Learn how to maximize your compensation after a severe musculoskeletal injury from a car accident or slip and fall caused by someone else’s negligence in Columbia
Car accidents and falls often conjure images of dramatic, life-threatening injuries, like spinal cord paralysis or severe brain damage. While these injuries are certainly among the most serious, another category of injuries shouldn’t be overlooked: musculoskeletal injuries.
Often underestimated in their initial stages, these injuries can have a profound and long-lasting impact on your life. From chronic pain and limited mobility to lost wages and emotional distress, musculoskeletal injuries can significantly disrupt your daily routines and overall well-being.
This article delves deep into the seriousness of musculoskeletal injuries sustained in South Carolina accidents. We’ll explore the various types of injuries, their potential long-term effects, and the importance of seeking proper medical attention to protect your health as well as your rights if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
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What are musculoskeletal injuries?
Musculoskeletal injuries are injuries that affect the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. These injuries can result from acute trauma, repetitive strain, or overuse and can lead to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
Did you know?
Musculoskeletal injuries are extremely common. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), musculoskeletal conditions are the number one cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 1.71 billion people, with low back pain being the top contributor in about 160 countries.
Can a car accident cause musculoskeletal pain?
Yes, a car accident can absolutely cause musculoskeletal pain, especially work-related vehicle accidents involving large commercial trucks.
The sudden impact and force exerted during such collisions can lead to various injuries affecting the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. These injuries can range from mild neck pain to serious back and spinal cord injuries that have long-term implications for a person’s mobility and quality of life.
It’s important to note that musculoskeletal injuries sustained in a car accident or slip and fall are not always immediately apparent. This can be due to a number of factors, including:
- Delayed onset of symptoms. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and symptoms immediately after an accident. It may take hours, days, or even weeks for the full extent of an injury to become noticeable as the initial shock wears off.
- Gradual development. Some injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not cause immediate pain but can gradually develop into more severe symptoms over time as inflammation and muscle stiffness set in.
- Cumulative stress. The stress and strain from an accident may initially cause only mild discomfort, but repeated use of the affected area can exacerbate the injury, leading to more significant pain and dysfunction later.
- Hidden injuries. Internal injuries, such as ligament tears, might not be visible or felt right away but can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Compensatory pain. The body may compensate for the injured area, causing additional strain on other muscles and joints, which can lead to secondary injuries and pain that only becomes apparent over time.
Given these factors, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation after an accident, even if you feel fine initially.
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What musculoskeletal injuries are most common after a car accident or slip and fall?
Some of the most common musculoskeletal injuries after a car accident or a slip and fall incident include the following:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and shoulder pain.
- Back injuries. Back injuries involve damage to the spine, muscles, or ligaments in the back. Symptoms can include lower back pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion.
- Shoulder injuries. Shoulder injuries can include dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and bursitis. Symptoms often include shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty lifting the arm.
- Sprains and strains. Sprains are injuries to ligaments, and strains are injuries to muscles or tendons. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility in the affected joint or muscle.
- Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often involving tears or inflammation. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.
- Fractures. Fractures are broken bones that can occur in any part of the body but are common in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the affected area.
- Herniated discs. A herniated disc occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine are damaged or displaced. Symptoms include back pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs.
- Knee injuries. Knee injuries may involve ligament tears (such as ACL or MCL), meniscus tears, and patellar dislocation. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking.
- Wrist and hand injuries. Wrist and hand injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and strains, often result from bracing during a fall. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced hand function.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident or slip and fall, seeking prompt medical attention is essential to address any potential injuries and prevent long-term complications.
How long can a musculoskeletal injury last?
Generally speaking, the duration of a musculoskeletal injury can vary widely depending on the severity and type of injury:
- Mild injuries, such as minor sprains and strains, may heal within a few weeks with appropriate rest and treatment.
- Moderate injuries, such as fractures or more significant sprains, can take several weeks to a few months to fully recover.
- Severe musculoskeletal injuries involving multiple fractures, significant soft tissue damage, or spinal cord damage can require months of rehabilitation and could potentially lead to permanent disability if not properly treated or if the damage is extensive.
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How do you diagnose a musculoskeletal injury?
Diagnosing a musculoskeletal injury involves taking a detailed medical history to understand the onset, nature, and context of the injury, followed by a thorough physical examination to assess pain, swelling, range of motion, and function of the affected area.
The doctor may also use diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to visualize the bones, joints, and soft tissues for any abnormalities. Additional tests like ultrasounds or bone scans might be used to evaluate specific conditions. Combining these methods helps in accurately identifying the type and severity of the injury to guide appropriate treatment.
Because directly linking any injuries to your accident is crucial for a successful personal injury claim, it’s important that you seek a medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible after an accident. Also, be sure that you inform the health care provider of the cause of your injury so it’s documented.
How much can you get for back pain in a car accident?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much compensation you can get for back pain from a car accident. The settlement amount depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Severity of your back pain. This is a major factor. Was it a minor strain that resolved quickly, or a serious herniated disc requiring surgery? Medical records documenting the injury and treatment are crucial.
- Impact on your daily life. Did the back pain cause you to miss work or limit your activities? The more your life is impacted, the higher the potential settlement.
- Treatment costs. Medical bills associated with treating your back pain, including doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, or surgery, will all be considered.
- Future medical needs. If your back pain is expected to be long-term or require ongoing treatment, this will also be factored in.
- Lost wages. If you missed work due to your back pain, lost wages (past and future) can be included in the settlement.
- Pain and suffering. This is a more subjective element, but the emotional and physical distress caused by your back pain can also be considered when determining compensation.
In minor cases, settlements might be a few thousand dollars. For more severe injuries, compensation can go into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if the injury results in long-term disability or requires extensive medical treatment.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand the types of damages available to you and the potential value of your claim based on the specifics of your case.
Suffering from chronic back pain or another musculoskeletal injury after an accident in Columbia? We can help!
If you’re dealing with chronic back pain or another musculoskeletal injury after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in South Carolina, the skilled Columbia personal injury attorneys at Chappell, Chappell and Newman are here to assist you.
Our dedicated team will thoroughly investigate your case, gather crucial evidence to prove the other party’s liability, and work with medical experts to build a strong claim. We will handle all negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our goal is to provide you with compassionate support and knowledgeable legal guidance to help you secure the best possible outcome for your recovery and future.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
References
World Health Organization. (2022, July 14). Musculoskeletal health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions