The cervical spine is composed of the seven vertebrae in the neck. These vertebrae are separated by discs that provide padding between the vertebrae and allow the neck to extend and absorb shocks. Located at the end of the spinal column, these vertebrae are critical to functioning in day-to-day life and delivering messages to the brain regarding eating, breathing, moving, speaking and other important functions.
Massachusetts injuries to the neck are generally very serious, and may occur in Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents, Massachusetts sports accidents, Massachusetts worksite accidents or any other situation involving trauma to the cervical spine. In Massachusetts auto accidents, ligaments in the neck may be stretched beyond their normal range of motion, resulting in whiplash, a soft-tissue injury. Whiplash, which occurs when the head is suddenly thrown forward and then quickly recoiled backward, can cause neck sprains and torn ligaments. A Massachusetts resident who has sustained a neck injury may experience dizziness, fatigue, headaches and pain in the shoulder, shoulder blades or arms. Additional symptoms of Massachusetts cervical spine injuries include the onset of depression, as well as difficulties with sleep, concentration and memory.
In cases of severe Massachusetts cervical spine damage, neck injuries can completely change or take the victim’s life. When the cervical spine snaps, it may cause internal decapitation in which the skull is completely severed from the spinal column. Such a serious trauma leaves few survivors. Those who do not die as a result of a cervical spine break may suffer quadriplegia, namely paralysis in the body below the neck. The immobility of the limbs and torso make it extremely difficult to perform essential bodily functions, and can create a dependence on long-term care or a decreased life expectancy.
Treatment for Massachusetts neck injuries varies based on the severity of the injury, and may include rest, medication, physical therapy, surgery or a neck brace. It may take months to recover from whiplash or other Massachusetts neck injuries, which may require extensive time away from work. Injured Massachusetts victims who are paralyzed must receive ongoing nursing care, along with physical and emotional therapy, in order to cope with the complications of their neck injury and establish new daily routines.
If you or a loved one has sustained a neck injury as a result of a Massachusetts accident, you are likely experiencing the financial strain of paying for the ongoing pileup of medical expenses. Special medical devices, surgeries, therapy and in-home care can all add up to create a significant financial burden. However, you do not need to suffer financial ruin in addition to your physical pain caused by someone else’s negligence. Call the experienced and highly skilled Massachusetts cervical spine personal injury lawyers and Massachusetts wrongful death attorneys at the Boston, MA Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com.
Our expert and highly skilled Boston, MA accident injury lawyers are proud to represent Massachusetts personal injury victims from throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
