Cedar Falls Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can suddenly disrupt lives. In these challenging times, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They advocate for individuals harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive fair compensation. This article delves into the important role these lawyers play, guiding people through their claims and helping them rebuild.

Iowa sees many car accidents each year, often resulting in injuries that require surgical intervention. Laminectomy surgery, which is common after spinal trauma from car accidents, is one such procedure. Before deciding to undergo laminectomy surgery, it’s crucial to consider several important facts.

1. Laminectomy Surgery is Primarily for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Laminectomy surgery is most often used to relieve pain from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. According to Spine Health, this condition involves the compression of spinal nerve roots in the lower back, leading to symptoms such as sciatica—tingling, weakness, or numbness radiating from the lower back to the buttocks and legs, especially during activity. This procedure, commonly referred to as lumbar decompression back surgery, aims to alleviate pain by decompressing the affected spinal areas.

2. Success of Laminectomy Surgery Can Vary

Not all patients experience immediate or complete relief after laminectomy surgery. One patient reported ongoing issues seven weeks post-operation, necessitating additional surgery due to fluid and nerve inflammation found in a subsequent MRI. The secondary surgery aimed to block the nerve, addressing pain but not the underlying inflammation or fluid.

3. Recovery from Laminectomy Can Be Lengthy

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that while the surgery itself may only take three hours, full recovery can span weeks or even months. Patients typically go home after three days but might face restrictions, such as not being able to drive until cleared by a doctor. Unforeseen complications can also extend recovery time.

4. Laminectomy Involves Several Risks

As with any major surgery, laminectomy comes with risks. Johns Hopkins Medicine lists potential complications, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Lack of pain relief or increased pain
- Risks associated with general anesthesia

Patients should notify their doctor if they experience symptoms such as fever, redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage at the incision site, increased pain, numbness in legs, back, or buttocks, and difficulties with urination or bowel control.

5. Laminectomy Can Be Expensive

Cost Helper estimates the cost of a laminectomy to range from $50,000 to $90,000, which can be prohibitively expensive for many. If the surgery is due to car accident injuries, insurance claims may be denied. Legal counsel can be essential in these cases. The attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair offer a resource called "The Legal Insider’s Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case," which can help navigate the complexities of such claims.

Common Car Accident Injuries Requiring Back Surgery

Bulging and Herniated Discs

Bulging discs occur when the inner nucleus of a spinal disc pushes against its outer capsule, while herniated discs involve the inner nucleus spilling out through a tear. These conditions cause pain by pressing against spinal nerves. If rest, physical therapy, and medication fail, surgery may be recommended.

Spinal Compression Fractures

These fractures can result in loss of spine height and pain due to the vertebrae pushing against the spinal cord. Surgery, such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, is often necessary. Vertebroplasty involves injecting a cement-like substance into the vertebrae, while kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create space before the injection.

Laminectomy and Foraminotomy

These procedures relieve pressure on the spinal cord nerves. Laminectomy removes part of the vertebra (lamina), while foraminotomy widens the openings (foramina) where nerves leave the spinal canal.

Back Surgery and Car Accident Claims

Back surgeries are costly and can lead to significant medical bills, including post-accident care, surgery, and potential hospital stays. Long-term recovery can impact the victim’s ability to work, resulting in loss of wages and earning capacity. Legal representation is crucial to ensure fair compensation. Walker, Billingsley & Bair can help victims in Iowa achieve settlements that cover the full extent of their damages.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Iowa

Following a car accident, certain steps can help preserve a personal injury claim:
1. Ensure Medical Attention: Prioritize immediate medical care for everyone involved.
2. Call the Police: Report the accident and provide factual information without offering unnecessary details.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the damage and injuries, and document how the accident happened and its impact on your life.
4. Track Medical Recovery: Keep detailed notes on your injuries and recovery process.

Consulting an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer, like those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair, can provide guidance on these steps and help protect your rights in a personal injury claim.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.