Neck Injury Lawyers in Kansas
Have you suffered a severe neck injury impacting your ability to work and do what you enjoy? Suppose someone else was responsible for the incident that led to your neck injury. In that case, you could recover money for your medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and other injury-related expenses.
The personal injury lawyers at Mann Wyatt Tanksley have more than 50 years of combined experience standing up for the rights of accident victims throughout Wichita and surrounding Kansas. We can help you determine the potential value of your case and seek the fair compensation you are owed. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.
Leading Causes of Neck Injuries
Here are some of the most common causes and risk factors for neck injuries:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Even relatively low-speed accidents can result in life-changing neck injuries. Rear-end car crashes are a common cause of whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Slip and fall accidents – When property owners don’t keep their property clean and clear of debris and other hazards, visitors could suffer severe neck injuries in slip and fall accidents.
- High-impact sports – Athletes in high-impact and high-risk sports such as skiing, snowboarding, wrestling, and horseback riding are especially prone to neck injuries.
- Repetitive motion strain – Repetitive neck motions from work or other activities can slowly wear down neck joints over time, deteriorating cartilage or resulting in painful bone spurs.
- Poor posture from hunching over a desk or workspace for long periods can also cause wear and tear, resulting in neck injuries over time.
- Medical conditions – Certain conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, can lead to neck injuries. If healthcare providers don’t diagnose these conditions accurately and quickly, patients can suffer painful and unnecessary complications.
Symptoms of Neck Injuries
The signs and symptoms of a neck injury can vary based on the type of injury and the part of the neck that’s affected. Pain is a common symptom of most neck injuries, but other telltale signs of a neck injury include the following:
- Pain that radiates from the neck to the head, shoulder, arms, or jaw
- Persistent or worsening headaches that begin at the base of the skull
- Tenderness in the shoulder, back, or upper arms
- Spasms in the muscles of the neck
- Reduced ability to move or turn the head
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, arms, or hands
- Difficulty with walking or balancing
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Nausea or dizziness
- Depression or irritability
Many neck injuries can be treated at home with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. However, it’s best to seek medical attention if you experience severe neck pain that persists for several days or pain accompanied by headaches, numbness, weakness, or tingling.
Common Types of Neck Injuries
The most common types of neck injuries include the following:
- Whiplash – Whiplash is one of the most common types of neck injuries. It occurs when the neck is violently jolted back and forth. Many whiplash injuries are from car wrecks, especially rear-end impacts.
- Soft tissue strain – Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears can occur when the neck’s ligaments, muscles, or tendons are damaged or torn. Stiffness can also happen when the neck is kept in the same position for an extended period, such as sleeping in an awkward position overnight.
- Pinched nerves – Some types of trauma cause bones, tendons, or other soft tissues to compress or “pinch” surrounding nerves, leading to intense pain.
- Herniated discs – A herniated disc occurs when the soft, rubbery disc that cushions the vertebrae of the neck leaks or bulges out.
- Cervical fractures – A broken neck is one of the most severe neck injuries. Cervical fractures can pressure the spinal cord, leading to paralysis below the neck.
How To Treat a Neck Injury
If your neck injury is severe or doesn’t improve with rest and OTC treatment, it’s best to seek professional medical attention. Depending on your injury, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following types of treatment:
- Prescription medications – Prescription pain relievers or corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and keep you comfortable while you heal.
- Physical therapy – A physical therapist can show you exercises designed to reduce pain, strengthen neck muscles, and boost flexibility.
- Massage therapy – Massage therapy can relieve pain and reduce inflammation when administered along with other types of treatment.
- Surgery – In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged vertebrae, herniated discs, or pinched nerves.
Compensation Available for Neck Injury Lawsuits in Kansas
Kansas law allows you to seek compensation for your neck injury from the at-fault party in a personal injury lawsuit to recover the following:
- Payment for medical bills, therapy, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses
- Payment for lost wages from time missed from work
- The future value of losses in your lifetime earning capacity
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged property
- Payment for pain, suffering, and lost quality of life
Talk to an Experienced Neck Injury Lawyer in Wichita, KS Today
If you need an experienced neck injury lawyer to help you demand the compensation you deserve, look no further than Mann Wyatt Tanksley. Our injury attorneys are prepared to handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to discuss the details of your neck injury in a free initial case review.