Common Causes of Neck and Back Injuries in Wichita
Your neck and spine serve as the body’s core support system and central nervous pathway. When compromised by trauma, injuries to these areas can result in chronic pain, reduced movement, or even permanent disability. In Wichita, neck and back injuries often result from:
Even low-impact incidents can cause serious damage to the spinal structure, particularly when nerves or discs are involved.
Types of Neck and Back Injuries
Herniated and Bulging Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. This condition is often linked to workplace injuries or car accidents and can cause severe pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the arms or legs.
Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures involve breaks or cracks in the vertebrae and typically result from high-impact events like vehicle collisions or falls. Depending on the severity, these injuries may lead to loss of mobility, bladder control issues, or even paralysis.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage
Whiplash is caused by the neck being rapidly jerked backward and forward, stretching the muscles, tendons, and ligaments beyond their normal range. Frequently seen in rear-end collisions in Wichita, whiplash can lead to long-term stiffness, headaches, and chronic discomfort.
Nerve Impingement (Radiculopathy)
Compression of spinal nerves—either in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine)—can result in shooting pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into the arms or legs. This often interferes with a person’s ability to walk, lift objects, or sit for extended periods.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Although spinal cord injuries are considered a separate catastrophic category, they are often the result of trauma to the neck or back. These injuries may cause full or partial paralysis and require extensive, lifelong care and support.
Signs and Symptoms of Neck and Back Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of neck or back trauma is essential, especially when the injury is not immediately visible. In Wichita, individuals suffering from these injuries may report:
- Persistent or sharp pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back
- Muscle spasms or cramping
- Reduced flexibility and range of motion
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Radiating pain into the limbs
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Difficulty standing, walking, or performing routine tasks
Without prompt treatment, these symptoms can worsen over time and contribute to permanent impairment.
Diagnosing and Treating Spinal Injuries
Proper diagnosis of a neck or back injury typically requires advanced imaging tools, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Treatment options vary based on the injury’s nature and severity but may involve:
- Rest, bracing, or immobilization
- Prescription pain management
- Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation
- Corticosteroid or epidural injections
- Surgical interventions such as spinal fusion, discectomy, or laminectomy
In Wichita, medical treatment for neck and back injuries can be costly and prolonged—particularly when long-term disability prevents a return to work or normal activity. That’s why recovering full compensation through a legal claim is often critical to the victim’s future well-being.
Understanding Liability for Neck and Back Injuries in Kansas
To recover compensation for a serious spinal injury, it must be shown that another party’s negligence contributed to the accident. Liability may arise in many forms, including:
- A reckless driver who caused a rear-end crash
- A property owner who failed to address a dangerous condition
- An employer who ignored OSHA safety regulations
- A manufacturer who released a defective tool, vehicle, or safety device
At Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, collect critical evidence, consult with medical professionals, and pursue every avenue of accountability. We build compelling legal cases for Wichita clients suffering from traumatic spinal injuries.
Damages Available in Wichita Neck and Back Injury Cases
Catastrophic neck and back injuries often result in substantial physical, emotional, and financial losses. If your injury occurred in Wichita, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and physical suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or functional limitations
- Loss of quality of life or inability to enjoy activities
In extreme cases involving egregious misconduct or reckless disregard, additional punitive damages may be awarded under Kansas law.
The Importance of Timely Action
Under Kansas law, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, this timeframe may be shorter or longer in specific circumstances, such as accidents involving government agencies or cases where injuries are discovered later.
Delaying action can also result in the loss of important evidence, weakening your legal position. If you’ve suffered a neck or back injury in Wichita, it is vital to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation.
Why Injury Victims in Wichita Trust Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott
Our Wichita-based law firm has earned a strong reputation for providing compassionate legal service and tenacious advocacy for catastrophic injury victims. When you hire Riedmiller, Andersen & Scott, you benefit from:
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Decades of experience in Kansas injury law
- Strong negotiation skills and courtroom readiness
- Partnerships with top medical and financial experts
- A track record of successful verdicts and settlements
We understand how disruptive spinal injuries can be—and we are committed to helping clients across Wichita get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Serving Wichita and Communities Across Kansas
Our attorneys represent clients throughout the state of Kansas, including:
- Wichita
- Topeka
- Hutchinson
- Salina
- Garden City
- Dodge City
- Manhattan
- And surrounding areas
If your injuries prevent you from visiting our office, we will meet you at your home, hospital room, or another convenient location anywhere in Wichita or across Kansas.
Contact Our Wichita Neck and Back Injury Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love is suffering from a serious neck or back injury in Wichita, Kansas, do not wait to get the legal support you need. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner you can begin protecting your rights and pursuing the recovery you deserve.
