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Sudden accidents and injuries can disrupt lives. During these difficult periods, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They advocate for those injured due to others' carelessness, ensuring fair compensation. This piece emphasizes the crucial role these lawyers play in helping people navigate their claims and restore normalcy.
Car accidents often result in a range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-changing. Among the most common and debilitating injuries are those to the neck, heel, and knee. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of broken necks, calcaneus fractures, and common knee injuries from car accidents, and how to seek compensation for these injuries.
Broken Neck in a Car Accident
Understanding a Broken Neck:
A broken neck refers to a fracture of one or more of the cervical vertebrae. The severity of a broken neck can vary greatly, especially depending on whether the spinal cord is damaged. If the spinal cord is intact, the chances for a full recovery are excellent. However, if the spinal cord is damaged, the consequences can be severe, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis (quadriplegia).
Symptoms and Complications:
- Immediate pain and swelling at the injury site
- Loss of movement or sensation in limbs
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
In severe cases, individuals may face lifelong disability, extensive medical treatments, and significant impacts on their quality of life.
Determining the Value of Damages:
The compensation for a broken neck depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life. Factors considered include:
- Medical expenses (surgery, therapy, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
If you are partially at fault for the accident, Iowa’s modified comparative negligence law may reduce your compensation proportionally. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Calcaneus Fracture from Car Accident
Understanding a Calcaneus Fracture:
A calcaneus fracture is a break in the heel bone, often resulting from high-impact trauma such as a car accident. This type of fracture can be extremely painful and may lead to long-term complications.
Symptoms:
- Heel deformity
- Pain and swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to bear weight on the heel
Types of Fractures:
- Stable fractures
- Displaced fractures
- Open fractures
- Closed fractures
- Comminuted fractures (most serious, bone shatters into multiple pieces)
Treatment Options:
- Nonsurgical: Casting, immobilization, physical therapy, pain management
- Surgical: Open reduction and internal fixation, percutaneous screw fixation
Complications:
Complications can include infection, nerve damage, chronic pain, and joint stiffness.
Common Knee Injuries from Car Accidents
Understanding Knee Injuries:
Knee injuries in car accidents occur when the knee is forced against the dashboard or twisted unnaturally. Common injuries include sprains, strains, and ligament tears.
Types of Knee Injuries:
- Sprains and Strains: Damage to ligaments or muscles, treated with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- MCL Injury: Tear of the medial collateral ligament, sometimes requiring surgery
- ACL Injury: Tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, often needing surgical reconstruction
- PCL Injury: Tear of the posterior cruciate ligament, usually from a direct blow
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Instability
Compensation:
Severe knee injuries can lead to significant medical expenses and lost wages. Filing a car accident claim or lawsuit can help recover these costs.
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.