
Neck and back injuries can show up immediately, or they can develop slowly over time. In both cases, it’s possible that some form of negligence could have been the catalyst for your pain. Two of the most prevalent sources of neck and back injuries in Nevada are accidents and work conditions.
Even a mild accident can lead to damage that eventually turns into neck or back pain. Many people have small fender benders and neglect to have themselves checked by medical professionals.
Understand that a minor accident can still cause soft tissue damage, such as whiplash. Sometimes that type of damage isn’t noticeable at first, but as time goes by the damage can worsen and lead to a painful back or neck injury.
You may think the growing pain is a natural consequence of your day-to-day living. In reality, the damage originated with the tiny accident you didn’t think anything of. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention after any accident, no matter how mild.
This goes for other accidents as well, such as slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, or taking a tumble on uneven ground. Don’t assume you weren’t injured just because you don’t feel pain or notice any obvious signs at the time.
Many occupations can also lead to neck or back injuries. You may think it’s only physical labor jobs, but there are other jobs that can cause neck or back pain as well. And, just like with an accident, pain or injury can occur because of another’s negligence.
For example, office jobs often lead to back pain because of things like bad posture. Any job that requires you to stand or sit in place and repeat motions can lead to strains on the neck and back.
While you should do what you can to mitigate these strains, your employer must try to meet you halfway. If your employer doesn’t provide adequate equipment, training, or education, then they hold some responsibility for your neck or back injury. If you complain of your pain or work conditions, and your employer does nothing, they may hold even more liability.
It’s not always easy to pinpoint the start of your back or neck pain. The more time that goes by, the harder it becomes to say precisely what initially caused your back pain.
A good place to start is with an accurate back or neck pain diagnosis. A specialist can help you determine if your back or neck injury lines up with an accident or workplace conditions. Obtaining past medical records can help as well. They can establish a definite before and after concerning your health, mobility, and injuries.
If you develop an injury because of someone’s negligence, you can seek compensation. If your pain or injury stems from your work environment, it’s possible to seek your workers compensation benefits. If your injury came from an accident of any type, then you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
In both cases, it’s important to start the process right away. If too much time passes before you experience pain or receive a diagnosis, the process can become far more difficult. Whether sooner or later, you will need help.
If you suffer from neck or back pain, and suspect it stems from your job or an accident, seek legal help. You will need someone who knows how workers compensation and personal injury works in Nevada. Contact Nevada personal injury lawyers Kidwell & Gallagher LTD. We can help you figure out if you have a case, and what steps you should take next.
Craig W. Kidwell is the managing partner of Kidwell & Gallagher, Ltd., and exclusively represents injured workers in Nevada. Mr. Kidwell has been practicing workers’ compensation law in Nevada since 1999 and has acted as lead counsel on over 2,000 contested workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Kidwell represents injured workers in Nevada through all stages of Nevada’s complex worker’s compensation system. Craig regularly appears in all levels of Nevada’s administrative workers’ compensation system and has represented injured workers in Nevada’s districts and Supreme Court.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Craig W. Kidwell who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.