San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

A broken neck can result in loss of sensation, paralysis and even death. The scientific term for a broken neck is a cervical fracture because there are seven cervical vertebrae, or neck bones, in the neck. The most common injuries to the neck bone are as a result of car accidents or diving into shallow water. Sports accidents can also cause fractures in the neck, as these fractures occur because of a sudden twist or hard blow to the neck. In order to diagnose a broken neck, doctors may look at swelling or bruising around the neck area and use a CT scan or an MRI test to see if the spinal cord has been damaged in the accident.

Medically in an emergency situation, when there is severe head trauma, it should be assumed that there is a cervical fracture until it is ruled out. The victim in a traumatic car accident should be immobilized with the use of a stretcher or neck brace until he reaches the hospital. Once it has been determined that the victim’s neck has been broken, there are different ways of treating it. There is a chance that the victim will become paralyzed from the waist down, or from the neck down, but there is also a chance that the victim will still be able to move around on his own.

On March 18, 2009, a San Mateo woman won $45 million in damages from an accident which occurred in September 2006. Tricia Roth was paralyzed when she was hit by a wrecking and demolition company’s truck. The truck ran a red light and hit Roth’s car. Roth suffered a broken neck and spinal injuries and requires full attendant care. The damages that were rewarded to Roth are likely for her future healthcare and the attendant care that she requires.

Greenberg & Rudman LLP represents people who have been seriously injured as well as the families of those who have been killed under wrongful death circumstances. We are experienced trial attorneys who have taken on big insurance companies and won. We advance all costs and expenses related to your case and we do not recoup these costs unless we collect money for you. Give us a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more on spinal cord and neck injuries.

Would you like to read more about spinal cord injuries? Then go to Part 2: SPINAL CORD SURGERY MAY LEAD TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE—CALL OAKLAND LAWYERS (Part 2 of 2)