The back is made of bones, muscles, and connecting tissue extending from neck to pelvis. Injuries to the back can include sprains, strains, herniated discs, fractured vertebrae (discs), and damage to the spinal cord.
Back, neck, and disc injuries are not uncommon in the over-30 set. For example, herniated disc injuries (when a disc is displaced and can pinch the spinal cord and its nerve) occur in 0.5-2.0% of adults annually. Disc degeneration can be caused by normal wear-and-tear on the body - which is part of what makes it difficult for an attorney to successfully argue some of these claims.
Defendants and insurers will frequently argue that such injuries can be attributed to pre-existing conditions, thus diminishing or alleviating their liability. This is why it is so important in back and neck injury cases to:
Seek medical intervention immediately - even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. This will help defeat later arguments that it wasn’t the defendant’s actions that caused the injury.
Maintain all documentation of your injuries, including medical records, photographs, etc.
Avoid settling with an insurer who extends an offer before you’ve had a chance to seek legal representation.
Contact an experienced Atlanta injury lawyer as soon as possible.