On This page
    back and neck injury

    Back and neck accident injuries are a common result of serious wrecks and low-speed car accidents alike. The trauma to your muscles, bones, and nerves can cause neck pain, stiffness, or back pain that may last for weeks or longer. More serious impacts can lead to spinal cord injury, chronic pain, or permanent changes in mobility. These injuries often disrupt work, family life, and everyday activities.

    At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our award-winning attorneys have helped injured people across South Carolina secure over half a billion in verdicts and settlements since 1968. We know what it takes to win. Don’t get stuck with physical pain and financial worries, just call Joye. Let our team assist in getting you the medical care and financial compensation you need to get your life back on track.

    How Our Back and Neck Injury Lawyers Help You After an Accident in South Carolina

    After a serious accident, knowing what steps to take can be difficult. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on our client service. We’ll guide you through each stage of the legal process to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your medical treatment and recovery. Here is how we help:

    • Listening to Your Experience: We start by meeting with you to hear exactly how the accident happened and how your back or neck injury has affected your health, work, and daily life.
    • Reviewing Medical Evidence: Our team examines your medical records, imaging results, and treatment plan to understand the full scope of your injury.
    • Investigating the Accident: We gather accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and any available video footage to establish what caused the incident.
    • Working With Medical Providers: We coordinate with your doctors and therapists to document the nature of your neck injuries, back injuries, or spinal cord injury, including any long-term impacts or future medical needs.
    • Calculating Your Losses: We assess medical expenses, lost wages, and potential future costs related to ongoing treatment or physical limitations.
    • Handling Insurance Communications: We deal directly with insurance adjusters to protect your claim and prevent lowball settlement offers.
    • Negotiating for Fair Compensation: We use the evidence and documentation to pursue a settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses.
    • Preparing for Court if Needed: If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are ready to present your case in court to protect your rights.
    • Keeping You Informed: Throughout the process, we update you on progress, explain each step, and involve you in major decisions. We’re your reliable guide, listening ear, and determined advocate,

    Real Back and Neck Injury Settlements and Verdicts

    At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we do more than talk: we get results. With several included in South Carolina Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, our attorneys have a proven track record of securing life-changing, significant results for clients with back and neck injuries. Our team fights to get victims the maximum compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

    Here are just some of our real-life case results:

    • $3.6 million settlement for a man who required neck surgery after being rear-ended by an intoxicated construction company employee at a job site.
    • $1.93 million jury verdict for a driver who sustained neck injuries in a collision with an unlicensed dump truck driver.
    • $1.7 million settlement for a woman in Goose Creek who needed neck surgery following a rear-end crash with a dump truck.
    • $975,000 settlement for a man who suffered a back injury in a tractor-trailer accident.
    • $800,000 settlement for a Kershaw County man who sustained a serious back injury in a work-related car accident.
    • $750,000 settlement for a woman who underwent both neck and back surgeries after a car accident.

    These results reflect our commitment to achieving justice for injury victims and holding negligent parties accountable.

    Neck and Back Injuries Change Accident Victims’ Lives

    Back injuries impact every aspect of life. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says lumbar/low back pain and cervical/neck pain are among the most common physical conditions affecting an individual’s ability to work and manage the daily activities of life. Back pain is also the most common physical condition for which patients visit their doctors.

    The AAOS says that 20% of people who suffer from either low back or neck pain report they cannot work, while 33% of people with back pain in multiple sites are unable to work. Back pain also greatly limits the type and duration of work a person can do. Three out of four people with multiple back pain sites report work limitations. A person who sustains a back or neck injury due to another’s negligence may file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation for lost income and future lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and other harm suffered.

    The neck and back are complex structures of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. Pain not caused by disease or congenital deformity is likely due to sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured discs, irritated nerves, and/or fractured vertebrae.

    Common Causes of Back or Neck Injury

    Understanding how back and neck accident injuries happen can help with both prevention and proper treatment. These are the most frequent causes we see in South Carolina accident cases.

    Car Accidents
    Car accidents, especially a rear-end collision, can generate a sudden force strong enough to whip the head forward and back. This motion often leads to whiplash injury, neck strain, or damage to the cervical spine. Even with a seat belt, the body can be jolted violently, sometimes causing bruising or pressure on the shoulder and chest area. These impacts may also result in other car accident injuries, such as herniated discs or other spinal cord injuries.
    Slip and Fall Accidents
    Falls are a common reason for neck and back injuries in both public and workplace settings. A slip on a wet floor or a trip over uneven ground can cause a stiff neck, upper back injury, or facet joint injuries. In more serious cases, a fall can fracture cervical vertebrae or cause nerve damage that leads to chronic pain.
    Workplace Accidents
    On-the-job injuries often occur when lifting heavy objects without proper technique or safety equipment. Being struck by falling tools or materials can also cause severe injuries to the spine or neck muscles. Prompt medical care after a workplace accident can prevent further injury and support recovery.
    Sports-Related Injuries
    Sports accidents, especially in contact activities like football or wrestling, can injure the cervical spine and facet joints. A sudden blow, twisting motion, or impact from a fall can strain neck muscles or damage spinal cord nerves. Without immediate treatment, these injuries may lead to long-term pain and reduced mobility.

    Common Neck Injuries and Symptoms

    Accidents can cause different types of neck injuries, each with it’s own risks and recovery needs. Understanding these injuries can help you recognize warning signs and get the right medical treatment.

    • Whiplash Injury: A rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, often from a car accident or rear-end collision, that strains muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
    • Neck Sprain: Injury to the ligaments in the neck that can cause swelling, tenderness, and difficulty turning the head.
    • Neck Strain: Damage to the neck muscles, often from sudden force or overextension, resulting in sharp pain and limited range of motion.
    • Soft Tissue Injuries: Trauma to muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the neck that may cause chronic pain if not treated promptly.
    • Herniated Disc in the Cervical Spine: When a disc shifts or ruptures, it can press on spinal cord nerves, causing tingling sensations, weakness, or pain radiating into the shoulders and arms.
    • Broken Neck: A fracture of the cervical vertebrae that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.

    Common symptoms of these injuries include a stiff neck, sharp pain, headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, or tingling in the arms. These signs can appear immediately after the accident or develop as delayed symptoms hours or days later.

    Prompt medical care is essential for preventing further injury and improving recovery. Early evaluation with imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs helps confirm the diagnosis, guide the treatment plan, and lower the risk of long-term complications.

    Back Injuries from Accidents

    Accidents can cause many different types of back injuries, ranging from mild strains to conditions that affect the spinal cord and nerves. Recognizing the type of injury can help you understand the right treatment options and recovery process.

    • Herniated Discs: A typical result of car accidents and falls, where the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, often in the lumbar spine. This can press on spinal cord nerves and cause severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
    • Facet Joint Injuries: Damage to the small joints that connect the vertebrae can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and pain that worsens with certain movements.
    • Spinal Stenosis: Trauma can cause or worsen narrowing of the spinal canal, which may compress the spinal cord or nerves, resulting in sharp pain, tingling sensations, and reduced mobility.
    • Upper Back Injuries: While less common than lower back injuries, trauma to the upper back can cause severe pain, difficulty breathing, and limitations in arm movement.
    • Chronic Back Pain: Injuries to the muscles, ligaments, or discs may lead to ongoing pain that lasts for months or years without proper treatment.

    For many accident victims, the nature of the injury requires medical intervention. Depending on the diagnosis, this may include physical therapy to strengthen the back, pain management to reduce discomfort, or surgical interventions to restore function and prevent further damage.

    Paralysis From a Back or Neck Accident InjuryNeck and back injuries

    When the spinal cord is damaged, the loss of sensation or mobility is described as partial or complete. The loss of sensation occurs at and below the point of injury along the spine. For example, a cervical spinal cord injury may cause loss of function in the shoulders and down throughout the rest of the body.

    A partial spinal cord injury may leave some sensation and mobility below the injury. Full recovery from an incomplete spinal cord injury may be possible. But after a complete injury, the individual is permanently paralyzed, though some symptoms may be treatable.

    Paralysis is typically described as:

    • Paraplegia, affecting all or portions of the legs and/or pelvic organs from damage to the spinal cord from the base of the neck down to the abdomen, lower back, or bottom of the spine
    • Tetraplegia (also “quadriplegia”) affects the shoulders, trunk, arms, hands, legs, and pelvic organs from a cervical spinal cord injury.

    Symptoms that often accompany the loss of mobility and sensation include:

    • Bowel and bladder dysfunction, which elevates the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and kidney infection.
    • Inability to regulate blood pressure and circulation, which elevates the risk of blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolus, either of which can be fatal.
    • Inability to regulate respiration, elevating the risk of pneumonia.
    • Sexual dysfunction, including loss of fertility.
    • Depression over diminished quality of life.

    The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) says the lifetime costs of health care and living expenses for a person with paralysis from a spinal cord injury range from $1.2 million for a 50-year-old with “motor function at any level” to $5.1 million for a 25-year-old with high-cervical tetraplegia.

    Getting Immediate Medical Care

    After any accident, it is best to seek medical care right away. Immediate treatment can reduce pain, prevent further injury, and start the healing process sooner. Even if symptoms are mild, a doctor can detect problems early.

    Emergency care may include stabilizing the neck with a neck brace, ordering X-rays or MRIs, and beginning a treatment plan tailored to the injury. Prompt treatment also ensures that your medical history and condition are documented, which can be important for insurance or legal claims.

    In serious cases, emergency responders may transport you directly to the hospital. Once there, a team may include doctors, physical therapists, and pain management specialists who work together to reduce pain and restore mobility.

    Medical Treatment Options for Neck and Back Injuries

    Treatment for back and neck accident injuries depends on the diagnosis. Pain management options may include medications, injections, or alternative therapies. Physical therapy is also used to:

    • Strengthen neck muscles
    • Improve flexibility
    • Support recovery

    Some injuries heal within a few weeks, while others may require months of medical treatment. In cases of severe injuries, surgical interventions may be necessary to repair broken vertebrae, remove herniated discs, or stabilize the spine. A neck brace may be used during recovery to support the cervical spine and prevent further injury.

    Medical expenses can become a financial burden, especially when combined with lost wages. This is why pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim can help cover costs and support ongoing care.

    FAQs About Back and Neck Accident Injuries

    Back and Neck Injury

    Can back and neck injuries from an accident worsen over time if left untreated?

    Yes. Some injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord damage, may start with mild discomfort but can progress to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or nerve damage if not treated promptly. Early medical evaluation helps prevent complications and may improve long-term outcomes.

    How can I prove that my back or neck injury was caused by an accident and not a pre-existing condition?

    You can strengthen your claim by providing medical records from before and after the accident, imaging test results, and statements from your healthcare providers. Witness testimony, accident reports, and detailed evaluations can also help establish a direct link between the incident and your injury.

    What should I avoid doing after a back or neck injury from an accident?

    You should avoid heavy lifting, sudden twisting motions, and high-impact activities until cleared by a doctor. Skipping medical appointments or physical therapy sessions can also slow recovery and potentially weaken your injury claim. Oversharing on social media can also be a case killer. Even innocent social posts can be taken out of context by the defense and used against you to delegitimize your injuries.

    Can emotional distress be part of a back or neck injury claim?

    Yes. Accident-related injuries often come with emotional effects such as anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages can be included in a personal injury claim alongside medical expenses and lost wages.

    What if my symptoms appear days or weeks after the accident?

    Delayed symptoms are common with back and neck injuries, especially whiplash and soft tissue damage. You should seek medical attention as soon as symptoms arise, even if the accident happened weeks earlier. Prompt documentation is critical for both your health and your legal claim.

    Contact a Neck and Back Injury Lawyer for Help

    Back and neck accident injuries can range from whiplash symptoms after a rear-end collision to severe spinal cord injury from a head-on collision. No matter the cause, these injuries can lead to ongoing pain, limited movement, and significant medical expenses.

    Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has been helping injured people in South Carolina since 1968. If you are dealing with neck or back pain, spinal cord injuries, or other symptoms after an accident, let our caring and capable team explain your rights and help you seek compensation.

    Call (888) 324-3100 or fill out our online case evaluation form today for a free consultation. We will review your case, discuss your treatment plan, and work toward the financial recovery you need to move forward.

    Contact us
    Attorney Image