A broken neck is a serious and often catastrophic injury that involves a fracture in one or more of the seven vertebrae that make up the cervical spine. As the cervical spine connects to the brainstem and controls important bodily functions, any damage to it (even a hairline break) can cause partial or complete paralysis, cause chronic pain, or lead to severe nerve damage.
Not every neck fracture leads to such long-term disabilities, but many do. And in the most severe cases, they can be fatal. Recovery for even a “minor” injury to the neck can, therefore, be long and uncertain, with no guarantee of returning to your life as it used to be.
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Common Causes of Neck Fractures
Broken necks are typically the result of serious accidents involving sudden, high-impact physical trauma.
Some of the most common of these are as follows:
- Vehicle Accidents: Sudden, violent forces during a truck, bicycle, or car crash can cause the head and neck to jerk in unnatural ways, causing damage
- Falls: Slipping on or dropping from ladders, stairs, or other elevated areas are each major causes of cervical fractures, especially for older adults
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports (football, wrestling, gymnastics) carry a risk of neck injuries, particularly given the chance of blows to the head and landing in a bad way
- Assaults: Acts of violence, such as being struck in the head or neck, can lead to debilitating spinal injuries
- Workplace Accidents: Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial environments often involve risks that can lead to falls or impacts that cause cervical fractures
The above scenarios often aren’t just unfortunate accidents; each stems from someone else’s carelessness, unsafe conditions, or a failure to follow safety protocols. As such, understanding the cause of your injury serves as the starting point to figuring out who’s legally responsible. In other words, it becomes the foundation of a personal injury claim.
Symptoms That May Point to a Broken Neck
Signs of a broken neck vary depending on the severity and location of the break. Some people may lose their ability to move altogether, while others may only experience pain or stiffness.
Nevertheless, any of the following signs after an accident could indicate a cervical fracture:
- Intense neck pain
- Inability to move your arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Even if the signs seem minor at first, it’s important to get checked at the hospital immediately following any trauma that involves the neck or head; putting off treatment only serves to make the outcome worse.
Long-Term Impacts
A broken neck doesn’t just affect the spine; it’s capable of altering nearly every aspect of your life, both physically and emotionally, in the following ways:
- Paralysis: Damage to the spine can cause partial or full paralysis, affecting both the upper and lower body
- Chronic Pain: Even with successful treatment, ongoing pain is common, and it can lead to a long-term need for pain medication or physical therapy
- Limited Mobility: Many people experience a reduced range of motion in their necks, which can impact the majority of their daily routines
- Dependency on Others: In more severe cases, patients may require long-term care or assistance with basic tasks
- Mental Health Struggles: The trauma of the injury, combined with life changes afterward, often leads to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder
The true weight of a neck fracture often reveals itself over time; it may not always be visible, but it is nonetheless very real and deserves to be acknowledged.
The Financial Burden
Beyond the medical and emotional consequences, a broken neck can put tremendous financial strain on patients and their families.
Expenses often include some combination of the following:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Rehab
- Physical therapy
- Home health aides
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Modifications to vehicles or homes
In many cases, these costs continue for years. And not helping matters is that health insurance often doesn’t cover all of these costs, especially long-term care or specialized equipment.
Seeking Compensation for Financial Losses
The good news is that filing a personal injury claim can help cover the costs of such a serious injury.
Depending on the circumstances, payment may be available for the following:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death (can be filed by the person’s family)
However, as alluded to earlier, figuring out who’s at fault for your broken neck is critical to ensuring you can receive the compensation you deserve. That means collecting evidence, digging into accident reports, talking with doctors, and building the case with help from people who know how to do it right.
Contact the Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
The effects of a broken neck don’t end after your hospital stay; they can follow you for the rest of your life. If you or a loved one has suffered a neck fracture due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your rights can make all the difference.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for fair compensation and hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore personal injury attorney. Call us at (410) 469-9349.
