Bloomfield Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Injuries and accidents can suddenly change lives. During these challenging periods, car accident injury lawyers become essential allies. They advocate for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the crucial role these lawyers play in assisting individuals with their claims and recovery.

Cervical Fusion for a Neck Injury from a Car Accident

Neck injuries from car accidents are common and often severe, sometimes necessitating a cervical fusion procedure. While whiplash is the most familiar neck-related injury from such accidents, vertebrae damage can also occur. In some cases, cervical fusion surgery becomes essential, with costs potentially recoverable through an insurance claim or lawsuit, especially with the help of an Iowa personal injury lawyer.

What is Cervical Fusion Surgery?

Cervical fusion is a surgical procedure designed to stabilize the neck by joining two or more vertebrae. This is achieved using bone from another part of the body (such as the hip), a bone graft, or metal plates. Sometimes, a damaged disc is removed, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused. In more severe cases, an entire vertebra may be removed and followed by fusion.

When is Cervical Fusion Performed?

Cervical fusion may be recommended after neck injuries from car accidents to prevent spinal cord damage or to correct misalignment of the vertebrae. It is also a treatment for herniated discs, fractures, or other spinal injuries. If another's negligence caused these injuries, an Iowa personal injury lawyer can assist in recovering treatment costs.

What to Expect After the Surgery

Post-surgery, patients may experience mobility issues, requiring a cane initially. Normal diet can usually be resumed after bowel function returns. If bone was harvested from another body part, soreness in that area may persist for weeks. A neck brace, either a collar type or a halo brace, will need to be worn for several weeks. Physical therapy is often recommended shortly after the procedure, and its costs can also be included in injury claims. Driving is prohibited while wearing a neck brace, and patients should avoid returning to work or strenuous activities until cleared by their doctor. Light walks are beneficial, but excessive exercise should be avoided.

Prognosis Following Cervical Fusion

The surgery typically takes about three hours and requires a hospital stay of a couple of days. While cervical fusion can alleviate pain and symptoms from the injury, it is not always a permanent solution. Complications can arise, necessitating additional treatments or procedures. These future costs should also be considered in an injury claim, which an Iowa personal injury lawyer can help address.

Risks and Complications of Cervical Fusion

As with all surgeries, cervical fusion carries risks such as:

- Blood clots
- Stiffness in the neck
- Pain at the donor site
- Injury to the spinal cord or nerves
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Rejection of the bone graft
- Surgical site issues, such as implant failure

Anesthesia also introduces risks, including aspiration, coughing, gagging, and potential increases in heart rate and blood pressure.

Broken Nose Treatment After an Accident in Iowa

Accidents can result in severe facial injuries, such as a broken nose, which often involves a fracture of the large bone over the bridge of the nose. Car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, sports injuries, falls, or fights are typical causes of a broken nose.

Symptoms of a Broken Nose

A broken nose may be evident due to extreme swelling or a crooked appearance. However, sometimes it may not be clear if the nose is broken or just bruised. If you suspect a broken nose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms include:

- Difficulty breathing
- Mucus discharge from the nostrils
- Blocked nasal passages
- Bruising around the nose or eyes
- Pain and tenderness when touching the nose or surrounding area
- Nosebleeds
- Swelling of the nose and surrounding face areas
- Misshapen or crooked nose

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:

- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Clear or watery fluid from the nostrils
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Clearly twisted or disfigured nose

A doctor will conduct an examination and may order X-rays or CT scans to diagnose the injury accurately.

Treatment for a Broken Nose
Minor fractures may require simple self-care at home, such as applying ice and taking over-the-counter pain medications. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to check progress. Severe fractures might need medical intervention, such as:

- Manual Realignment: For displaced bones or cartilage, the doctor may use local anesthesia and special tools for realignment, followed by packing and splinting to keep bones in place.
- Surgery: Multiple breaks or delayed treatment may require surgery. Reconstructive surgery might also be necessary if the nasal septum is damaged.

5 Key Facts When Considering Laminectomy Surgery After a Car Accident

Bloomfield experiences numerous car accidents annually, with many victims requiring surgeries like laminectomy to recover from spinal injuries.

1. Purpose of Laminectomy Surgery
Laminectomy is primarily used to relieve pain from lumbar spinal stenosis, where spinal nerve roots in the lower back are compressed, causing sciatica symptoms. It is commonly referred to as lumbar decompression surgery.

2. Post-Surgery Pain and Complications
Even after laminectomy surgery, some patients do not find immediate relief. Complications such as fluid buildup and nerve inflammation might require additional procedures.

3. Lengthy Recovery
Although the surgery itself takes about three hours, recovery can take weeks or months. Patients might be discharged after three days but should expect a gradual return to normal activities, including driving, only when deemed safe by their doctor.

4. Risks Involved
Laminectomy carries risks like:

- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- No pain relief or increased pain
- Complications from general anesthesia

Post-surgery symptoms to watch for include fever, redness or swelling at the incision site, increased pain, numbness, and difficulty urinating.

5. High Costs
Laminectomy can cost between $50,000 and $90,000, often more than what the average person can afford. If the surgery is due to a car accident, a claim might be denied, but legal counsel from Walker, Billingsley & Bair can help change the outcome. 

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.