Broken Back Injuries in San Francisco

When there are accidents in San Francisco, regardless of the cause or type, traumatic injuries can occur. Not only that, but these traumatic injuries can occur in very vulnerable and sensitive areas of your body. One of the most common, yet devastating, injuries in these situations involves a broken back.

Each instance of a broken back brings its own difficulties, all of which can have long-lasting effects and can even be life-threatening. To help you recover from a broken back after an accident in San Francisco, you’ll need the help of different professionals, from doctors to surgeons and other specialists. This should also include our team of legal experts at the Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan.

Experienced Guidance and Support From San Francisco Traumatic Injury Lawyers

At MJQ Law, we have an experienced team of traumatic injury lawyers and staff that can provide comprehensive support throughout the recovery process. We can assist you from the initial investigation to building a strong case.

What Types Of Accidents Cause Broken Backs in San Francisco?

Unfortunately, a broken back can occur in any type of accident in San Francisco. However, there are specific types of accidents that increase the chances of a broken back. Moreover, the unique factors of each accident, such as the impact and circumstances where they occur, can make broken backs and similar injuries more likely. Here are some examples of these types of accidents:

Car accidents – High-impact collisions, such as head-on or rear-end crashes, can cause significant force on the spine and back, leading to fractures in the vertebrae.
Motorcycle accidents – Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to spinal injuries in accidents due to the lack of protection. Collisions involving motorcycles can result in broken backs, especially when there is a direct impact on the spine.
Pedestrian accidents – When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, the force of the impact can cause severe injuries, including broken backs. The vulnerable nature of pedestrians makes them more susceptible to a broken back in accidents.
Bicycle accidents – Similar to pedestrians, bicyclists are at risk of sustaining broken backs in accidents involving vehicles. The impact of a collision or being thrown off the bicycle can lead to a broken back.
Falls – A fall from a height, such as from a ladder, roof, or stairs, can result in a broken back if the impact is directly on the spine.
Workplace accidents – Accidents that occur in physically demanding jobs, like construction or operating heavy machinery, may involve incidents where the back is subject to extreme pressure or trauma, potentially resulting in a break.
Slip and fall accidents – A slip and fall on a slippery surface or uneven ground can cause individuals to land forcefully on their backs, potentially resulting in a broken back.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of different types of accidents that can result in a broken back–as well as other serious injuries. What’s important to understand is what medical and legal challenges are involved with a broken back.

Common Types of Broken Back Injuries in San Francisco

A broken back is a rather broad term that refers to a specific fracture or break in one or more of the bones of the spine, known as the vertebrae. The vertebrae make up the spinal column, which surrounds and protects your spinal cord.

These fractures can lead to damage in the spinal cord, causing:

Nerve problems
Muscle weakness
Paralysis

In the worst-case scenario, a severe vertebrae fracture can be life-threatening if it affects the spinal cord at a level that impacts breathing. While all vertebrae fractures are serious, it’s important to be aware of different types, including:

Compression fractures – These occur when the vertebrae are squeezed or compressed, causing the bone to collapse.
Burst fractures – This typically happens when the vertebrae are crushed or shattered, breaking the bone into several pieces. It often occurs due to high-impact trauma like car accidents.
Flexion-distraction fractures – These fractures occur when the vertebrae are pulled apart, causing the bone to break. They are commonly seen in car accidents where the person is wearing a seatbelt, and the force of the accident makes the spine bend forward.
Fracture-dislocation – This type occurs when the vertebrae break, and the bone is displaced or moved from its normal position. It often results from high-impact trauma, such as a fall from a significant height.
Chance fractures – Chance fractures are a specific type of flexion-distraction fracture that happens when the vertebrae fracture horizontally. These types of fractures often occur when the impact of the accident causes the spine to bend forward.

Treatment options

Obviously, when there is a fracture of your vertebrae, it requires extensive medical care and treatment. This can vary depending on the type of fracture and severity of the injury, but in most cases, treatment options will include:

Rest and Immobilization – Resting is important to let the injured vertebrae heal properly. Depending on the fracture type and severity, a back brace, cast, or other device may be used to keep the spine still and prevent further injury.
Pain medication – To manage the pain caused by the fracture, doctors may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
Physical therapy – After the fracture has healed, physical therapy might be suggested to improve the movement and strength of the spine. This can also help prevent future injuries.
Surgery – In severe cases where the fracture is causing significant pain or spinal cord damage, surgery may be required. The surgery can involve realigning and stabilizing the spine through procedures like spinal fusion or vertebroplasty.

No matter the type of fracture you experience, you will likely be facing serious medical treatment and mounting expenses on top of trying to physically recover from your injuries. This can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to consider your legal options so you can seek the available benefits and support you need to recover.

What Legal Options Are There After a Broken Back Injury in San Francisco?

Recovering from a vertebrae fracture or broken back is a challenging process that involves physical and mental healing. On top of that, there are financial aspects to consider, as well as the fact that the injury may affect your ability to work and enjoy life like you did before the accident.

Our legal team at MJQ Law is here to assist you in this recovery journey. We have experience helping clients in similar situations. Here’s how we can help:

Gathering important medical records and documentation to demonstrate the extent of your losses.
Investigating the details of your accident.
Determining who is responsible for the accident and pursuing a claim against them.
Providing guidance on the legal process, your options, and the potential outcomes of your case.

There are generally two paths to seek compensation after a San Francisco traumatic injury accident: filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit. Both options allow you to recover damages from the party who was at fault for causing the accident. These damages can include:

Medical expenses and bills
Property damage
Lost wages
Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress

It’s important to understand that recovering these damages can be complex and time-consuming. However, our experienced team of San Francisco traumatic injury lawyers will work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Traumatic Injury Victims in San Francisco Can Count on MJQ Law

At The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan, our team is here to assist victims and families coping with the aftermath of a broken back or other traumatic injuries in San Francisco. We understand the immense impact such accidents have, and our goal is to provide compassionate and effective legal support during this difficult time. We are dedicated to working tirelessly to guide you through this challenging process, making sure you get the necessary benefits and support available under the law.

Don’t hesitate to get the help you need. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to get started.