Adel Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can disrupt lives. During such challenging periods, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They fight for victims of others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the vital role these lawyers play in assisting individuals with their claims and rebuilding their lives.

Undergoing Rhizotomy Surgery for Severe Pain After a Car Accident

Facet joints, located at the back of the spine, are responsible for the stability and flexibility of the spine. When these joints are injured in a car accident the resulting pain can be debilitating. Sometimes, surgical intervention, like rhizotomy, is required to restore the quality of life.

What is Rhizotomy Surgery?

Rhizotomy is a procedure used to treat facet joint syndrome, spinal arthritis, or spondylosis. These conditions typically involve swelling in the vertebrae adjacent to the spine, pressing against the spinal cord and causing pain. If pain medication, facet joint injections, and physical therapy fail to improve symptoms, doctors may recommend rhizotomy.

During the procedure, the surgeon uses X-ray imaging to identify the spinal roots causing pain. A needle with an electrode is inserted next to the facet joint, and heat is applied to the nerve root to destroy it. This deadens the nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals to the brain. Most patients experience significant pain relief within a few hours, with effects lasting from a few months to many years.

Are You a Candidate for Rhizotomy Surgery?

Not all car accident victims are suitable candidates for rhizotomy. Patients undergo thorough testing to identify any potential complications, reactions to anesthesia, or other surgical stresses. Typically, rhizotomy is considered only after other treatments, such as injectable therapies, have been exhausted. It is often recommended for severe cases where patients experience extreme nerve spasticity or difficulty walking.

Considerations

Rhizotomy surgery can be either an in-patient or outpatient procedure, depending on the specific technique used. Traditional facet rhizotomy may require an overnight hospital stay, followed by physical therapy and pain management post-surgery. On the other hand, a less invasive rhizotomy using a radio frequency probe typically allows patients to leave the hospital the same day.

As with any surgery, there are risks, including nerve damage and sensation loss or alteration. Discuss all potential risks and concerns with your surgeon prior to the operation to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure.

In many cases, rhizotomy is a successful method to restore mobility and reduce pain after a car accident. Your doctor will guide you through the recovery process and help assess the effectiveness of the surgery.

Medical Benefits to Cover Rhizotomy Procedures

If your injury is work-related, your employer might choose your medical care provider for workers' compensation claims. Ensure that any procedure, including rhizotomy, is approved by the employer-chosen doctor to avoid issues with coverage. To qualify for workers' compensation benefits, you must prove the injury is work-related. This can include injuries caused by work conditions or pre-existing conditions aggravated by the work environment.

Consulting a workers' compensation lawyer is advisable for navigating the complexities of your claim and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve, which may include permanent partial disability benefits.

Avoiding Car Accidents Caused by Road Debris

Thousands of serious car accidents in Iowa occur annually due to road debris. These obstacles are common on highways and urban roads, and drivers must stay vigilant to avoid accidents. 

The Definition of Road Debris

Road debris includes objects such as construction materials, blown tires, fallen trees, and items dropped from vehicles. Each type presents unique hazards, potentially causing serious damage or accidents.

Dangers of Roof Racks

Roof racks can be particularly hazardous when overloaded. Items can fly off into the path of other cars, or an overloaded rack can destabilize the vehicle, leading to loss of control.

Avoiding Serious Car Accidents

To prevent accidents caused by road debris, drivers must remain undistracted and aware of their surroundings. In adverse conditions, reducing speed and increasing caution is crucial. Always drive at a speed appropriate for the current road conditions, even if it means going slower than the posted limit.

Common Car Accident Injuries Requiring Back Surgery

Back injuries from car accidents can range from minor to severe, sometimes necessitating surgery. Here are common injuries and the surgical options available:

Bulging and Herniated Discs

These injuries involve the discs in the spine pushing against the nerves, causing pain. Treatment options include rest, physical therapy, and medication, but persistent issues may require discectomy and spinal fusion surgery.

Spinal Compression Fractures

These fractures can reduce spine height and cause significant pain. Surgical options include vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which involve injecting a cement-like substance into the vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

Laminectomy and Foraminotomy

These procedures involve removing parts of the spinal column to relieve pressure on the nerves. They aim to expand the spinal cavity and reduce nerve pain.

Back Surgery and Car Accident Claims

Back surgeries often result in substantial medical costs and prolonged recovery periods, impacting the victim’s ability to work. Legal assistance can help ensure fair compensation for these expenses and losses.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.