When Is It More Than Whiplash?

Whiplash is a common neck injury that motorists suffer after accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Typically, whiplash affects muscles and ligaments, stretching and tearing them. This soft tissue should heal with sufficient rest. Although neck stiffness and pain are disabling, conservative treatment is usually sufficient. However, some motorists need surgery when there is structural damage to the neck suffered in the accident.

Situations Where Surgery is Indicated

An injured motorist could need surgery where they suffer the following:

• Herniated disc which presses on a nerve. A cervical disc can become torn, with the interior filling extruded and pressing on a nerve. The result is usually chronic numbness or weakness in the arms and hands. Surgery can clean up the area and release the compression.
• Spinal compression. Vertebrae can compress or press against each other, leading to intense pain. Surgery might be necessary to fuse two or more vertebrae together to limit their movement.
• Vertebral fracture. The violent movement which causes whiplash could also crack one of the bones in your neck. There is a risk that pieces will break free and then cut into the spinal cord. A doctor might insert a plate to keep pieces together and promote healing.
• Spinal instability. Damage to the vertebrae can make the cervical spine unstable. There is a risk of dramatic, unusual movement. Surgery might be necessary to stabilize the spine.

However, surgery is more likely with high-speed collisions. Your doctor might require an x-ray or other imaging test and discover damage to the spinal column. Broken bones and herniated discs can show up on medical imaging exams.

The costs of your medical care will go up if you need surgery. One trip to the operating room can cost more than $10,000 and lead to increased time at home to rest. There is also a risk with any surgery that you could suffer side effects, including infection or nerve damage.

The good news: motorists can seek financial compensation from the person who caused their accident. The at-fault motorist is legally liable for all damages that flow naturally from the crash, even unusual damages like surgery. You can demand that a negligent driver pay your entire medical bill.

Reach Out to a Sioux Falls Accident Lawyer

If you experience neck pain, head to the emergency room after a collision. The sooner you uncover the full extent of your injuries, the faster you can recover. Then reach out to Hoy Law.

Our firm has developed experience in motor vehicle accidents. We will do everything possible to get the compensation necessary to cover your medical bills, as well as other expenses. The typical car crash costs victims around $20,000, but each case is different. Schedule a free consultation with a Sioux Falls, SD whiplash lawyer at Hoy Law to identify the next steps to take.

Sources:

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11982-whiplash

healthline.com/health/bone-health/herniated-disk-surgery