Mount Vernon Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Injuries and accidents can suddenly disrupt lives. In such challenging moments, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They advocate for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article emphasizes the vital role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and rebuild their lives.

Broken Neck in a Car Accident

Neck injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. A significant portion of these injuries, such as whiplash, result from being rear-ended. However, more severe neck injuries, such as broken necks, can have lasting and debilitating consequences.

What is a Broken Neck?

A broken neck refers to a fracture of a cervical vertebra. The severity varies, depending on the extent of damage to the spinal cord. If the spinal cord is not damaged, the individual has a good chance of full recovery. However, if the spinal cord is damaged, the individual might face lasting effects, including quadriplegia in severe cases. 

More serious cases involving quadriplegia or partial paralysis might prevent the injured person from working again or living a normal life. Even less severe cases can result in substantial medical bills and a long recovery process, causing significant time off work and the need for surgeries and extensive therapies.

Determining the Value of Damages after a Broken Neck

The seriousness of your neck injury and the resulting costs play a crucial role in determining the monetary value of your case. For instance, a broken neck requiring surgery, follow-up therapy, and months away from work would typically result in higher compensation than a broken neck causing quadriplegia.

The liability of the other party also affects the case value. If you are partially at fault for the accident, your damages could be reduced proportionately. Under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence law, being 51 percent or more at fault bars you from recovering damages. In such cases, you might rely on health insurance and your car insurance coverage for damage payments.

Personal Injury Claims & Insurance Fraud Investigators

Filing a personal injury claim often triggers scrutiny from insurance fraud investigators checking for fraudulent activities. After an accident, contacting a personal injury attorney is essential to help file the injury claim and address any fraud accusations.

Types of Surveillance after Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Insurance fraud investigators may monitor claimants to detect exaggerations in their injuries. Common surveillance methods include:
- Monitoring social media posts
- Following daily activities
- Collecting surveillance footage from the accident scene
- Obtaining statements from close associates

Surveillance can be misinterpreted or exaggerated by insurance companies, potentially harming the claim. For instance, a social media post intended to reassure loved ones might be taken out of context as evidence of exaggeration. An attorney can help avoid common mistakes and navigate towards a fair settlement.

Undergoing Rhizotomy Surgery for Severe Pain after a Car Accident

Facet joints in the spine, responsible for stability and flexibility, can be injured in car accidents, causing debilitating pain. Rhizotomy surgery may relieve pain in patients with severe facet joint syndrome, spinal arthritis, or spondylosis when other treatments fail.

What is Rhizotomy Surgery?

Rhizotomy treats pain by targeting the nerve roots causing the discomfort. Using X-ray imaging, a surgeon inserts a needle with an electrode near the facet joint. Heat is applied to the nerve root, rendering it unable to transmit pain signals. The procedure has minimal recovery time, and most patients leave the hospital the same day, experiencing pain relief within hours.

Are You a Candidate for Rhizotomy Surgery?

Not all patients qualify for rhizotomy. Thorough testing determines eligibility, and other treatments are typically tried first. Rhizotomy is often reserved for severe cases with significant nerve spasticity and difficulty walking.

Medical Benefits to Cover Rhizotomy Procedures

If the injury is work-related, employers may choose the medical care provider for workers' comp claims. Ensure the procedure is approved to avoid coverage issues. A workers' compensation lawyer can assist in proving the injury is work-related and securing entitled benefits.

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.