Back and neck injuries can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident, fall or work injury, sporting injury, or from infection, surgical complications, or medical malpractice.

The New York injury lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool urge anyone suffering from a back or neck injury to seek legal advice. While some injuries prove to be minor, a significant number of back and neck injuries get worse over time and can lead to costly surgery, a significant amount of pain and discomfort and even long-term disability.

Neck Injuries

Because of its wide range of motion, support of the head, and position away from the rest of the spine, the neck is vulnerable to traumatic injury.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, soft-tissue injuries are the most common cause of neck injuries, including damage to muscles, nerves and ligaments.

A rear-end car accident can cause hyperextension (a backward movement of the neck beyond normal limits) or hyperflexion (a forward movement beyond normal limits).

Severe neck injuries can involve the vertebrae or a disk, and can lead to a spinal cord injury, including paralysis.

Signs of a serious neck injury can include severe and persistent neck pain, pain that radiates up and down the arms or legs and headaches, tingling, weakness or numbness.

Cervical fractures

Cervical fractures involve the seven bones in the neck that make up the cervical vertebrae, which supports the head and connects to the shoulders and body.

Often called a “broken neck,” such injuries can lead to a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries in this region are the most serious and often result in quadriplegia, serious respiratory issues and central nervous system disorders.

The cervical vertebrae is the most serious type of spinal cord injury and can lead to permanent paralysis and death. Anyone who has suffered a cervical fracture should contact a New York neck injury lawyer right away.

The New York injury lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool recognize the seriousness of such an injury and the need for high-quality legal representation. Our New York neck injury attorneys will arrange to meet you for a confidential appointment in your hospital room to discuss your rights.

Back Injuries

Fracture of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine: fractures to the spinal column in the lower (lumbar) or middle (thoracic) back can cause lasting and debilitating injury.

Such injuries are most often caused by significant trauma, such as a car accident, fall, sporting injury or violent act such as a gunshot wound. Movement of someone with a thoracic or lumbar spine injury can make the injury worse and can even lead to a severed spinal cord and paralysis. Emergency medical personnel, police officers, paramedics and other officials at the scene of an accident should not attempt to move an accident victim exhibiting severe back pain.

The New York back injury lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool are experienced in assisting accident victims recover damages as the result of a serious back injury, which may include damages against the at-fault driver, an employer, medical personnel, or doctors or surgeons who error in treating such injuries.

Often called a slipped disk or ruptured disk, this type of injury usually occurs in the lower back and is characterized by back and leg pain.

The lumbar spine is made up of the five vertebrae in the lower back. The injury is caused when the jelly-like center of the disk pushes against the outer ring because of wear or a sudden injury.

Work injuries, including heavy lifting, repetitive activities like pulling, twisting or bending and frequent driving can be causes of lumbar disk herniation.

The United States Department of Labor reported 235,960 people suffered a back injury at work in 2007.

The New York neck injury lawyers and back injury attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool combine years of medical knowledge with the legal experience necessary to help you or a loved one recover damages in the wake of a serious back or neck injury.

If you have suffered a New York back or neck injury, contact Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool for a free appointment to discuss your rights.

Call the New York law office of Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool at 212-406-1700 to discuss your case.