Back injuries can be debilitating, affecting your ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy life. In Illinois, understanding the soft tissue back injury settlement amounts can provide valuable insight into what you might expect if you’re pursuing a claim. These settlement amounts can vary widely, depending on several factors, such as the injury’s severity, the accident’s circumstances, and the impact on the victim’s life. This blog will explore common soft tissue back injuries, the factors influencing settlement amounts, and the average settlement figures for such injuries in Illinois.
Common Soft Tissue Back Injuries in Car Accidents
Serious back injuries can occur for various reasons, including car accidents, slip and falls, and workplace incidents. Among these, specific soft tissue injuries are more prevalent.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears to tendons, muscles, and ligaments. These injuries can result in significant pain, stiffness, tenderness, and muscle spasms. Such injuries often require medical intervention, physical therapy, and sometimes even surgery to alleviate symptoms and restore function.
- Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured disc, occurs when an extreme force causes the discs in the spine to slip out of place, crack, or rupture. Although a herniated disc can sometimes be painless, it often leads to significant discomfort if it compresses a nerve in the lumbar or cervical spine. Symptoms can include sharp pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.
- Fractures
Accidents can cause the vertebrae in the spine to fracture. One common type of spinal fracture is a compression fracture, resulting from significant pressure or stress on the spine that causes small cracks or fissures in the bone. More severe fractures can damage the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, necessitating immediate medical attention.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur when extreme pressure lacerates, bruises, or damages the spinal cord, leading to permanent nerve damage or paralysis. Such injuries often require urgent medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. These injuries can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life, necessitating significant lifestyle adjustments and continuous medical care.
Even if your back injury is not listed above, seeking legal advice following an accident is crucial. An experienced back injury attorney can review your case, determine if you have a viable claim, and help you pursue the compensation needed to cover your medical treatments and other related expenses.
What Factors Go Into a Back Injury Settlement?
No attorney can tell you exactly how much your back injury case is worth due to the numerous factors affecting your case and the amount of money you can receive. Some of these factors include:
- Severity and Nature of the Injury: More severe injuries typically result in higher settlement amounts. Spinal cord injuries, for example, often lead to higher compensation than soft tissue injuries.
- Medical Treatments Required: The types and duration of medical treatments required now and in the future can significantly impact the settlement amount. This includes surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing medical care.
- Permanent Disability: If the back injury results in a permanent disability, the settlement amount may increase to cover the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
- Ability to Work: The injured person’s ability to return to work and perform their duties can affect the settlement. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are critical considerations.
- Impact on Daily Activities: The settlement can be influenced by how the injury affects the person’s ability to engage in normal daily activities and enjoy life.
- Defendant’s Liability: The certainty of the defendant’s liability and the credibility of the evidence presented can affect the settlement negotiations.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional suffering experienced by the victim are also considered when determining the settlement amount.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The amount available through the defendant’s insurance policy can also impact the final settlement figure.
- Comparative Negligence: In Illinois, the principle of comparative negligence applies, meaning if the victim is partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionately.
Although an attorney cannot predict the exact settlement amount, they can review these factors, build a strong case, and help you pursue the maximum financial recovery possible.
More: What is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury in Illinois?
What is the Average Settlement Amount for a Back Injury in Illinois?
The average settlement amounts for back injuries in Illinois vary widely, typically ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. In some cases, settlements can be lower or higher, with certain severe cases resolving for millions of dollars. This wide range is due to the complex nature of back injuries, which can vary significantly in severity.
Cases involving back injuries encompass everything from soft tissue damage to severe spinal cord injuries, making it challenging to estimate an average settlement. Factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact of the injury all play a role in determining the final settlement amount.
Seeking Justice After an Injury in Illinois?
At Pacin Levine, P.A., our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to offering steadfast assistance and legal advocacy to individuals residing in Illinois. Whether you need help understanding your legal options or pursuing a claim, we’re here to support you. Our team can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve, including fair soft tissue back injury settlement amounts. Contact us at 1-800-24-7-CRASH (2727) to review your situation and consider your legal choices.
