Fayetteville, AR Back Injury Attorney

Whether you receive a back injury at work, at home, in a car accident, or anywhere else, it can put severe limitations on you for a long time. Many people never fully recover from back injuries and experience pain and discomfort for the rest of their lives. About 20% of all workplace injuries are back injuries, most of which are from heavy lifting and manual tasks.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a back injury received in an accident or at work, you might be entitled to compensation. Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, works with accident victims and people with work related injuries to get them the compensation they need to keep going. Whether that means paying for medical expenses, recovering wages while you are out of work for a back injury, or seeking compensation for your pain and suffering, Ken may be able to help. If you are in Fayetteville, Arkansas, contact attorney Ken Kieklak about your back injury case.

Back Injury Causes

According to the American Chiropractic Association, lower back pain is the leading cause of disability throughout the world. Up to 80% of Americans will have back problems during their lives. Luckily, much of this back pain is treatable – but that is not always the case. When back injuries occur in accidents, they are often much more severe than the back pain that results from everyday wear and tear.

The Biology of the Back and Spine

The back is composed of a number of bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other tissue that all fits together in a particular way. The spine itself is composed of a series of tube-shaped bones that fit together into a column, called “vertebra.” Between each bone is a flat piece of tissue called a “disc,” which acts as padding between the bones to prevent grinding. Running through the column is a bundle of nerves known as the “spinal cord.” The spinal cord is responsible for relaying all signals between your brain and your body, and actually handles many of your autonomic reactions without even taking signals all the way to the brain. On top of these, there are plenty of muscles that help move your spine and help keep you upright. In your upper back, you also have your shoulders, collarbone, shoulder blades, and all of the associated muscles.

If any of these muscles are pulled or strained, you can suffer severe pain and discomfort that may leave you in bed or in a chair for quite some time. If any of the bones in your spine fracture, you could be left permanently paralyzed. The same is true if the bones of your spine become misaligned. When this happens, the tube of bones could pinch the nerves in your spinal cord, cutting off the signal or creating intense pain. In many other injuries, the discs between your vertebra become enflamed or “slip” or bulge out of position, causing a “slipped” or “herniated” disc. This can cause long-lasting pain and may require corrective surgery.

Common Back Injuries

Some of the most common causes of back and neck injuries are from work-related injuries. These could occur instantaneously, such as when lifting or carrying something heavy, or from prolonged discomfort. Many truck drivers face back injuries from loading and unloading vehicles, and from sitting in an uncomfortable cab most of their time. Even people who work at a desk are likely to develop back injuries from the repeated stress of uncomfortable chairs.

Car accidents also account for a large percentage of back injuries. When a car suddenly hits your car, the shock can transfer through to your body. Even if you are buckled properly and your airbag deploys, you might still bend or move awkwardly, causing back injuries. More severe car accidents could cause permanent paralysis.

Seeking Compensation for Back Injuries

If you suffer a work-related injury, whether to your back or another part of your body, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation. Arkansas’ Workers’ Compensation laws work to pay for medical expenses and continue paying wages to injured workers.

Car accident injuries are often compensated by auto insurance. Although, insurance companies may be unwilling to fully reimburse car accident victims, and taking them to court may be the best way to get compensation.

If you are injured in another accident, such as a slip and fall, some other insurance may cover it. Homeowners’ or business liability insurance work to cover people injured on the insured’s property. In any other case, taking the negligent parties to court might be your only chance at receiving compensation.

Our Fayetteville Back Injury Attorneys Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury at work, in a car accident, or in another accident, talk to an attorney today. Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, might be able to help you get compensation through Arkansas’ Workers’ Compensation program, auto insurance, or through a lawsuit. Call (479) 316-0438 today for a free consultation on your Fayetteville, AR back injury case.