Columbia Neck Injury Lawyer

Suffering from a neck injury can change your life in an instant. Whether you were hurt in a car crash on I-26 or slipped in a local store, the pain can make it hard to work, sleep, or enjoy time with your family. If someone else caused your injury, you shouldn’t have to pay for their mistakes.

At The Super Lawyer, we help victims in Columbia, South Carolina, fight for the money they deserve. We understand that dealing with insurance companies is stressful. Our goal is to handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. If you are dealing with a cervical spine injury or chronic pain, we are here to listen to your story.

Common Causes of Neck Injuries in Columbia

Neck injuries happen when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth or impacted directly. In Columbia, we see these injuries happen most often in traffic accidents and falls.

Car Accidents and Whiplash

Car accidents are the leading cause of neck pain. When a vehicle stops suddenly or gets hit from behind, your head whips back and forth. This is called whiplash. It is a soft tissue injury that damages the muscles and ligaments in your neck. Even low-speed fender benders in downtown Columbia can cause severe neck sprain/strain that lasts for months.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Property owners have a duty to keep their floors safe. If you slip on a wet floor or trip over uneven pavement, the impact can severely damage your neck. Proving negligence in these cases is key. We look at whether the property owner knew about the danger and failed to fix it.

Neck Injury Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention

Some neck injuries are obvious right away, but others take time to show up. It is vital to see a doctor immediately, even if you feel okay at first. Delaying care can hurt your health and your personal injury claim.

Look out for these common symptoms:

• Sharp or radiating pain: Pain that shoots down your arms or into your shoulders.
• Numbness or tingling: This often signals nerve damage or a herniated disc.
• Headaches: Constant headaches starting at the base of the skull.
• Loss of range of motion: Being unable to turn your head without pain.
• Weakness: Trouble gripping objects or weakness in your arms.

More serious conditions, like spinal stenosis or damage to the spinal cord, require immediate expert care. Always follow your doctor’s treatment plan to document the severity of your injury.

South Carolina Personal Injury Laws

Understanding local laws is critical for your case. South Carolina has specific rules about how long you have to take legal action and how fault is determined.

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Statute of Limitations

You do not have unlimited time to sue. According to South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will receive no compensation.

It is also important to know that South Carolina is not a no-fault insurance state. This means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying the damages. We must prove they were at fault to get their liability insurance to pay.

Compensation You May Recover

A neck injury can be expensive. When we file a claim, we look for two main types of damages to ensure you are fully covered.

Economic vs Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages are the financial costs you can prove with receipts. This includes:

• Current and future medical bills (surgeries, physical therapy, medication).
• Lost wages if you missed work.
• Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your old job.

Non-economic damages cover the human cost of the injury. This includes:

• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

The Legal Process for Neck Injury Claims

Navigating the legal system can be confusing. Here is what the process typically looks like when you hire a lawyer.

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

It starts with a conversation. We offer a free consultation to review the facts of your accident. We will discuss your injuries and determine if you have a valid claim.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once you hire us, we get to work. We gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements. If necessary, we may work with experts to prove how the accident injured your neck.

During the process, the insurance company may ask you to undergo an IME (Independent Medical Exam). This is a doctor chosen by them to check your injuries. We prepare you for this exam to ensure your rights are protected.

Why Choose a Columbia Neck Injury Specialist

Neck injury cases are technical. Insurance adjusters often try to claim that your injury was pre-existing or not that serious. You need a lawyer who understands the medical complexity of the spine.

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We are familiar with the local legal landscape, including the Richland County Courthouse procedures. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. There is no financial risk to you to get started.