Kenny Habetz Injury Law | July 24, 2023 | Car Accident
Neck and back injuries in car wrecks are an unfortunately common occurrence. As many as 800,000 of these potentially debilitating injuries happen each year in the United States.
A back or neck injury can result not only in significant pain but also several weeks or months of time lost to healing and recovery. A simple sprain or strain in your neck alone can take up to six weeks to fully resolve.
This means that the financial costs of a back or neck injury can quickly escalate. Knowing what expenses you might suffer in this circumstance can help you understand what results you can potentially expect when you file a claim for compensation for these costs through a personal injury lawsuit or settlement in Louisiana.
Common Back and Neck Injuries From Car Accidents
When you suffer a neck or back injury in a car accident, the injury often falls under one of these key types:
- Fractured vertebrae in your neck or back
- Whiplash
- Injuries to the discs in your neck or back
- Injuries to your spinal cord
The costs associated with these injuries depend on their severity and the extent of the medical care required to treat them. For example, a spinal cord injury can often have far-reaching and life-changing consequences, which could call for higher compensation than more minor injuries.
Components of a Typical Back or Neck Injury Claim
Determining the amount of compensation you need to be made whole following a back or neck injury requires you to consider the many expenses this type of harm causes. Specifically, you are likely to need compensation for:
Medical Care And Treatment
The average hospital stay is four days, which can cost over $10,0000. Depending on how serious the damage is to your neck or back, the length of time you need to spend in the hospital can easily exceed four days. Additionally, the costs of your hospital stay will increase if you require services from one or more specialists.
Time Missed From Work
If you need to miss work to recover from your injuries, the amount of pay you miss out on is a compensable expense. How much pay you will be entitled to varies based on your location.
If you are unable to return to full-time work following a back or neck injury, this can further increase the settlement value you are entitled to. The same can be said if you are still able to work but must take a less demanding job because of your back injury.
If the less demanding job pays you less than your previous job, you may be able to receive compensation for the difference in pay.
Mental Injuries and Emotional Harm
Because neck and back injuries can impact your mobility, your quality of life can suffer. You may not enjoy life as fully as you would, and you might develop depression as a result. Suppose that you need counseling to help you process your emotions. These counseling sessions can be costly, especially without insurance.
Know the Value of Your Back or Neck Injury Claim
When you suffer a back or neck injury from a car accident, the results you can expect vary based on the type of injury you sustain and the associated costs of your medical care, missed time at work, and emotional and mental harm.
Even minor injuries should receive prompt medical attention, and the full extent of their harm may not be immediately apparent. That is why it’s always wise to consult a car accident attorney after getting into a crash in Louisiana who can determine the true value of your claim. From there, your lawyer can handle your claim for compensation against the party responsible for your injuries.
Contact the Louisiana Car Accident Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
