Perry Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can suddenly disrupt lives. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They specialize in advocating for victims of others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article examines the important role these lawyers play, guiding people through their claims and aiding in their recovery.

Key Facts When Considering Laminectomy Surgery after a Car Accident

Perry experiences many car accidents annually, often resulting in severe injuries that may require surgery for recovery. Laminectomy surgery is a common procedure for spinal trauma caused by car accidents. Before deciding to undergo laminectomy surgery, consider these key facts.

1. Laminectomy Surgery: Purpose and Condition

Laminectomy surgery primarily addresses one condition: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. According to Spine Health, this condition involves the compression of spinal nerve roots in the lower back, leading to symptoms of sciatica such as tingling, weakness, or numbness radiating from the lower back to the buttocks and legs, especially during activity. The surgery, often referred to as lumbar decompression back surgery, helps alleviate pain by decompressing the affected spinal areas.

2. Potential for Continued Pain Post-Surgery

Laminectomy surgery may not always resolve the pain. Spine Health shares the story of a patient who did not experience relief even seven weeks post-operation. An additional MRI revealed fluid and nerve inflammation, necessitating further surgery to block the nerve, which only stops pain without reducing fluid or inflammation.

3. Lengthy Recovery Period

Johns Hopkins Medicine indicates that while laminectomy surgery itself takes just three hours, recovery can be prolonged. Patients may be discharged after three days, but full recovery can take weeks or months. Driving and other activities may be restricted until a doctor provides clearance. Some patients may experience unforeseen complications that extend the recovery period.

4. Risks Associated with Laminectomy Surgery

Laminectomy surgery involves several risks, as highlighted by Johns Hopkins Medicine:
- 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 from general anesthesia

Patients should inform their doctor if they experience symptoms such as fever, redness, swelling, bleeding, increased pain, numbness in the legs, back, or buttocks, or urinary and bowel control issues post-surgery.

5. Financial Implications

The cost of a laminectomy can range from $50,000 to $90,000, according to Cost Helper, which is often beyond what most people can afford out of pocket. If the surgery is necessary due to car accident injuries, insurance claims might be denied. Legal counsel from the attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can be instrumental in altering the outcome of your claim. 

Overview of a Cervical Strain from a Car Accident

Cervical strain, often referred to as whiplash, occurs when the neck muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn during a car accident. This injury results from a rapid back-and-forth or side-to-side motion of the head caused by the impact.

Anatomy and Symptoms of Cervical Strain

Cervical strain damages the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the neck. Blood vessels in the muscles can be damaged, leading to blood pooling, muscle irritation, pain, and spasms. Scar tissue from blood pooling can alter muscle structure, causing further pain and spasms. An MRI can detect muscle changes related to cervical strain.

Symptoms include:
- Neck pain, tenderness, and tightness
- Knotted or hard muscles in the neck
- Headaches
- Inflammation
- Pain in shoulders or arms
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness or weakness in arms or hands
- Muscle spasms

Some symptoms may not appear immediately. It's essential for accident victims to get a thorough examination to diagnose potential injuries like cervical strain or concussion.

Classifications of Cervical Strain Injuries

The Quebec Taskforce on Whiplash-Associated Disorders classifies cervical strains:
- Grade 0: No physical signs or complaints
- Grade 1: Stiffness and tenderness
- Grade 2: Decreased range of motion and point tenderness
- Grade 3: Neurologic signs such as weakness and sensory changes
- Grade 4: Fracture and/or dislocation in addition to the above symptoms

Treatment of Cervical Strain

Early treatment is crucial for preventing chronic pain and disability. Treatments include:
- Heat and/or ice applications
- Electrical stimulation
- Neck braces
- Massage and myofascial release
- Cervical traction
- Doctor-recommended exercises
- Medications for pain relief, inflammation, muscle relaxation, and sleep

Legal assistance may be necessary to prove cervical strain injuries and secure compensation.

Who is at Fault in a Left Turn Car Accident?

Left turn car accidents can be severe, often leading to significant impacts on the passenger side or causing the vehicle to skid or flip. Determining fault, also known as liability, involves several factors and is crucial for any legal or insurance claims.

Traffic Controls and Signals

Fault determination starts with traffic controls. If the left-turning driver had a green arrow, the other driver is likely at fault. However, if the light was blinking yellow or red, the turning driver may be at fault. Complex situations arise when a driver turns as the light changes from green to yellow to red, and another driver goes through the intersection. Traffic cameras can sometimes clarify these incidents.

Stop Signs and Driver Distraction

A common left-turn accident occurs at stop signs. A driver may misjudge the distance or speed of an approaching vehicle. It's vital to look in both directions twice before turning and avoid distractions like cell phones. Driver distraction is a leading cause of car accidents.

Duty to Yield

Drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic. If a driver pulls out and is struck by an oncoming vehicle, they are likely at fault. However, if the other vehicle was speeding, fault may be shared. Under Iowa law, drivers can assume others are following traffic laws. For example, if a driver turns in front of a vehicle going 100 mph in a 55 mph zone, the speeding driver may be at fault.

Uncontrolled Intersections

Without traffic signals, the general rule is to yield to the right. Turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle from the right can result in fault for the turning driver, unless other factors like speed are considered.

Comparative Fault

Iowa's comparative fault system compares the fault of all parties. To recover damages, you must prove the other driver was at least 50% at fault. The recovery amount is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you're 30% at fault with a $100,000 verdict, you can only collect $70,000.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.