Portland Back Injury Attorney

When you suffer an injury in Oregon caused by someone else’s negligence, you have a right to pursue compensation from the responsible party through a personal injury claim. Filing a personal injury claim is best done with the help of a qualified attorney.

Building a claim takes time, knowledge of personal injury law, and experience with the claims process. Without an attorney to assist you, the steps involved in pursuing a claim can quickly become a lot. We handle all the work of building a strong case for you while giving you the time you need to rest and recover from your injury. Don’t let a back injury determine your future. Contact Siefman Law LLC for a free consultation today.

Back Injury Recovery That Has Changed Lives

Rear-End Collision with Back Injuries — $1,650,000

A rear seat passenger suffered serious back injuries requiring two surgeries when the vehicle they were riding in was rear-ended. These injuries limited the client’s ability to work in their business at the level they had maintained before the crash. The case was resolved for the total amount covered by all available insurance policies.

Recoverable Damages in Back Injury Cases

Back injuries, particularly those involving a spine injury, can result in chronic pain and long-term effects. If you’ve suffered a back injury as a result to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Here are some of the recoverable damages in back injury cases:

Medical Expenses

This includes current and future costs related to your back injury. From emergency room visits and surgeries to therapy and medication, the expenses associated with a back injury can be huge. You may also need specialized medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or braces, and treatment for chronic pain. All of these costs and future medical costs can be covered in your personal injury claim.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

A back injury from a traffic accident can really impact your ability to work or reduce your earning capacity. You may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, reduced future earnings, loss of benefits, and even work-related rehabilitation costs if you need to transition to a different career because of your injuries.

Pain and Suffering

Back injuries often end up in acute pain and discomfort. Compensation takes the pain and suffering you’ve endured into account, as well as emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and any depression or anxiety resulting from the injury. While it’s challenging to put a monetary value on these non-economic damages, they are a substantial part of many personal injury cases.

Loss of Normal Life

Severe back injuries, especially involving the spinal cord, can reshape your life. You may be compensated for not being able to do normal activities, loss of independence and quality of life. This recognizes the impact a serious back injury can have on every aspect of your life.

Every back injury case is different, and the damages you may recover depend on the circumstances of your case. Insurance companies frequently try to minimize payments, which is why an experienced back injury attorney can reduce the risk of insurers taking advantage of you.

Types of Back Injury Claims We Handle

At Siefman Law LLC, our Portland personal injury attorneys have many years of experience with a variety of back injury claims. Each type of back injury requires a tailored legal approach. Here are some of the back injury claims we can help with:

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures can happen from high-impact trauma, such as car accidents or falls. These injuries can be serious, potentially leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.

Back Sprains and Strains

While often considered less severe than other back injuries, sprains and strains can still cause significant pain and discomfort, potentially leading to chronic issues if not properly treated.

Herniated Discs

Also known as ruptured discs, herniated discs can cause intense pain, numbness, and weakness. These injuries tend to take additional medical treatment and can impact your ability to work and enjoy normal activities.

Joint Injuries

Injuries to the joints in the back, such as facet joint injuries, can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Whiplash

While often associated with neck injury, whiplash can also affect the upper back. These injuries are common in rear-end collisions and can lead to long-term pain and disability.

Spinal Injuries

Spine injuries are among the most severe back injuries, often ending in partial or complete paralysis. A spinal cord injury calls for long-term medical care and leads to substantial financial burdens.

Discogenic Pain

Discogenic pain, caused by damaged spinal discs, can be debilitating and difficult to treat.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves in the back can cause radiating pain, numbness, and weakness. These injuries can impact your quality of life and ability to work.

No matter what type of back injury you’ve suffered, the personal injury lawyers at Siefman Law LLC are here to fight tirelessly against your insurance company to see that you receive fair compensation.

Accidents Leading to Back Injuries

Back injuries can result from various accidents, often leaving victims with chronic pain and long-term effects that significantly impact their quality of life. At Siefman Law LLC, we’ve helped numerous clients who have suffered back injuries as a result of the negligence of others. Here are some of the most common types of accidents that lead to back injuries:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of back injuries. The impact of a collision can cause a lot of back injuries, from whiplash and herniated discs to more severe spinal cord damage. Even low-speed crashes can result in significant back trauma, especially in rear-end collisions.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are vulnerable to back injuries. Riders tend to be tossed from their bikes in traffic accidents, leading to severe impact injuries to the back and spine. These accidents often result in more serious injuries compared to car accidents.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall incidents can cause tragic back injuries, especially in older adults. These can happen because of wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained premises. The impact of falling can lead to spinal fractures or soft tissue injuries in the back.

Pedestrian Accidents

When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, they tend to suffer severe injuries, including significant trauma to the back and spine. The blow of an automobile accident involving a pedestrian can cause multiple fractures, including a spinal injury.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists involved in accidents with motor vehicles or falls can sustain serious back injuries. The little protection and the potential for being thrown from the bicycle can result in severe back and spine damage.

Truck Accidents

Collisions involving large trucks typically result in catastrophic injuries, given their size. Back injuries in truck accidents can be severe, leading to life-changing spinal cord damage.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction sites are filled with dangerous conditions that can lead to back injuries. Falls from heights, being hit by falling debris, or accidents involving heavy machinery can all result in serious damage to the spinal column.

What Makes Spinal Cord Injuries So Serious

Spinal cord injuries are so delicate because the central nervous system is responsible for the signals between the brain and the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can lead to  potentially life-changing consequences. Here are common cases we see at our law firm:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: When the spinal cord is 100% removed or compressed, resulting in a total loss of sensation and function below the point of injury. This type of injury often leads to paralysis and requires extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: In these cases, the spinal cord is partially damaged, allowing for some degree of sensation and function below the injury. The extent of recovery can vary a lot, depending on the location of the injury.
• Anterior Cord Syndrome: This type of trauma affects the front of the spinal cord, leading to a loss of motor function and sensation below the injury. Patients may retain some ability to feel.
• Brown-Séquard Syndrome: This condition occurs when one side of the spinal cord is compromised, resulting in a lack of motor control and sensation on the opposite side of the body.

Symptoms and Effects of Back Injuries

The symptoms of back injuries vary depending on the level and location of the injury. Short-term effects may include:

• Pain or Numbness: Victims may experience pain or numbness in the back, neck, or extremities. This discomfort may require medical intervention to manage.
• Weakness or Paralysis: Back injuries can lead to limb weakness or paralysis, affecting victims’ ability to maintain independence.
• Difficulty Walking or Maintaining Balance: Injuries to the spine can impact victims’ coordination and balance, making it challenging to walk or stand without assistance.
• Chronic Pain or Discomfort: Many individuals with back injuries experience ongoing pain or discomfort that can persist for months or even years after the initial injury.
• Limited Mobility or Range of Motion: Back injuries can lead to permanent problems in mobility or range of motion, affecting victims’ ability to work, exercise, and engage in recreational activities.
• Muscle Atrophy or Weakness: Prolonged immobility or nerve damage can cause muscle atrophy or weakness, complicating recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Call for medical attention immediately if you have suffered a back injury. Additionally, a personal injury attorney can help with the legal process of recovering compensation in a personal injury case.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve suffered a back injury caused by another party’s negligence, don’t wait to get legal services from Siefman Law LLC today.

Our skilled legal team investigates the accident that caused your injury to gather the evidence they need to support your claim. They will interview any eyewitnesses, gather medical records and accident reports, retain expert witnesses when needed, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a back injury claim?

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including back injuries, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s crucial to consult a back injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.

What compensation can I recover for a spinal cord injury?

Compensation for spinal cord injuries may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and future care costs. The exact amount depends on the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you fight for fair compensation.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

It’s mostly not advisable to accept the first offer from an insurance company without talking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. A Portland personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and negotiate for a decent settlement that covers your damages.

How can a personal injury attorney help with my back injury case?

A personal injury lawyer can help look into your accident, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, calculate the value of your damages, and fight for fair compensation. They can also represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached.

Can I still file a claim if my back injury symptoms appeared days after the accident?

Yes. Some back injuries, like whiplash or herniated discs, may not show symptoms right away. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any pain or discomfort and then consult an injury lawyer about your legal options.

What if I’m partially at fault for the accident that caused my back injury?

Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help argue for a lower percentage of fault on your behalf.

Will I have to go to court for my back injury claim?

Many personal injury cases settle out of court. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney may recommend going to trial. Remember, every personal injury case is different. For specific advice about your situation, contact Siefman Law LLC for a free consultation with an experienced Portland back injury attorney.