Compensation For Back And Neck Injuries
Last updated on October 22, 2026
From herniated discs to shattered spinal cords, even those back and neck injuries that are considered relatively minor can be life-changing. The most severe injury can result in paraplegia and quadriplegia. If these injuries were caused by negligence, you can pursue compensation.
Take A Positive First Step
Have you or a loved one suffered a neck or back injury because of a motor vehicle accident, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse or any other act of negligence? A positive first step is to get in touch with a quality personal injury attorney as soon as possible to find out about your rights. At the law office of R. Steve Bowden & Associates, we have decades of experience that we will use to protect your rights and help you get compensation. Contact our North Carolina spine injury lawyers for a free initial consultation.
Spinal Cord Injuries: What To Know
Spinal cord injuries encompass all kinds of damage to the spinal cord. Damage to the nerves at the end of the spinal cord are also considered spinal cord injuries. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common symptoms of spinal cord injuries include:
- Paraplegia and quadriplegia
- Loss of sensation or movement
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Persistent or sudden pain
- Loss of sexual function
There are a few symptoms that could indicate an emergency: for instance, extreme back pain, loss of sensation in the hands and feet, trouble breathing, and warped neck or back. You should always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel fine. Spinal cord injuries may take several weeks to manifest. There is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina and a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. So, remember, act quickly.
Recognizing Herniated Disc Symptoms After An Accident
A herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, often occurs due to the sudden physical trauma associated with motor vehicle crashes or workplace accidents. In a car collision, the forceful impact can cause the spinal vertebrae to compress or shift, forcing the soft inner gel of a spinal disc through a tear in its tougher exterior. Similarly, workplace accidents stemming from heavy lifting, repetitive motion or falls from heights can place stress on the spine, leading to acute disc herniation.
From a legal and medical perspective, establishing this direct causal link between the accident and the spinal injury is crucial for securing compensation and long-term rehabilitation. The symptoms of a herniated disc vary depending on the location of the injury but manifest as localized pain, numbness or a tingling “pins and needles” sensation. If the herniation occurs in the lower back, victims often experience sharp pain that radiates through the buttocks and down the legs.
Conversely, a herniated disc in the neck may result in shooting pain or muscle weakness in the shoulders and arms. Because the initial shock of an accident can mask these symptoms, it is vital for injured individuals to seek medical care immediately.
Understanding Sciatica And Its Connection To Spinal Trauma
Commonly originating in the lumbar region, sciatica involves severe pain that follows the sciatic nerve’s path as it branches through the hips and descends into the lower extremities. This condition is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, where the displaced disc material presses directly against the nerve root.
Individuals suffering from sciatica may experience a range of symptoms, including a constant ache on one side of the buttocks, sharp electric-shock sensations when moving and significant muscle weakness in the affected leg. Legal professionals often reference sciatica as proof of the seriousness of a spinal injury, since patients often need intensive physical therapy, epidural injections or surgery to ease the chronic nerve pressure.
Back And Neck Injuries May Require Surgical Treatment
Spinal cord injuries frequently require surgeries. For example, a ruptured disc may require a spinal fusion. When a person has a spinal fusion, the likelihood of additional ruptures taking place is increased significantly because of the loss of mobility that comes with the fusion. In other words, there may be further surgeries required in the future. Furthermore, spinal fusion and other surgeries can lead to failed back syndrome, which can cause permanent paralysis.
We Work With Medical Experts To Get You The Best Care
We often bring in medical experts for a variety of reasons. Not only does it help us understand the current medical condition, it helps us understand the possibility of future problems associated with the condition. This is critical, because we want to make certain that the compensation we get for you is sufficient to cover all costs associated with the injury, now and in the future. We want you to get the right compensation for your life-changing injury.
You Deserve an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side
Meeting your needs and getting you fair compensation is our goal at the law office of R. Steve Bowden & Associates. We will stand by your side from start to finish, doing everything we can to help you and your family. Contact our Greensboro neck injury lawyers for a free initial consultation. Want to speak to an attorney right away? Call 336-285-0925.
Home and hospital appointments are available.
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