Can a Car Accident Cause a Compression Fracture?

Millions of people are injured in motor vehicle accidents annually. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for victims to endure catastrophic and devastating injuries. Some of the most impactful injuries include compression fractures and spinal cord injuries.

A compression fracture after a car accident could turn your world upside down. However, with access to the compensation you need to cover your costs, you have a good chance of rebuilding your life and putting this traumatic experience behind you.

What Is a Compression Fracture?

Compression fractures occur when vertebrae in the spine are compressed. The fracture occurs when too much pressure is put on the vertebrae that they cannot hold.

Generally, compression fractures can occur in the thoracic region of the spine or the upper back. However, these injuries can occur anywhere along the spine. Compression fractures typically happen in severe accidents and incidents, including:

• Assault
• Sports accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Commercial truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• High-speed impact accidents
• Work-related accidents

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Types of Compression Fractures

Compression fractures can take multiple forms. A traditional compression fracture is typically caused not by severe accidents but by tumors, spine abnormalities, and osteoporosis.

The front vertebrae begin to deteriorate as the back side of the vertebrae remains intact. These types of compression fractures typically occur in the middle region of the back.

There are also distraction fractures which happen when the vertebrae are separated. These fractures are most common in motor vehicle accidents and violent attacks.

There is also another type of compression fracture known as an axial burst fracture. When this happens, there is damage to both the front and back vertebrae, generally caused by vertical impact or a slip and fall.

Symptoms of Compression Fractures

Immediately after an accident or incident, you may not be sure what injuries you have sustained. However, compression fractures have specific symptoms you can look out for. These include:

• Spinal deformities
• Severe back pain
• Weakness or numbness in the back
• Pain when standing or walking
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Reduced spine mobility
• Vertebrae protrusions
• Bowel or bladder issues

Typically, only a physician can diagnose a compression fracture through an MRI or X-ray. Once your healthcare providers know the severity of your compression fracture, they can determine which treatment options are best suited for you.

Treatments for Compression Fractures

Compression fracture treatments can vary depending on the extent of the injury, where the fracture occurred, and your medical history. There are both surgical and non-surgical options that could be available to you. Some potential treatment options for compression fractures after a car accident include:

• Use of a spinal brace
• Epidural injections into the affected portion of the spine
• Bedrest
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Pain relievers, including narcotics
• Prescription medications to stabilize bone density

Your healthcare provider may recommend surgical intervention if previous treatment options fail to heal your compression fracture injuries properly. Unfortunately, this means you could be stuck dealing with the fallout of your compression fracture until you reach maximum medical improvement.

How Compression Fractures Can Affect Your Life

Despite the severity of your compression fracture, it is common for individuals suffering from injuries to return to their lives in the days, weeks, and months after their injury. However, others may not be so lucky.

Your overall health, age, the type of accident that caused your compression fracture, and the severity of your injuries could all influence how your life is affected. Here are some of the most common ways your life could be affected by a compression fracture:

Segmental Instability

As your spine begins to heal from the compression fracture, the vertebrae in your back will remain unstable. This could make it challenging to complete daily living tasks, enjoy certain activities, and care for yourself or your family. Compression fractures can cause chronic pain while they heal or even lead to degeneration of the vertebrae in the affected area.

Spinal Cord Damage

Compression fractures can cause irritation and inflammation in the nerves, put pressure on your spinal cord, and decrease the spinal cord’s oxygen and blood supply. This could lead to reduced mobility, severe pain, and sensations of tingling or numbness in the affected region of your back. With severe spinal cord damage, you may need to take a considerable amount of time off of work to recuperate.

Kyphosis

If you are suffering a vertebral compression to the front portion of your spine, when it collapses, the bones will develop a wedge-like shape. This is known as kyphosis and can be extremely painful.

When your back begins to hunch because your spine is incapable of holding your body upright, you could face compression of your internal organs, including your kidneys, heart, and lungs. People suffering from kyphosis often develop shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, and weight loss due to reduced appetite.

Recoverable Damages for Compression Fractures

Since compression fractures can be so impactful, recovering maximum compensation is crucial. Not only do you need to get your current expenses covered, but your car accident lawyer will need to carefully consider the long-term consequences of your compression fracture when calculating the value of your claim.

The individual or entity who caused your compression fracture should be compelled to compensate you for your damages accordingly. Some examples of potentially recoverable economic and non-economic damages include:

• Total coverage of your medical expenses
• Diminished earning capacity
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of income and employee benefits
• Permanent disability
• Loss of consortium
• Costs of long-term care
• Compensation for paralysis
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and distress
• Loss of household services
• Disfigurement and skin scarring
• Lifelong help completing daily living activities

Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer at John Foy & Associates Today

If you have been diagnosed with a compression fracture after a car accident, you need a legal advocate on your side who will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates for help. 

Our firm proudly offers complimentary consultations to car accident victims across the state of Georgia. Please take advantage of this opportunity by filling out our online contact form or calling our office to claim yours today.