In a perfect world, if someone injured you, they’d cover your medical bills and related expenses with no questions asked, but that’s simply not the world we live in; countless injured people in California — and across the country — are often forced to fight for the compensation they need to pay their medical bills, make up for lost wages, and cover everyday expenses until they return to health after an accident.
That being said, back injuries are some of the most common accidental injuries, and they also have some of the most far-reaching effects on day-to-day life, which can cause many to wonder whether they can claim compensation for a back injury. Below, you’ll find out.
Proving Your Back Injury Was Caused by an Accident
While you can indeed claim compensation for a back injury, you must first ensure that you can prove that your back was injured in an accident, not in some other, unrelated way. Most insurance companies for at-fault parties will argue that a victim’s back injury is unrelated to the accident being discussed, and if you can’t prove them wrong, you’re likely to lose.
With that said, the best way to prove that the accident in question is what hurt your back is to seek medical attention immediately following your injury. A doctor will be able to examine you and determine whether your injury is new or existing, and in doing so, you’ll be able to provide the medical records that prove an opposing insurance company wrong.
Nevertheless, preserving your chances of winning your case requires that you do not delay when it comes to medical treatment; if you don’t see a doctor until days or weeks after the accident, the opposing insurance company will probably claim one (or both) of the following:
- That the injury wasn’t severe because you didn’t see a doctor right away
- That the injury was completely unrelated because you only sought medical attention days later
Of course, in addition to seeking medical attention, one of the first things you should do after an accident is get in touch with a personal injury attorney. A good lawyer will be able to advise you on what to do next and preserve your chances of winning your case.
What kinds of damages can you recover?
If your back was injured because of someone else’s negligence, the California court system offers you some recourse as — if you win your case — you’ll be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Medical Costs: These may cover hospitalization, acute treatment, ongoing treatment, and the costs of projected future treatments
- Lost Wages: These may include wages for work missed during recovery, as well as any future lost wages if you are permanently disabled or forced to take a lower-paying job because of your injury
- Emotional Distress (Pain and Suffering): These damages are intended to compensate you for physical and emotional pain associated with the injury
- Punitive Damages: These are rarely awarded, but if the responsible party was extremely reckless or malicious, you might be awarded more on top of your other damages
Setting up an appointment with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get an idea of the damages you may be able to recover.
Has your back been injured because of someone else’s negligence?
No law firm can fully guarantee that you’ll win your case, but when you have passionate, experienced attorneys on your side, things can look up.
At Saeedian Law Group, we’re dedicated to getting injured people the justice they deserve, and if you’re suffering from a back injury, you shouldn’t be responsible for your medical bills and other damages. Schedule a consultation at our Los Angeles or Beverly Hills office to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer for help today.
