Back injuries are one of the most common reasons people end up in chronic pain. Whether from a car crash, a fall at work, or a heavy lift gone wrong, the impact is rarely just physical. These injuries can interfere with your ability to sleep, move, focus, and live the way you used to.
There are many types of back injuries, but they all share a key similarity: they make everyday life harder. If you suffered a back injury in Phoenix or believe you could be at risk of sustaining one, it’s important to learn more about what these injuries entail and what legal options you have under Arizona law. Keep reading to learn more.
Common Types Of Back Injuries In Arizona
Every back injury is different. Some are short-term and heal with rest. Others cause permanent damage. A few of the most common types include:
- Sprains and Strains: These involve stretched or torn muscles and ligaments in the back, which might sound minor, but the pain can be severe and long-lasting.
- Herniated Discs: The soft tissue between your spinal bones can slip out of place and press on nerves, which often leads to sharp, radiating pain.
- Fractured Vertebrae: These can happen from falls or car accidents and may require surgery or long-term bracing.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or loss of bodily function below the injury site.
Each of these comes with its own set of complications. Many lead to long-term health issues that stretch far beyond the initial physical pain.
Where Do Back Injuries Usually Happen?
Some people hurt their backs in one obvious moment. In a number of cases, though, the damage develops over time, usually from repetitive motions. Some of the most common places where back injuries happen include:
- At Work: Industries where workers lift heavy objects, can slip on wet floors, or could get hit by equipment, are especially risky.
- In Car Accidents: Even a low-speed collision can throw your spine out of alignment.
- On Dangerous Property: Slippery surfaces, broken stairs, or poorly lit walkways often lead to bad falls.
- Sports or Physical Activities: A sudden twist or fall during contact sports, weightlifting, and extreme activities can lead to a serious back injury.
No matter where it happens, the effects can remain for a long time afterward, and they’re often worse than expected.
How Do Back Injuries Affect Daily Life?
Living with a back injury changes how you live your life. You might not be able to work your usual job and struggle to drive, cook, or even sit for too long. Tasks you once did without thinking now require planning, assistance, or medication.
The emotional impact can be just as debilitating. Pain can make people irritable, withdrawn, and anxious. Some fall into depression from the loss of independence or income. Relationships can suffer, and life can feel more restrictive.
On the financial side, you may be dealing with doctor visits, physical therapy, imaging tests, and lost wages — and it all adds up. Many people go into debt trying to keep up.
Why Are Back Injuries Hard To Treat?
There’s rarely a one-size-fits-all fix for back trauma. This makes them particularly difficult to treat. Doctors usually recommend rest, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes injections or surgery, depending on the type of injury and how serious it is. However, what helps one person might do nothing for someone else, and vice versa.
Healing back trauma also takes time, but even with the right treatment, some injuries never fully go away.
Why Are Back Injury Cases So Complicated?
Back injury cases can be tricky for a lot of reasons. Sometimes, it’s hard to prove how serious the injury is. Other times, multiple parties are involved, like an employer, a property owner, a distracted driver, and an insurance company.
Medical records are an excellent form of evidence, but they don’t always tell the full story. People with back injuries often get accused of exaggerating their pain, which makes it even harder to get fair treatment. But these injuries are real, painful, and life-changing. They should be taken seriously.
Additionally, insurance companies often look for ways to deny claims or reduce payouts. They may argue that your injury isn’t as severe as you claim or that it wasn’t directly linked to the accident. This adds another layer of stress to an already painful situation.
Contact a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer at KRLG Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a back injury from an accident, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process on your own. The road ahead may be uncertain, but getting legal help doesn’t have to be.
At KRLG Injury Lawyers, our award-winning team has recovered over $200 million for our clients throughout Phoenix. We can evaluate your situation and help you figure out your next step toward getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Phoenix personal injury lawyer.
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