A broken neck (medically known as a cervical fracture) is one of the most severe and life-threatening injuries a person can experience. The neck has seven vertebrae in the cervical spine, which are important for supporting the head and allowing us to move as we do. When one or more of these vertebrae break, it can have serious consequences.
The severity of a broken neck depends on the exact location and how badly the bone is fractured. Some cases can heal quickly, but others lead to permanent disability or even death. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help those who have suffered this injury when they file a lawsuit for compensation.
Common Causes Of A Broken Neck
Neck fractures tend to happen in accidents with sudden, high-impact trauma.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
The force of a car, truck, or motorcycle crash can violently jerk the head and neck. This often leads to a bad case of whiplash, but if the injury is bad enough, it can break the neck bones. In severe accidents, the impact can be strong enough to break several vertebrae and damage the spinal cord.
Falls
Falling from any height —- even a short one like a small ladder or short stairway —- can easily result in a broken neck, especially for older adults who might have weaker bones. Even slipping on ice or tripping on an uneven sidewalk could cause serious neck trauma.
Sports Injuries
High-contact sports like wrestling, football, and gymnastics put athletes at risk for cervical fractures. Any sudden blow to the head, a fall, or a poorly placed tackle can badly injure the neck area.
Diving Accidents
There’s a reason that lifeguards yell at kids for diving into the shallow end of the pool. It’s a common and preventable cause of neck fractures because people can hit their head on the pool floor or an obstacle they can’t see under the water. The sudden blow is more than enough to break the neck.
Workplace Accidents
People who work in manufacturing, construction, and other high-risk industries are more likely to experience a broken neck injury because of the potential for falls, accidents with heavy machinery, or being hit by falling objects.
Acts Of Violence
Any type of direct trauma to the neck during a violent act could lead to a broken neck in the victim. Gunshot wounds, physical assaults, and strangulation are frequently responsible for neck fractures, as are intentional strikes with heavy objects.
Symptoms Of A Broken Neck
A neck fracture can cause the victim to experience a wide range of symptoms, though they’ll depend on the severity of the injury and which bones have been damaged. Common signs include:
- Severe, immediate pain in the neck, which can radiate into the shoulders and arms
- Swelling and bruising in the affected area, which is caused by internal bleeding
- Difficulty or an inability to move the head or neck because of pain and instability
- Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, or legs caused by a fractured cervical vertebrae that’s putting pressure on the nerves
- Weakness or trouble with balance and coordination
- In severe cases, partial or complete paralysis caused by damage to the spine
If a broken neck is suspected, the injured person should not be moved unless there’s an immediate threat to their life, such as fire or a risk of drowning. They need immediate medical care to avoid worsening their injury.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Doctors will be able to diagnose a broken neck through a physical exam along with imaging tests. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs help them find the location of the fracture and see how bad it is, and they’ll also be able to determine whether the spinal cord is involved in the injury.
Treatment will largely depend on the severity of the fracture. This might involve:
- Immobilization with a cervical collar or brace while minor fractures heal
- Traction devices to realign the cervical vertebrae before treatment
- Surgery to repair severe breaks with metal plates, screws, or bone grafts, especially in cases where the spine is compressed
- Physical therapy and rehab to regain strength and mobility, which can take several months or longer
In any case, early diagnosis and the right treatment will help prevent further damage and improve the patient’s chance of a full recovery.
Long-Term Effects And Recovery
How well a patient recovers from a neck fracture will depend on the particulars of the injury and whether the spinal cord was involved. With the right medical care, most people are able to regain mobility and lead fulfilling lives. However, some are left to deal with chronic pain, stiffness, or even permanent disability. In the worst cases, broken necks can even prove fatal.
Should the spine be damaged, paralysis or the loss of feeling could be irreversible. These patients will need long-term or possibly lifelong care, assistive devices, or modifications to their homes to adapt to their new physical limitations.
Legal Considerations For A Broken Neck Injury
When a person suffers a broken neck in an accident that was caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, they may be able to collect compensation for the harm done to them. When you know your legal options, you have a better chance of getting the financial support you need to move forward with your life.
In any personal injury claim, you need to be able to show that the other person’s behavior can be linked to your injury. This involves:
- Duty of Care: The person who caused the injury had a responsibility to act safely and not put others at risk
- Breach of Duty: They acted irresponsibly or were careless
- Causation: Their behavior directly caused your injury; you have to prove that you wouldn’t have been hurt if they had acted properly
- Losses: You suffered actual harm, like medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, because of the injury
The exact types of compensation for any particular case will depend on the circumstances, but most victims can file for compensation for their medical costs, lost time from work, pain and suffering, and property damage if, say, their car was totaled. With the right evidence and legal support, victims can hold the responsible party accountable.
Protect Your Future After A Broken Neck
A broken neck is a life-changing injury that brings with it severe physical, emotional, and financial fallouts. If your injury was caused in an accident that involved negligence, contact Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers in Nashville today at (615) 685-8546. Our team will fight to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
