A broken back injury can be painful and crippling. It can have a significant impact on various areas of your life. For instance, there have been cases in Spokane wherein the injured have lost their mobility and, in many cases, their jobs.
While it is essential to focus on the recovery, it is also significant to consider the legal options available for compensation. In simple words, you may get financial assistance for your medical expenditures, lost salaries, and pain & suffering.
In this article, we will discuss the legal options available to you in case of a fractured back injury, primarily due to someone’s negligence. In addition, you will get an idea of all expenses covered in legal claims. So, let’s dive in.
What are the common negligent situations that lead to back fractures?
There are multiple situations that can lead to broken back injuries. These include:
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- Car accidents: According to an expert Spokane accident attorney, it is among the most common causes of back fractures among people. Generally, a high-speed collision or a rear-end accident causes crashes and severe injuries to passengers and drivers. So, if the cause of your injury is also a car crash, you should speak with a lawyer to file for compensation.
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- Slip and fall accidents: Falling on a slippery or uneven surface can cause a back fracture. These could be on somebody else’s property, a grocery store, your neighbor’s driveway, or even a public place.
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- Work-related accidents: Workers in construction, manufacturing, or transportation industries may be at risk of back fractures. It is majorly due to heavy lifting, repetitive motion, or falls from heights. There are several cases wherein workers get injured and even lose their earning capacity.
It is necessary to note that the above list does not include all the negligent situations that may cause a back fracture. You must consult a personal injury attorney for further information if you have suffered a back fracture due to someone else’s negligence.
Factors that determine the amount of compensation
There are numerous factors that help in determining the total compensation amount. Your lawyers use them all to calculate the final aggregate. Some of them are:
The severity of the injury: The stringency of the back injury, including the extent of the damage to the spine, plays a significant role in determining the compensation awarded. A more severe injury that results in long-term disability or chronic pain will typically result in a higher amount of payment.
Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any future fees, are also covered in this.
Lost wages and earning capacity: If you cannot work due to the injury, you may be entitled to remuneration for lost wages and the loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional pain and suffering to you and your family members also play a role.
Comparative fault: If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, the amount of compensation awarded may be reduced proportionately. Also, it may vary depending on the state laws.
Bottom Line
A fractured back injury can have serious consequences. These are mostly related to your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. And if the negligence of another party caused it, you must understand the legal options for pursuing compensation and recovery.
