Suffering a neck injury in Kentucky due to a car accident or another type of personal injury accident can be life altering. Neck injuries can impact your daily activities, physical well-being and emotional state. These injuries can cause physical pain, emotional distress and significant financial hardship, affecting everything from your ability to work to your overall quality of life. The journey to recover compensation can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies, which is why you need a neck injury attorney in Owensboro.

At Rhoads & Rhoads, our team of experienced Owensboro personal injury lawyers have a long track record of helping injured individuals navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and works diligently to ensure our clients in Owensboro, KY, and surrounding areas receive fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with neck injuries.

Why You Could Need a Neck Injury Attorney

Neck injuries can have a profound effect on your life, whether they stem from a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident or another unexpected event. These injuries can range from mild strains or sprains to more severe conditions like herniated discs, nerve damage or even spinal cord trauma.

Some neck injuries may result in chronic pain and require long-term treatment. The consequences of neck trauma can be long-lasting, and recovery may involve extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and possibly even surgical intervention.

In the aftermath of an accident, navigating the legal landscape can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies may try to minimize compensation, and proving liability in most personal injury cases, especially multi-vehicle accidents, can be complicated. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the responsible party’s actions were reckless or intentionally harmful.

That’s where an experienced Owensboro personal injury lawyer can help. With the right legal representation, you can be confident that your case will be handled properly, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation after being injured.

At Rhoads & Rhoads, our personal injury attorneys are skilled at gathering the necessary evidence, consulting with medical professionals, and negotiating with insurance companies to make sure our clients get the fair settlement they deserve. We represent Kentucky victims of neck injuries across western Kentucky and fight for justice on their behalf, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.

What Are the Symptoms of a Neck Injury?

Neck injuries are often immediately noticeable due to the intense pain and discomfort they cause. However, the full extent of the injury may not always be apparent right away. Some neck injuries, such as whiplash, can have delayed symptoms that worsen over time.

Some of the most common symptoms of neck trauma include:

• Pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders or upper back
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull
• Pain or numbness in your shoulder, arm, or fingers
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or hands
• Swelling or tenderness around the neck area

Should you notice any of these symptoms after a serious accident, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Promptly seeking treatment can help prevent further complications and support a quicker recovery.

In addition, you should keep track of all your medical bills, as they will play an essential role in your personal injury claim. A skilled Kentucky personal injury lawyer can help you recover the necessary compensation after being injured, including any medical costs or lost income.

Types of Accidents That Cause Neck Injuries

Neck injuries can result from a wide range of accidents, many of which occur due to the negligence or recklessness of others. Understanding the types of accidents that commonly cause neck trauma can help you identify the circumstances under which you may need legal assistance. Some of the most common causes include:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of neck injuries, particularly whiplash. The sudden impact from a collision can cause the neck to jerk forward and backward, straining muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues. Even a small fender bender can cause whiplash or other neck-related problems.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe neck injuries due to the lack of protection of the rider. Common injuries include whiplash, neck fractures and spinal cord damage. The force of impact from a motorcycle crash can be catastrophic, making immediate medical attention for injured victims crucial.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles can suffer from a variety of neck injuries, including whiplash, fractures and herniated discs. The high impact of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian can result in severe neck trauma, often requiring extensive medical treatment.

Slips-and-Fall Accidents

Falls, especially on a hard surface or from a significant height, can cause neck injuries ranging from strains and sprains to fractures and dislocations. Slip-and-fall accidents are common in both public and private spaces, often caused by poorly maintained structures.

Workplace Accidents

Certain professions, especially those involving heavy lifting, repetitive movements or exposure to hazardous environments, can increase the risk of neck injuries in workplace accidents. Construction workers, warehouse employees and individuals in physically demanding jobs may suffer neck trauma due to improper lifting techniques, equipment accidents or unsafe surfaces.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

If you believe your neck injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to our personal injury lawyer in Owensboro, Kentucky, for expert guidance and support. At Rhoads & Rhoads, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our Kentucky attorneys are dedicated to helping our personal injury lawsuit clients recover the compensation they deserve for hospital bills, medical bills, social security disability and any other jury awards. Reach out to our Owensboro office to see how we can help you.

Common Neck Injuries

Understanding the most common types of neck injuries can help you identify the symptoms and find the appropriate medical care, which will help strengthen your personal injury claim. Some of the most common types include:

Whiplash: A typical neck injury resulting from car accidents, whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly pulled forward and backward, straining muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. While whiplash is often seen as minor it can lead to long-term pain and discomfort if not treated properly.

Strains and Sprains: A neck strain or sprain can happen when the muscles, tendons or ligaments in the neck are torn or overstretched. These injuries often result from poor ergonomics, sudden movements or repetitive actions. Symptoms can include swelling, pain and limited range of motion.

Pinched Nerve: A pinched nerve in the neck happens when there is pressure on a nerve, often caused by a herniated disc or bone spurs. This pressure can lead to pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms or hands.

Herniated Disc: A herniated disc occurs when the cushion-like discs between the vertebrae rupture or shift, pressing on nearby nerves. This condition can cause pain, weakness, numbness and tingling and is often seen in individuals with jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive movements.

Neck Fractures or Broken Neck: A broken or fractured neck is a dangerous injury that requires immediate medical attention. It can occur in high-impact accidents, such as car crashes or falls, and may lead to spinal cord damage or paralysis. Neck fractures are considered a medical emergency and can have lifelong consequences if not treated properly.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Western Kentucky, it’s important to contact one of our Owensboro personal injury lawyers who can help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering. Our experienced Kentucky attorneys at Rhoads & Rhoads will work with medical professionals to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case for your personal injury claim.

Importance of Medical Evidence When Seeking Compensation for a Neck Injury

When pursuing a personal injury claim, medical evidence plays a crucial role in establishing the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Your doctor’s diagnosis, medical records, imaging results (such as X-rays or MRIs) and treatment plan all contribute to proving your personal injury claim. These documents help demonstrate the severity of your suffering and support your personal injury case while seeking damages.

Why Proving Whiplash is Challenging

Whiplash can be difficult to prove because symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness and headaches often don’t show up immediately after the accident. It can take hours or even days for symptoms to manifest fully, making it difficult to link the trauma to the accident.

Insurance companies may argue that the symptoms were unrelated or were caused by something other than the accident, but with the right medical documentation, an Owensboro personal injury attorney can help prove your claim, ensuring that you receive proper compensation.

Proving Liability if Your Neck Injury Was Caused by a Multi-Vehicle Crash

In multi-vehicle accidents, determining liability can be more complicated than in a single-car crash. Multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident, and proving who is at fault can require gathering evidence from several sources. Eyewitness testimony, police reports, traffic camera footage from the accident scene, and expert accident reconstruction can all play a key role in establishing liability or fault of the other driver.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our team will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. At Rhoads & Rhoads, our Kentucky personal injury attorneys have experience handling complex personal injury cases involving multi-vehicle crashes.

Our Kentucky-based personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to investigate the details of your wrongful death lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit, gather the necessary evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable after being injured.

Whether the accident was caused by a reckless driver, poor road conditions or malfunctioning traffic signals, our Owensboro injury attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact our Owensboro office to learn more.

Neck Injury FAQs

Is a Neck Injury a Serious Injury?

Yes, they can be serious and lead to long-term pain, limited mobility or permanent damage. The neck houses vital structures, including the spinal cord and nerve roots, so being injured in this area can have far-reaching consequences. It’s important for those experiencing neck pain after an accident to seek early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications.

How Long Could It Take To Recover From a Neck Injury?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. Minor strains and sprains may take a few weeks to heal with rest and physical therapy, while more serious injuries, such as herniated discs or fractures, can take months or even require surgery. Your doctor can provide you with a time line for recovery based on the nature of your injury.

What Treatments Are Available for Neck Injuries?

Treatment options vary depending on the seriousness of the condition. For minor injuries, rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications may suffice. More severe injuries may require physical therapy, chiropractic care, prescription medication, injections, pain management or even surgery.

In some cases, spinal injections or other advanced treatments may be recommended to manage pain. It’s valuable to seek medical care so you can receive a tailored treatment plan after being injured.

How Long Do I Have To File a Neck Injury Claim in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, is typically one year from the date of the injury. But if the injury is a result of a car accident, then you many times have two years to file a claim. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek damages.

However, it’s important to consult with an attorney in Kentucky as soon as possible, as there may be exceptions or other factors that could affect your case. Getting legal guidance early can help ensure that your claim is filed on time and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact an Owensboro Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or someone under your care has suffered a personal injury in Owensboro, KY, due to another’s negligence, it’s important to obtain an attorney to recover compensation as soon as possible.

At Rhoads & Rhoads, our experienced Owensboro personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation you deserve from your claim. From initial consultation to settlement negotiations, we will guide you through the legal process with empathy and expertise.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case and explore your options. Call us at 888-709-9329, or visit us in Owensboro, KY.