Recovery from a back or neck injury can take weeks or even months. Back and neck injuries are often noticed later after the event that caused them because they can take longer than other injuries to manifest noticeable symptoms. You may be unaware you have a neck or back injury because the symptoms come and go sporadically.
If your back and neck injury is severe, you may have to get admitted to a hospital, which unfortunately will raise the cost of treatment and other damages. If you or a loved one has sustained a back and neck injury, you should reach out to a Bradenton back and neck injury lawyer to see what your legal options are.
Steps to Take After Suffering a Back and Neck Injury
The first thing you should be sure to do after suffering a back and neck injury is to seek medical attention. A doctor is the only individual who can determine the type of back and neck injury and its severity. Seeking treatment immediately helps prevent the injury from getting worse.
If the injury occurred due to someone else's negligence, you will need to show proof of damages. This is why having medical records of your injury is important. The medical records will help you show damages which is the fourth element of negligence. The first three are:
- Duty of Care
- Breach of Duty
- Causation
If your loved one or a friend has suffered any accident leading to back and neck injuries, call an ambulance. After seeking medical attention, the second step you should take is to contact a Bradenton back and neck injury lawyer.
A lawyer can help you determine if you can claim damages from the at-fault party. Florida is a no-fault state meaning your insurance company should cover your damages in an auto accident. Some injuries meet the serious injury threshold, which allows you to seek damages from the liable party.
The recovery from a back and neck injury is physically and emotionally taxing. A lawyer will ensure that you do not have to encounter the stress of dealing with liable parties and their insurance companies when in recovery. A lawyer will also provide you with answers to key questions you might have regarding your claim.
Suing for Damages After Sustaining a Back and Neck Injury
You can sue the liable party if their actions directly contributed to the accident that resulted in your back and neck injury. Some accidents that cause back and neck injuries are;
- Boating accidents
- Premises liability cases
- Slip and fall accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle and motorcycle accidents
There are numerous accidents that cause back and neck injuries. As long as there is a liable party even if it is the state, you can claim damages. Suing for back and neck injuries is possible if the cost of treatment has already exceeded personal injury protection limits. The liable party should compensate you through their insurance provider.
The insurance company will send their adjuster to determine the value of your claim. The true cost of back and neck injuries is difficult to assess because you may require ongoing care. In severe cases, you may need a personal caregiver or move into a facility where you will get round-the-clock care.
You can sue the liable party's insurance company if they deny your claim. The denial of a claim occurs when the insurance company believes you do not have evidence to establish their client's negligence. A personal injury lawyer can help you prepare all you need to sue for damages.
If the insurance company meets your claim, but it is still not enough, you can get underinsured coverage from your insurer. You can sue for uninsured motorist coverage if the liable party does not have insurance.
Damages for a Back and Neck Injury
A back and neck injury can lead to permanent and recurrent medical costs. The damages you are likely to receive for back and neck injuries are generally higher than in other personal injury cases. The special and general damages you may receive after sustaining a back and neck injury include:
- Current and future lost income
- Current and future medical costs
- Emotional trauma
- Loss in quality of life
- Impairment and disfigurement
The amount of damages you receive will vary based on the severity of the injury and your insurance policy limits. You and your family can also receive damages if your loved one succumbs to their back and neck injury.
You should never underestimate the nature of a back and neck injury, even if it is as minor as whiplash. These are injuries that can lead to medical bills piling up after they get worse. Do not waste any time deciding whether or not to pursue your claim.
Do not accept a one-time offer from the insurance company as that is normally less than what your claim is worth. A Bradenton spinal cord injury lawyer can help you get fairly compensated either through court or a negotiated settlement.
Insurance Claims Adjusters After a Back and Neck Injury
Florida is a no-fault state; thus, you will first have to claim damages from your insurance provider. The company's claims adjusters will assess the nature of your claim and the extent of your injuries. You do not have to deal with insurance adjusters on your own. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer to ensure that your interests are safe.
If your injury is severe, a claims adjuster may not be the right person to handle your case. For instance, if you have suffered a spinal cord injury, a back and neck injury lawyer can help you initiate the process of seeking damages from the liable party's insurer.
Consult a Back and Neck Injury Lawyer Today
A back and neck injury can permanently change the course of your life. A Bradenton back and neck injury lawyer can help you seek compensatory damages from your insurer, the liable party, or both. Get a free consultation today by contacting the Dolman Law Group.
Bradenton Office
6703 14th Street West Suite 207
Bradenton, FL 34207
Phone: (941) 613-5747
What Our Clients Have to Say:
“I can't express enough praise to Brent and his team for the superb results they achieved on my mother's personal injury case. Brent was very hands on with our case and had a genuine interest in my mother's well being. He has an amazing ability to explain all of the moving parts in a personal injury case. We were well informed of every aspect of our case and never felt confused for one moment. I would without a doubt recommend his services! Thank you again Brent !”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jamie Saffran
September 2018
Read more reviews on Google!
Client Testimonial
“AMAZING and understanding attorneys! Did great on my case and I highly recommend Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for anyone that has been injured in an accident!"
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Koralis R.
Jan 2020
Read more reviews on Google!