Broken Back

Suffering from a broken back can be a devastating injury not just due to the inability to move, but also because the healing process can be lengthy. Most often it is trauma that causes an individual vertebrae in the back of the spinal column to become fractured or dislocated.

A broken back may also be referred to as a vertical compression fracture and according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons approximately 750,000 people suffer annually from a broken back. If left untreated a broken back could result in further injuries such as spinal cord damage, partial paralysis, and permanent back issues.

For spinal fractures there are three particular classifications, which are:

Dislocations – When ligaments or the discs connecting two vertebrae are stretched or split, it can cause vertebrae to come out of alignment.

Fractures occur when the vertebrae actually breaks due to too much pressure, the force of the pressure actually shatters and collapses the body of the back bones.

Fractured Dislocations – This type of injury combines broken bones and torn ligaments in the back, most often it is an injury that has to be surgically repaired.

If you or anyone you know has suffered from a broken back due to the negligence of others, that person may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our personal injury lawyers are highly skilled in handling personal injury claims and could help you.

To receive a free case review, simply fill out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form to your right – it’s at no-obligation and completely confidential.

Causes of a Broken Back

It is not simply any type of trauma that can cause a broken back as there are several triggers that can lead to this type of injury. Some common types of accidents that can lead to a broken back are:

Slip and Falls
The elderly are more susceptible to suffering from slip and fall accidents due to poor reflexes and weakened muscles. According to the Center for Disease Control 1 out of 3 adults over the age of 65 will suffer from a fall each year. It was also reported that in 2.3 million fall injuries among the elderly were treated in emergency rooms in 2010. Slip and falls may occur at home or locations with wet floors, uneven walkways, and other hazards.

Workplace Accidents
A recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that more than 180,000 back injuries occurred in the workplace in 2011. In particular, the following occupations had the highest back injury rates:

• Janitors & Cleaners
• Nurses, Orderlies & Aides
• Tractor-trailer and heavy truck drivers

Those who work in construction or other hazardous workplaces may also experience falls that lead to a broken back.

Car Accidents
Back injuries are common in car crashes as victims will experience severe forward and back motions. In 2010 more than 210,000 car crashes were reported in Florida and nearly 20% occurred in Palm Beach, Martin, and Broward County. Persons wearing a seatbelt are still at risk of suffering from a broken back after a car accident.

Symptoms of a Broken Back

If you or a loved one has suffered from a back injury it could be a fractured vertebra and they should seek medical assistance. Typical broken back symptoms include:

• Sudden or severe back pain
• Back Tenderness
• Pain escalating when standing or walking
• Spine deformity
• Difficulty doing everyday activities like bending over to pick something up or lifting heavy items

Although a broken back is treatable, in severe cases the pain may even continue after the fracture has fully healed.

Broken Back Treatments

If caught early enough a broken back may be treatable although the process is sometimes lengthy. Most commonly doctors will use back braces to immobilize the back until the fracture heals, in some cases surgery may be needed to fix the fracture or remove pieces of broken bone to prevent further damage.

Physical therapy and chiropractic care is usually recommended after the fracture has fully healed. The entire healing process could take a few months and potentially up to a year in more extreme cases. Some people do feel that they never fully heal though.

Contact our Personal injury attorneys Today

Our lawyers understand how difficult it can be deal with a broken back and we believe that those who suffered from an accident due to the negligence of others deserve justice. Gordon & Partners has been providing legal counsel to clients for years and our lawyers have more than 180 years of combined legal experience.

We have offices located throughout Martin, Broward and Palm Beach County and are proud to serve the following cities:

• Stuart
• Jupiter
• Palm Beach Gardens
• Boynton Beach
• Boca Raton
• Pembroke Pines
• …and many more surrounding neighborhoods

Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can assist you through the entire litigation process. Contact us at 1 (855) 722-2552 and our staff members will connect you personally with one of our knowledgeable lawyers to discuss your personal injury claim.

You may also contact us online by filing out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW’ form at the top right hand corner of this page – it’s 100% free and confidential.