Broken Neck Compensation, Symptoms And Treatment

A broken neck is medically referred to as a Cervical Spine Fracture. This is when one or more of the vertebrae in the neck break. These bones that make up the spine are very sensitive and can cause serious issues if they are broken or injured. A broken neck can very easily lead to paralysis or even death if not taken seriously and properly treated. When a neck fracture is diagnosed, it will mean that there is a break in one of the six vertebrae of the neck, known as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6.

Causes of a broken neck

Neck fractures are caused by serious trauma to the neck or head. There are many different events that can cause a broken neck, including:

• Falling off of something (bike, horse, etc.)
• Accidents to collisions
• Sudden, severe twists of the neck
• Serious direct hits to the head and neck area
• Diving into water that is shallow
• Sports injuries
• Violent assault

Symptoms of a broken neck

• Moderate to severe pain
• Swelling, tenderness, bruising
• Loss of feeling or decreased sensation in legs and arms
• Muscle weakness, paralysis, or other musculoskeletal issues

Treatment for a broken neck

A broken neck will be diagnosed with a physical examination and a discussion of the symptoms with a medical professional. X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can be done to determine where the break is and how severe it might be. Once it is diagnosed, the neck injury can then be treated. However, treatment depends on the severity of the break, the location, whether there is spinal cord injury or nerve injury, and whether there is a dislocation or unstable structure related to the injury.

Immobilization is the most common and first treatment that is sought. Anyone with a neck injury needs to immediately stop moving and be transported to the hospital while immobile. A brace is used for 8-12 weeks in less serious situations, along with anti-inflammatory and pain medication. Surgery is only needed when the fracture is severe, or if other symptoms such as paralysis occur. After treatment, the doctor may recommend exercises that can help strengthen muscles and increase range of motion back to where it should be.

Healing time varies with every neck injury, and only a medical professional can tell each patient how long their injury will take to heal. Some injuries will take months to years to heal in worst-case scenarios. Some people never recover from neck injuries if they are severe enough or occur in a certain way. Paralysis is a very real result of a broken neck in many cases, even with the best treatment.

Compensation for a broken neck

Many people are unaware that they can claim compensation for a broken or fractured bone but help is at hand. Whether you have been injured at work, on the road, playing sport, in hospital, in the street, in a shop, an office, commercial or public building, at home, a friend's house or any kind of slip, trip or fall.

In addition to claiming compensation for you or a loved ones suffering, you may also be able to claim for medical expenses, lost wages and any other out of pocket expenses.  For an idea of what you could get see some typical compensation amounts.

Pinstripe make it easy for you to claim compensation. All you need to do is complete the simple online form opposite and the experienced and friendly claims team will handle it from there. It's that easy!