Monroe Back Injury Attorney

Monroe Back Injuries

Back injuries can be excruciating and debilitating. The human spine is one of the most crucial components of the body. The bones of the spinal column support the body’s weight and allow upright mobility. The spinal column also houses the spinal cord, a thick bundle of nerves that connects the brain to every region of the body, allowing for conscious control of movement and bodily functions. Back muscles are also crucial, supporting the other regions of the body and allowing for movement and flexible use of various muscle groups.

Representing Victims of Back Injuries in Monroe, NC

When the back is injured, the victim can be confined to bed and unable to handle even the most basic tasks. Unfortunately, some people power through back pain only to worsen their conditions, and others sustain life-changing back injuries that cause permanent disabilities. If you or a loved one recently suffered a back injury due to the actions of another party, you may have grounds for a civil claim that can help you recover your damages.

A Monroe back injury lawyer is a vital asset in this situation. If any other party is responsible for causing your back injury, a personal injury claim could allow you to recover any losses sustained from the incident. If your injury occurred at work, your attorney could help you recover workers’ compensation benefits and potentially explore additional avenues of legal recourse. Ultimately, if anyone bears fault for causing your back injury, it’s vital to explore your legal options for recovering your damages.

Why You Need a Monroe Back Injury Attorney

Attempting to navigate any civil claim or workers’ compensation claim unassisted is an unwise decision. Most people have no practical experience with the civil court system and would be vulnerable to making errors during their cases, some of which may negatively impact their ability to recover compensation for their damages. Even if they manage to succeed with a civil claim on their own, they risk settling for much less than they legally deserve without the assistance of an experienced attorney.

Hiring a reliable Monroe back injury lawyer is a sound investment in the quality of your recovery from a back injury caused by the actions of another party. Your attorney will assist you in determining the full scope of your claimable damages, help you identify the party or parties responsible for causing your injury, and guide you through the process of holding them accountable for your damages. As a result, you are more likely to succeed with your case and more likely to recover maximum compensation with the help of a Monroe back injury attorney.

Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler has years of experience representing North Carolina clients in a wide range of civil claims and workers’ compensation claims. We have helped many back injury victims in the Monroe area approach their personal injury claims with confidence. In addition, we have successfully assisted many injured workers in navigating the workers’ compensation claim process. Whatever your case entails, you can expect detailed guidance and compassionate support as we assist you with your recovery.

Common Causes of Back Injuries

Many people sustain back injuries unexpectedly, sometimes from something as simple as bending over too quickly or lifting something too heavy. When back injuries occur at work, injured employees in North Carolina have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. North Carolina state law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance can cover an injured workers’ medical expenses and a portion of their lost income while they are unable to work during recovery.

Other causes of back injuries that may generate personal injury claims in Monroe include:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Every day, many car accidents occur in and around Monroe, NC. When negligent drivers cause these accidents, injured drivers have the right to file claims against their insurance policies. However, if the at-fault driver’s insurance does not have enough coverage to fully compensate your damages, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Crash impact forces can easily cause devastating back injuries, including spinal cord injuries resulting in permanent paralysis.
• Slip and fall accidents. A “slip and fall” may sound like a minor injury, but slip and fall incidents can potentially result in life-changing injuries. In addition, depending on the height and location of the fall and whether the victim hit anything as they fell, a slip and fall can potentially result in severe back injuries, some of which may result in permanent harm.
• Intentional acts of violence. If an altercation breaks out between individuals in North Carolina, the aggressor faces criminal prosecution and civil liability for the other party’s damages. If assault leads to serious personal harm, the victim will have the right to seek compensation for all their losses, and the aggressor could face felony prosecution.

In the event that a back injury occurs in the workplace, but a party outside the workplace is responsible for causing it, or if the victim’s employer or co-worker intentionally caused the injury, the victim would have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits and file a personal injury claim against the party who caused their injury. However, North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws typically prevent injured workers from suing their employers for workplace injuries. Still, there are exceptions to this rule, and you should consult a Monroe back injury attorney as quickly as possible if you believe your situation qualifies as an exception.

Damages and Recovery for Back Injury Claims

When you succeed with a workers’ compensation claim for a back injury, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier will likely cover all medical expenses for treatment you require to fully recover. Additionally, you can receive ongoing disability benefits depending on the severity and scope of your injury and whether you can return to work. Some back injuries result in severe permanent disabilities that prevent victims from working again, and others will heal in time but prevent victims from resuming their previous jobs. Workers’ compensation benefits can be paid on a permanent or temporary basis, tiered as either “total” or “partial,” depending on the severity of the claimant’s injury.

When a back injury victim has grounds for a personal injury claim, they can potentially secure much more than workers’ compensation typically offers. For example, claimable damages in a civil claim for a back injury can include:

• Medical expenses, including immediate expenses incurred after the injury and long-term treatment costs, rehabilitation costs, and the cost of any ongoing therapy the victim requires.
• Lost income. While workers’ compensation can provide some compensation for lost income, not everyone can rely on workers’ compensation after sustaining back injuries from the actions of others. A personal injury claim can help you recover income lost while you are unable to work due to your injury, and you can seek compensation for lost earning potential if you are left entirely unable to work due to a permanent disability.
• Property damage. If the defendant’s actions damaged your personal property, you could hold them accountable for these losses as well.

The total economic damages you can claim in your back injury case may be more than you initially anticipated when you have an experienced Monroe back injury lawyer handling your case. In addition to your economic damages, North Carolina state law allows you to seek compensation for your pain and suffering as well.

It can seem difficult to assign a monetary value to intangible losses like physical pain and emotional distress. Your attorney will assist you in calculating a reasonable amount based on the severity of your injury and the likelihood that you will face long-term or permanent disabilities because of it. For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paralysis, this is a severe disability that will permanently diminish your quality of life and ability to live independently. Your attorney may seek five times your economic damages or even more to reflect the seriousness of your situation. North Carolina only limits pain and suffering damages in medical malpractice claims, in which these non-economic damages are capped at $500,000.

Contributory Negligence in North Carolina Civil Claims

If you intend to pursue a personal injury claim against the party responsible for causing your recent back injury, it is crucial to determine whether your own negligence played any role in causing your damages. If you are even partially at fault for causing your claimed losses, North Carolina’s contributory negligence law comes into play, and you are barred from securing compensation through a civil claim.

Speak to an Attorney Today

Securing legal counsel as swiftly as possible after a back injury caused by another party is one of the most important things to do after this type of potentially life-changing incident. An experienced Monroe back injury attorney can help you assess your total claimable damages and determine your best options for legal recourse against the party responsible for them. Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler has the experience and resources you need to navigate your back injury claim successfully. Contact us today and schedule your case review with a Monroe back injury lawyer.