Recovering From a Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) After a Slip-and-Fall in Delray Beach
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) may be less common than other types of slip-and-fall injuries in Delray Beach, but they can still seriously affect the quality of your life. What is the best way to recover from an injury like this? Perhaps more importantly, how do you access the treatment you need? What about your missed wages and non-economic damages?
What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that vertebral compression fractures are particularly common among older patients. This type of injury involves the collapse of a vertebra after an impact to the spine. Symptoms include severe, persistent back pain, decreased mobility, and tingling or numbness. If this injury is not addressed by medical professionals, you may develop a permanent deformity that forces you into a “stooped-over” stance.
How Does a Fall Cause a VCF?
The classic mechanism for a VCF is a fall backward onto the buttocks. In the medical world, this is called “axial loading,” and it causes an impact that travels upward from your tailbone throughout your spine. While the solid ground holds the tailbone in place, the weight of your upper body crashes down onto your spine, causing the compression and collapse of a vertebra in between.
What Is the Best Treatment for a VCF After a Fall?
Sometimes, patients may recover by simply resting, taking pain medication, and wearing braces. However, other patients (particularly older individuals) may require more intensive treatment. These might include special injections into the vertebra. A patient might also need to go through significant physical therapy to fully recover.
Will I Be Permanently Deformed?
The risk of permanent deformity depends on your unique situation. If you have suffered a severe vertebral fracture or several collapsed vertebrae, the chances of a permanent “stooping” posture are higher.
Whatever the case may be, early and effective treatment can prevent this from happening. Always see a doctor immediately after a slip-and-fall and follow up with specialists if necessary.
You can also help prevent permanent issues by taking enough time to rest. Remember, a slip-and-fall lawsuit can provide you with full compensation for all of the wages you miss while resting.
You can also recover additional compensation for disfigurement in the worst-case scenario of a permanent, stooping deformity. This type of non-economic damage goes beyond your basic financial losses and covers the psychological and emotional consequences of your new, stooping posture.
Can a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer in Delray Beach Help Me?
A slip-and-fall lawyer may be able to help you access important treatment if you have developed a vertebral compression fracture. If your fall was caused by a negligent property owner, you have every right to hold them accountable. Learn more about your next steps by contacting Steinberg Law at 561-630-0053. Our slip-and-fall lawyers in Delray Beach may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448171/
