New Orleans Back & Spine Injury Lawyer
The back is the single most likely part of the body to be seriously injured in most jobs. Repetitive lifting, particularly from a bent-over or while making a twisting movement, causes micro-tears in muscle, ligaments, and tendons that can lead to arthritis and other long-term chronic injuries. More traumatic impacts can lead to fractures in the neck or back, which risk damaging the spinal cord. No matter what type of on-the-job back and spine injury you are dealing with, an attorney can help you file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance carrier. In some cases, a personal injury claim may also be relevant and necessary to secure the compensation you deserve. Our New Orleans back & spine injury lawyer at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC understand the pain and difficulties you are facing, and will do everything in our power to ensure full compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.
Fractures and Spinal Cord Injuries
The most dangerous type of back and spine injury is a fracture to a vertebrae. The higher up on the spine, the more serious the consequences. A fracture of C-1 to C-5 in the neck that lacerates the spinal cord can cause complete paralysis, and often result in death. Spinal cord trauma lower down on the body can still result in quadriplegia or paraplegia, which will be a permanent condition if the spinal cord injury is “complete,” meaning the nerve was fully lacerated. Fractures that do not lead to spinal cord damage are still serious. The patient often requires surgery and months off the job. Furthermore, a spinal fracture can leave the patient with chronic pain, immobility, and weakness, even when the spinal cord is not damaged.
Disc Injuries
The spine is made of vertebrae (bone) and rubbery discs that sit in between. Discs are essentially shock absorbers, and are filled with a thick fluid to help absorb compressive shocks. Alongside the vertebrae and discs runs the spinal cord, which sends signals from the brain to the rest of the body. If a disc becomes injured, it essentially presses outward from its correct position onto the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, numbness, and immobility. Degenerative disc injuries can occur over a long period of time, or they can occur from one traumatic event.
- Bulging Disc—A bulging disc is a disc that is pressing out of its correct position, but has not yet burst.
- Herniated Disc—A herniated disc is a disc that has ruptured, and is pushing into the spinal canal.
Both bulging and herniated discs can cause excruciating pain and weakness. Surgery is an option, though it is risky and does not always solve the problem.
Other Soft Tissue Back and Spine Injuries
- Muscle tears and strains
- Sprained or strained tendons or ligaments
- Arthritis
- Whiplash (of the neck)
- Spinal degeneration
Contact a New Orleans Back and Spine Injury Lawyer
Serious back and spine trauma often occurs in vehicle collisions, falls, lifting heavy objects, and being struck by objects. But back injuries can also stem simply from sitting in the wrong position for too long. Regardless of the specific injury you are dealing with, it is in your best interest for a New Orleans back and spine injury lawyer to assess your case. Call Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today at 601-488-3975 to schedule a free consultation.
