Vertebral Fracture Lawyer

The vertebral column, also referred to as the spine or spinal column, is composed of a sequence of vertebrae with an intervertebral disc separating and uniting each one. The structure of an adult vertebral column has four curvatures that increase shock absorption, flexibility, and strength. These properties help support the body, neck, and head and their movements. To accommodate a load on the spine, the curvatures will become more curved or increase in depth. Once the force is removed, the curvatures will spring back into their original state. Vertebral fractures, or spine fractures, often occur because of osteoporosis from the weakening of the bone structure and architecture. However, spine fractures may also result from the significant forces involved in motor vehicle accidents. This type of fracture may result in acute and chronic pain, social isolation, increased risk of fractures and falls, loss of self-esteem, and diminished quality of life.

At AutoAccident.com, we have handled accident cases, including those involving spine fractures, since 1982. Our injury lawyers will stop at nothing to recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Call now for free, friendly advice on your vertebral fracture case at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

A traumatic injury, such as a spine fracture, may have lasting emotional, financial, and physical consequences. After suffering a vertebral fracture in an accident in California, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys to discuss your case in detail in a free consultation. Our legal team focuses our efforts and resources on assisting injured parties and their families who have sustained life-changing injuries in crashes. The more you know about California personal injury law and your rights as a party injured in an accident, the more prepared you will be to protect your future. That can be accomplished through a phone call with one of our skilled attorneys who are available anytime to answer your questions and review your personal injury case. The best part about working with our law firm is that you never have to worry about upfront costs of legal representation since we work on a contingent fee basis. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain by working with our legal team at AutoAccident.com.

The symptoms of a spinal fracture will vary and depend on the location and the severity of the injury. The tell-tale sign of a vertebral fracture is a pain in the back that may worsen with movement. Other symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Paralysis or weakness of limbs
• Urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence
• Dystonia or uncontrolled muscle movements

Spinal fractures occur approximately 1.5 million times each year in the nation, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs twice as often as other bone fractures that are associated with osteoporosis, like broken wrists and hip fractures. The types of spinal fractures include the following:

• Axial Burst Fracture: A vertical impact or a slip and fall may cause a loss of height on both the back and front of the vertebra. This is considered an axial burst fracture.
• Chance Fracture: This type of fracture is considered unstable and typically happens because of a motor vehicle collision. It occurs from the vertebrae pulling apart from a violent forward-bending movement.
• Compression Fracture: Osteoporosis is the leading cause of vertebral compression fractures, followed by other spinal defects. The back of the vertebra is stable, while the front vertebra breaks and deteriorates.

While not all VCFs occur because of osteoporosis, a fracture is the first sign of a compromised skeleton from the disease process. Given that there is a high risk for fracture associated with weakened and flattened vertebrae, a vertebral compression fracture may occur when there is excess pressure placed on the compromised vertebra.

The most common precipitating factor for a spine fracture is osteoporosis. Other factors that are known to cause a weakening of the bones that leads to compression fractures include radiation therapy, hyperthyroidism, long-term use of steroids, infection, chemotherapy, cancer, and trauma. Low bone density may be attributed to proton pump inhibitors, medications, kidney disease, anorexia, low estrogen levels, alcohol abuse, and smoking. The risk factors for vertebral fractures may include prolonged corticosteroid use, deficiency in vitamin D, smoking, a history of spine fractures, age 50 or older, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and gender.

The second most common cause of vertebral fractures is trauma, with traffic collisions as the top reason for spinal cord injuries. This type of injury may occur anywhere from the lumbar vertebrae to the cervical vertebrae, specifically C1 to L2. This is approximately within the level of the cauda equina. When an injury occurs at the lower end of the spinal cord, or the conus medullaris, it is considered a cauda equina injury. Other reasons for spinal cord injuries include gunshot wounds and slip and fall accidents.

In most cases, non-surgical management of a spine fracture is necessary. It generally involves immobilization in a corset or a brace for up to 12 weeks. The purpose of bracing is to prevent deformity and reduce pain. A physician may prescribe medications to control issues such as blood pressure, muscle spasticity, pain, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.

The spinal column is divided into three sections, including the posterior column, middle column, and anterior column. By definition, a compression fracture involves a compromise of the anterior column. An injury is deemed unstable when two of the three columns have been compromised. Under these circumstances, the patient may be considered a potential candidate for surgical intervention.

Surgical management may also be necessary in spine fracture cases involving nerve damage, spinal cord injury, and compressed vertebrae. Decompression surgery may be recommended in these cases, including anterior thoracic vertebral body replacement and lumbar vertebral body replacement. Other techniques for the treatment of spine fractures include kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

Complications related to a spine fracture and surgical intervention may include:

• Infection
• Nonunion
• Pneumonia
• Pressure ulcers
• Spinal fluid leaks
• Pulmonary embolism
• Wound complications
• Blood clots in the legs and pelvis

A vertebral fracture is a common occurrence in motor vehicle collisions. This type of injury may result in lasting physical pain and emotional distress. In the most devastating of cases, the consequence may be incomplete or complete paralysis, which may bring about the inability to conceive children, loss of sensation, uncontrolled muscle spasms, and loss of movement. Should a spine fracture from a traffic collision leave an injured party unable to work and provide for themselves and their family, they will need assistance seeking maximum compensation to fulfill their lifetime needs. Fortunately, that can be accomplished by working with the best vertebral fracture lawyer.

Evidence may help provide an insurance adjuster or the courtroom with insight into a motor vehicle collision that resulted in traumatic injuries, such as a fracture of the spine. A skilled vertebral fracture attorney can help gather and preserve evidence that may be crucial to proving a case and its value, including:

• Evaluating the scene of the traffic collision
• Interviewing any eyewitnesses to the incident
• Reviewing video surveillance of the accident scene, if any
• Consulting with expert witnesses, such as an accident reconstruction expert and economist, to determine what caused the incident and the resulting damages

For information on the factors that may influence a bodily injury claim and its value, watch this video.

A vertebral fracture may leave an injured party with a lifetime of medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses. To build a strong personal injury case for maximum compensation, all aspects of the incident should be thoroughly examined by a skilled accident attorney. This includes liability, the effects of traumatic injuries like vertebral fractures, and the damages that may be available for recovery. With the best vertebral fracture lawyer on your side, you can rest assured knowing that your rights and best interests will be protected throughout the recovery process.

At AutoAccident.com, our injury attorneys will stop at nothing to recover the maximum compensation you need to put this devastating event behind you. We have built our reputation on establishing personal connections with our clients, understanding the impact of their injuries, and working toward a successful case settlement or verdict on their behalf. Call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to learn more about how we can help you receive free, friendly advice on your spine fracture case.

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