Spine injuries due to a personal injury accident are serious.  If you suffered a spine injury in an accident in Missouri or Kansas, it is crucial to seek immediate medical care. The lumbar, cervical, and thoracic spines are some of the most vulnerable parts of the spinal cord. Almost 40 percent of spinal injuries result from accidents. So the first step after a spine injury is to get immediate medical attention. Proper treatment will speed up your recovery and prevent permanent damage to your spine.

Recovery from spinal injuries can be costly. Our experienced spine injury attorney can help you pursue maximum compensation from the at-fault party to help pay medical bills, recoup lost wages, and recover other damages.

The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus is committed to helping personal injury victims like you. We do everything we can to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve. Contact us online or call us today at 816-203-0143 to schedule a free consultation.  We’re here to help.

Signs You Need to See a Spine Specialist After an Accident in Kansas City

finger pointing to vertebrae in spineWhile some personal injury accidents may cause spinal complications, it may not be clear that your particular injury calls for a spine specialist's visit. What should you look out for if you suspect you need to see a spine specialist after a personal injury accident in Kansas City?  Here are some signs to consider:

Physical Symptoms

Some of the physical symptoms you may experience following an accident could include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of function in your legs, arms, hands, feet, or other parts of the body. This may indicate a problem with your spine.  Some of these symptoms may indicate radiculopathy, which is commonly referred to as a pinched nerve and can be caused by trauma like a car accident. These symptoms might also occur because of other conditions, so it is essential to consult with a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

Pain Level

Pain level is another indicator that you might need to see a spine specialist. For example, if you feel severe or chronic pain in your neck or lower back, it could mean that you have suffered a herniated disc. Though if you only feel mild yet persistent discomfort, it could be strained muscles or ligament laxity.  These soft tissue injuries are often referred to as ‘whiplash’ and are still serious and should be communicated to your physician.

Injury Severity

The severity of your injury or injuries is an additional factor to consider before seeing a spine specialist. Sustaining a fracture, dislocation, or compression fracture will likely require more serious treatment. If you are experiencing a mild muscle strain, you will likely be able to heal with physical therapy or chiropractic care under your doctor's supervision.

Previous Back Problems

If you've experienced previous problems with your back, you should discuss these with your physician. You'll want to avoid unnecessary procedures by fully disclosing any known issues. Your doctor will then be able to discern what treatment is necessary for the new injury. 

A Doctor's Opinion

A doctor's medical opinion is necessary when seeking treatment for a condition from a personal injury accident. It will also assist our attorney in any personal injury claim you may pursue, and your doctor will be able to refer you to a spine specialist, if necessary.

Medical Test Results

Your doctor will also be able to advise you to seek specialized spine treatment based on your medical test results. In some cases, there may be a need for in-depth treatment or surgery if your MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows a bulging disk. However, if there are no apparent signs of spinal cord compression or damage in the testing performed, your doctor may advise you to recover with treatment such as chiropractic therapy, rest, or medication.

There are some myths about spinal cord injuries in Kansas City accidents. To help you navigate receiving the best treatment and handling of any spinal cord injury claim, contact our experienced attorney today.  We’re on your side. 

Can I Sue for a Spine Injury From a Catastrophic Accident in Kansas City?

Yes, it is within your rights to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party who is legally responsible for causing your injuries. It is necessary to prove that the other party is liable for your damages and failed to exercise reasonable care. This includes verifying that their negligence caused your injuries.  These can include driving while intoxicated, exceeding the speed limit, and failing to maintain proper brakes, among other reasons.

Our experienced Kansas City attorney will seek to prove that the other party's actions were negligent and that those actions resulted in your injuries. Some of the necessary evidence needed to prove your case against the negligent driver may include:

  • Statements from eye-witnesses or bystanders with an account of what happened during the accident
  • Police reports containing information such as the time, date, location, weather conditions, vehicle description, and the at-fault party
  • Photos and videos of the scene of the crash
  • Medical records from emergency rooms, hospitals, and doctors' offices
  • Records from your insurance company

How Much Can I Recover for My Spinal Injuries?

The amount of compensation largely depends on the extent of your injuries. The following are some examples of damages that you might be entitled to:

  • Pain and suffering: These refer to any physical discomfort you experience due to your injuries. Pain medications, physical therapy, and other treatments can help ease your symptoms.
  • Lost wages: If you missed work because of your injuries, you could claim lost earnings, including any income you missed while recovering from your injuries.
  • Future medical expenses: These include future surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
  • Property damage: Your car and belongings can damage in accidents and you can file claims for these items.
  • Loss of consortium: This refers to your spouse's loss of companionship and affection due to your injuries.

Contact Our Kansas City Spine Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

At the Law Office of Kevin J. McManus, we understand that suffering a spine injury after an accident can be devastating. This is why our personal injury attorney in Kansas City, Missouri works hard to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve. We know it takes courage to stand up and fight for justice, so we take pride in helping victims like you. 

Contact our office today for a free consultation at 816-203-0143 or through our website contact form or chat.  For more information, you can also instantly download any of our free books.  We're here for you, and on your side!

 

Kevin J. McManus
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Kevin McManus is an accident injury and disability lawyer in Kansas City, MO, and Overland Park, KS