A car accident can cause traumatic scoliosis. It can also aggravate scoliosis, along with other physical conditions. The impact of a collision can misalign the spine, leading to pain, discomfort, and a limited range of motion.
Did you or a loved one suffer scoliosis or another injury because of a car accident? You have financial recovery options if negligence caused your crash. To begin your free case review with our team, call (954) 633-8270. We can build your case and seek compensation.
What Is Scoliosis?
Mayo Clinic notes that scoliosis is when the spine curves to one side, making the spine look like a “C” or an “S.” It’s usually diagnosed in adolescents, who can reduce the symptoms they experience by wearing a corrective brace. The exact cause of scoliosis is unknown.
PerJohns Hopkins Medicine, this condition can arise when the spinal discs break down, usually as a result of arthritis. It can also arise from sudden trauma, like a car accident.
The Symptoms of Scoliosis Can Affect Your Life
Symptoms of scoliosis include:
- An uneven waist
- Lopsided shoulders
- One side of the rib cage jutting out
- Poor posture
To diagnose a patient with scoliosis, a doctor may ask them to bend forward for a spine exam. Then, they’ll determine whether one side of the back sticks out more than the other. If it does, then this could mean that the patient has scoliosis.
What Should I Do If I Develop Scoliosis After a Car Accident?
If you developed scoliosis after an accident injury, you may have several legal options. First, as Florida is a no-fault state, your required personal injury protection (PIP) in your insurance policy should kick in to cover any necessary medical expenses.
However, the $10,000 mandatory minimum may not stretch far enough if you have extensive surgeries, specialist appointments, and physical therapy treatments. In a case where an injury meets Florida’s serious injury threshold, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. With this, you can seek a fair settlement that helps recover losses like medical expenses, long-term medical needs, loss of quality of life, emotional distress, pain and suffering, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity.
A personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale can evaluate whether your case meets the threshold and guide you through the legal process to ensure all aspects of your injury are properly documented and presented.
Under Florida Statutes § 627.737, your injury must involve a significant or permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, or permanent disfigurement to pursue a third-party claim. Documenting scoliosis progression and its long-term limitations is crucial to meeting this legal threshold.
Suppose scoliosis prevents you from returning to your previous job or limits your mobility in daily life. In that case, a vocational expert or life care planner may be brought in to assess your future earning potential and care needs. This helps ensure your claim reflects both current and projected damages.
It’s also essential to consider emotional and psychological effects. Many clients with traumatic scoliosis experience anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal due to postural changes and chronic pain. These non-economic damages should be calculated into any settlement demand.
Car Accidents Can Cause Scoliosis and Other Injuries
Collisions can cause more than traumatic scoliosis. They can also cause:
- Soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord trauma
- Damaged nerves
- Internal bleeding
- Blood loss from deep lacerations
Car accidents can also cause mental health complications, including anxiety and depression.
You Can Partner With a Car Accident Lawyer After Your Collision
You don’t have to navigate your accident’s aftermath on your own. You can entrust your case to a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer. To recover the compensation you need, they can:
Offer Help on Contingency
The cost of living with and treating scoliosis can strain your resources. Our team understands this, so we work on a contingency-fee basis. When you partner with our team, you pay nothing out of pocket. We don’t charge anything upfront, either. We finance your case’s obligations from beginning to end, alleviating your worries.
File Your Case Within the Appropriate Deadline
Each state has a timeframe you must follow if you decide to file a lawsuit against a liable party. For example, you generally have four years to file a lawsuit after your car accident in Florida, perFlorida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a).
However, this deadline can get complicated if you have suffered from traumatic scoliosis. That’s because you might not recognize symptoms until months after the collision. Our team can assess your filing deadline and act accordingly. We intend to do everything possible to pursue damages on your behalf.
Gather Supporting Evidence
To recover damages after a car accident, you need evidence. Our team can use the following information to support your case:
- The police report
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- X-rays and other imaging scans, such as MRI results
- Eyewitness testimony
- Information from your care provider
Our lawyer may also consult with third-party field experts (like accident reconstruction specialists) to learn more about your accident. They may also consult with healthcare experts who focus on scoliosis to understand your condition’s effect on your life.
Start Your Free Car Accident Case Review Today!
Injured in a car accident? The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is here to help. Call us at (954) 633-8270 to start your free case review. We’ll go over your accident, injuries, and legal options, and guide you step by step to get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, protect your rights today with our experienced team of lawyers by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if my scoliosis was caused by a car accident?
Symptoms such as uneven shoulders, an uneven waist, or a prominent rib cage appearing after a crash could indicate traumatic scoliosis. A doctor can diagnose it through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.
Can scoliosis affect my ability to work or perform daily activities?
Yes. Traumatic scoliosis may limit mobility, reduce strength, and prevent you from returning to your previous job. A vocational expert or life care planner can assess future earning potential and long-term care needs for your claim.
Are emotional and psychological effects covered in a scoliosis claim?
Yes. Anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal caused by scoliosis and chronic pain are considered non-economic damages. These should be included in your settlement demand.
Do I have to pay up front to hire a lawyer for my scoliosis claim?
No. Many personal injury attorneys, including the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront; fees are collected only if your case is successful.
Can a car accident aggravate scoliosis?
Yes. If you already have scoliosis, a car accident can worsen your spinal curvature and increase associated symptoms like back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. This is known as traumatic aggravation of scoliosis.