due to repeated strain. Either way, a back injury can lead to chronic pain, limited movement, and other negative effects on your daily life. And while some back injuries are simply an unavoidable consequence of life, in many cases they are the result of an accident caused by third-party negligence.
A skilled West Palm Beach back injury lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for your medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs and long-term damages. Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather is a team of experienced Florida personal injury litigators with an extensive track record in helping our clients obtain results. We can represent you in negotiating a fair settlement for your back injury–or if necessary present your case to a judge and jury.
Common Types of Back Injuries Caused by Negligence
Any type of accident can lead to a back injury. Two of the more common scenarios we see in our practice are motor vehicle accidents and slip and falls. It is also important to note there are many different types of back injuries. Here are just a few examples:
- Fractures. The spine consists of a number of vertebrae. Like any bones, the vertebrae can fracture due to a sudden impact, such as that caused by a car crash. While some fractures will heal with time and treatment, others may cause permanent damage to the spinal cord and lead to paralysis.
- Herniated discs. The back also includes a number of “discs” that cushion the vertebrae. A slip and fall or car accident can cause one or more of these discs to move out of position. This is known as a herniated disc and can lead to a number of chronic health issues.
- Thoracic spine injuries. The thoracic spine is the middle section of your spine and consists of 12 vertebrae. Car accidents often damage the thoracic spine, which can cause severe back pain.
- Lumbar spine injuries. The lumbar consists of the five largest vertebrae located in the lower back. Injuries to your lower back can produce not only severe pain, but also weakness in the lower body and even paralysis.
Back injuries are often among the more complicated types of personal injury claims to resolve. One reason for this is that back injuries can be difficult to initially diagnose. Victims often experience the symptoms of back injuries–notably chronic pain–even when there is no direct evidence of a fractured vertebrae.
Back injuries also tend not to resolve quickly. A victim may require months–even years–of medical care and rehabilitation. They may also face a significant reduction of their income if they are unable to return to their pre-injury occupation full-time. All of these losses must be accounted for when negotiating a settlement or proving a claim for damages in court.
Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Today
If you can prove that someone else’s negligence caused your back injury, you can seek damages not only for your medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs, but also your ongoing pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Our West Palm Beach back injury lawyers can review your case and advise you of your options. Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to schedule an initial case evaluation.
