Albuquerque Neck Injury Attorneys

Your neck is made up of many different structures, including nerves, muscles, joints, tendons, and bones. When these structures are damaged as a result of a traumatic injury, pain and immobility may follow. While some neck injuries only entail minor effects, others can have lasting consequences.

At Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, we represent people who have suffered severe, life-changing neck injuries because of the negligence of others. Our Albuquerque neck injury lawyers have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and have helped countless clients fight for fair compensation after traumatic, injury-causing events. We have the resources, knowledge, and skills to guide you through the legal process and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Contact us today at (505) 806-1780 to request a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team. Hablamos español. 

Types of Neck Injuries 

Neck injuries include any injuries to the nerves, muscles, joints, tendons, or bones that comprise the neck and upper spinal cord (cervical). As such, certain cervical spinal cord injuries are considered neck injuries, but not all neck injuries are spinal cord injuries.

Some examples of common neck injuries include: 

• Neck sprains and strains 
• Whiplash 
• Cervical vertebrae fractures (neck fractures)
• Pinched nerves and nerve damage
• Slipped, ruptured, or herniated cervical discs

These and other neck injuries can result in muscle spasms; stiffness; acute and/or chronic pain; limited movement; loss of feeling; weakness or numbness in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, or toes; and, in the worst cases, paralysis. 

Common Causes of Catastrophic Neck Injuries

Accidents and traumatic events, including acts of violence, are the leading causes of neck injuries. 

Specifically, the following incidents are most likely to lead to catastrophic neck injuries: 

• Car Accidents: Car accidents are a leading cause of neck injuries. Whiplash occurs when the head is snapped forward and back with great force, which can damage internal structures. This is a common occurrence in motor vehicle accidents, such as rear-end collisions, even those occurring at relatively low speeds. 
• Falls: Falls, including slip and falls, are another common cause of neck injuries. Often, fall-related neck injuries are accompanied by other injuries, such as head and brain injuries. 
• Violence: Violent attacks, such as receiving a blow to the head, are also capable of causing neck damage. In fact, violence is a leading cause of neck and spinal cord injuries in the U.S. 
• Overuse/Overexertion: Overuse and overexertion can lead to neck sprains and strains, as well as other serious neck injuries. These incidents often occur on the job or due to work-related accidents and conditions. 
• Sports and Recreation Accidents: Various sports and recreation accidents can lead to catastrophic neck injuries, such as diving accidents, skiing accidents, ATV rollovers, boating crashes, and youth sports accidents. 

Many of these incidents have one thing in common: they are the result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct. When this is the case, the injured party may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Our Albuquerque neck injury attorneys at Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero can help you determine if you have a catastrophic injury case and, if so, can immediately begin investigating your claim and gathering evidence on your behalf. 

How a Neck Injury Can Affect Your Health

Health effects typically depend on the type of neck injury you sustain. Neck sprains and strains often lead to stiffness and ongoing pain. Pain may also be felt in the shoulders or within one or both arms, which may result in decreased mobility, depending on the severity of the pain.

Ruptured or herniated discs are another possible effect of a neck injury. Discs sit between the vertebrae in the spine to act as cushions. When discs rupture, there’s a risk of nerve involvement, which can cause intense pain and discomfort. Ruptured discs may also press against the spinal cord itself, which may cause weakness in the extremities, as well as problems with bowel and bladder control.

Spinal fractures are among the most serious acute neck injuries. Damage to the cervical spine, which is situated in the neck, can cause permanent paralysis, depending on the nature and severity of the injury. And even if paralysis does not occur, you may experience issues with pain and mobility for many months or years after the injury has occurred.