Rear-End Car Accidents in Ohio: Who’s at Fault?
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
A car accident can create tremendous amounts of force through your body. Even with a seat belt and airbags, you may suffer a severe back injury depending on the speed and the collision angle. A possible treatment could be spinal fusion surgery.
If you are suffering from a severe back injury caused by a car crash, contact an Ohio car accident injury lawyer at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We have worked with countless vehicle accident victims who sustained back injuries. We helped them secure the medical treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation they deserve. We can help you too.
You can reach us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to set up a free consultation.
The spine supports your entire body. It connects your skeletal system and allows you to sit, stand, walk, twist, and bend. A healthy spine’s three curves make an S-shape. They soak up shocks to your body and protect your spine from injury.
The spine is composed of:
Spinal fusion surgery after a car wreck may be an option if your injuries cause your spine to become unstable. This can include fractured vertebrae or herniated discs. The surgery permanently connects two or more vertebrae, eliminating the discs and ending the motion between them.
For car accident victims, this may improve the spine’s stability and decrease pain. However, it may put more stress on other parts of your back, in the long run, causing problems there.
The procedure could be paid through your health insurance – though they will probably want reimbursement when your legal claim is settled or decided at trial. You could file a claim on your auto insurance policy or against the policy of the driver who hit you.
The surgeries performed under general anesthesia, so you’re unconscious during the procedure. The surgeon’s approach depends on many things, including where the fusion will be done on the spine. The surgeon could access the vertebrae through incisions directly over your spine, either side it, or in your throat or abdomen to access your spine from the front of your body.
The vertebrae are fused with a synthetic substance that promotes bone growth or a bone graft. The graft may come from your pelvis or from someone who’s deceased through a bone bank.
The disc is removed. The bone graft or substance is placed between the vertebrae. Metal plates, screws, or rods may hold the vertebrae together while your spine heals. If things go well, you may be in the hospital for two to three days.
Medications usually control pain and discomfort. It may be several months before the affected bones fully heal and fuse. You may wear a brace or have physical therapy to keep your spine correctly aligned during recovery.
Spinal fusion surgery is a significant operation. You should get different opinions from specialists before deciding what to do. Your need for the procedure should be well documented because its costs will be part of your claim against the party who caused your accident. We can document the surgery to appropriately respond to the injuries you suffered through medical records and a medical expert. Many KNR clients have had this procedure, and we can recommend area physicians you should consider.
An experienced and compassionate KNR lawyer will deal with the insurance company and the legal issues after your accident so you can focus on a full recovery and getting your life back together. Don’t delay contacting our office so you can speak with an attorney about your case and how we may be able to help.
Call 1-800-HURT-NOW to set up a free, no-risk consultation.