Back injuries are among the most painful and debilitating injuries a person can suffer. Whether you were hurt in a car crash on I-64, a slip and fall at a local business, or an accident at work, the pain can stop you from living your normal life. If you are dealing with severe back pain due to someone else’s negligence, you need a legal team that understands what you are going through.

At The Super Lawyer, we help injury victims in St. Louis fight for the money they need to recover. Back injuries often require expensive surgery, physical therapy, and long periods of rest. We are here to handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.

Why Choose a Specialized Back Injury Lawyer?

Back injury cases are complex. Unlike a simple bruise or scrape, damage to the spine can have long-term effects that aren’t always immediately obvious. Insurance companies often try to downplay these injuries, claiming they are “minor strains” or “pre-existing conditions.”

You need an attorney who understands the medical science behind spinal injuries. We know how to read medical records and work with doctors to prove the severity of your condition. Our goal is to ensure you are treated fairly and that your settlement covers not just your current bills, but your future needs as well.

Types of Back Injuries We Handle

The spine is a complicated structure. Damage to any part of it can cause chronic pain, numbness, or even paralysis. We represent clients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including:

• Herniated Disc: Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, this occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause intense pain.
• Spinal Cord Injury: These are catastrophic injuries that can result in partial or total paralysis. They require lifetime care and significant financial resources.
• Lumbar Strain: This involves stretching or tearing the muscles or tendons in the lower back. While common, severe strains can make working or walking impossible for weeks or months.
• Spinal Fractures: A break in one of the vertebrae, often caused by high-impact trauma like car accidents.

Common Causes of Back Injuries in St. Louis

We see back injuries result from many different types of accidents across Missouri. Proving who is at fault depends heavily on how the injury occurred.

Car Accidents

The force of a collision can easily damage the back. Rear-end accidents often cause whiplash and disc injuries, while high-speed crashes can lead to fractures. Whether it happened on city streets or major highways, we investigate the crash to prove the other driver was negligent.

Slips and Falls

Property owners in St. Louis have a duty to keep their premises safe. If you slipped on a wet floor in a grocery store or fell due to uneven pavement, you might have a personal injury claim. Landing on your back on a hard surface can cause immediate and severe spinal damage.

Workplace Accidents

Jobs that require heavy lifting, such as construction or nursing, put workers at high risk. If you were hurt on the job, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, if a third party (someone other than your employer) caused the accident, you might also have a separate personal injury lawsuit.

Compensation You May Receive

When we build a case, we look at the total impact the injury has had on your life. In Missouri, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical Expenses Reimbursement: This includes ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: If you missed work to recover, you should be paid for that time.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your back injury is permanent and prevents you from doing your old job, you can seek compensation for the difference in your future income.
• Pain and Suffering Damages: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Understanding Missouri Law

There are specific laws in Missouri that affect your claim. Understanding these rules is vital to the success of your case.

Statute of Limitations

In Missouri, you generally have a statute of limitations of 5 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this sounds like a long time, evidence disappears quickly. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve witness statements and accident footage.

Missouri Comparative Fault Rule

Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” system. This means you can still recover money even if you were partially to blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you will receive 80% of the awarded damages.

Proving Liability in Back Injury Cases

To win your case, we must prove that another party was negligent. This requires solid evidence. We may use police reports, witness testimony, and expert analysis to show exactly what happened. If your case goes to court, it may be heard in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court if the accident occurred in St. Louis City.

What to Do After a Back Injury Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask pain. See a doctor to rule out internal injuries.
2. Report the Accident: Call the police for a car accident or notify the manager for a slip and fall.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards. Get names and numbers of witnesses.
4. Follow Doctor’s Orders: Attend all follow-up appointments. This creates a paper trail proving your injury is serious.
5. Contact a Lawyer: Before talking to insurance adjusters, speak with a St. Louis back injury lawyer.

Insurance Challenges and Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They often use specific tactics to devalue back injury claims.

They may argue that your herniated disc is from “natural aging” rather than the car crash. They might try to get you to give a recorded statement where you accidentally downplay your pain. They may also offer a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your medical needs. We handle all communication with the insurance company to protect you from these bad faith tactics.