Car Accident
Greg Prosmushkin
Nov 25, 2022

It’s not uncommon to downplay minor injuries after being in a car accident, but even neck pain should be taken seriously. If left untreated, neck pain can result in developing severe conditions such as cervical radiculopathy that require extended medical care. 

Cervical radiculopathy is an outcome of a pinched nerve or herniated disc in the neck. It is one of the most common injuries that you can sustain in a car accident. A minor accident can also cause permanent neck injuries

After an accident, seeking medical attention is essential. Cervical radiculopathy may not display any outward signs, but if you experience any neck pain or numbness in your arms, it’s important to consult a doctor so that they can diagnose the condition properly.

Once you have received the appropriate medical treatment, you may want to consult a Philadelphia car accident lawyer to ensure that you are compensated for your medical expenses. An attorney can guide you through the process, helping you to understand your rights and seek proper compensation for injuries.

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is a change in neurological function. It is the result of the inflammation or damage of nerve roots in the cervical spine or neck.

It is a type of nerve damage caused by trauma to the cervical spine.  It is typically caused by a herniated disc or pinched nerve in the neck that places pressure on the nerve root. This means that the nerve does not work properly and there is a change in sensation, strength, or reflexes. It typically causes pain and/or numbness in the arms, back, neck, upper shoulders, and hands.

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy

The signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy will vary depending on the severity of your car accident injury. Generally, symptoms may include:

  • Numbness
  • Burning sensation
  • Tingling 
  • Loss of range of motion
  • Stiffness
  • Aching 
  • Muscle weakness

It is possible for patients to experience these symptoms on only one side of their body or even in a place removed from the neck due to nerve damage. For example, someone who has been in an accident that caused cervical radiculopathy may feel numbness or tingling in their fingers rather than their neck.

How to prove a car accident is a reason for your cervical spine injury?

Cervical spine injury from a car accident can be difficult to prove, but it is possible with the help of an experienced lawyer. A lawyer will be able to review evidence from the accident and your medical records to determine if there is a correlation between your injury and the car accident. Once they have determined this, they can help you file a claim to get you the compensation that you deserve.

An attorney will help you collect all the evidence that you need to prove your claim. They can review the police report, the medical records from your treatment and X-rays, and any witness statements. If your injury still persists after the accident, it is important that you keep all of your future medical records as well.

It is one of the most important steps to take that you seek medical assistance immediately after a car accident. The medical records can be used as proof of injury to prove that the accident was the cause of your spinal cord injury. Your medical records will show your doctor’s notes as well as diagnostic images or test results that will help to substantiate your claim.

What is the worth of Cervical Radiculopathy Car Accident Settlements?

Settlements for cervical radiculopathy due to car accidents may vary from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars and even more. The settlement amount will vary depending on the circumstances.

The settlement will depend on various factors:

  • Understanding the extent of the injury
  • Short and long-term medical expenses
  • Recovery
  • Impact on quality of life
  • Impact on wage earning capacity
  • Insurance coverage

Before settling your case with the insurance company, you should know all of your different options in your car accident case. For those people who recover from their injuries with minimum medical treatment, the value of their cervical radiculopathy car accident settlement may be less in comparison to those who require more care.

It usually takes 6 to 7 weeks after a car accident to recover from mild cervical radiculopathy. However, for people with severe injuries, recovery may take longer and require more medical treatment or surgery. In that case, your cervical spine injury settlement amounts will increase owing to the nature of your injury.

All about Cervical Radiculopathy c6-c7

C6-C7 is the most common level of neck injuries that occurs after a car accident. It is located in the upper neck region between the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae.

When a person sustains a cervical sprain from a car accident at C6-C7, they can experience excessive pain, weakness, or paralysis. This can affect the person’s ability to control the muscles in the arms and hands. It may also cause trouble breathing, and a reduction of bowel and bladder functionality. The settlement for cervical radiculopathy C6-C7 can therefore be substantial due to the seriousness of the injury.

How long does cervical radiculopathy car accident settlement take?

The time for settlement of a cervical radiculopathy car accident case depends on the complexity of the injury and the insurance company’s response. Generally, you may be able to receive a settlement within three months of the car accident. However, the terms of the settlement may take much longer to finalize, depending on how negotiations play out and other outside factors.

Remember that it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case to determine the best course of action. They can help you maximize the potential settlement for your injury and give you a better understanding of what to expect. 

With the right lawyer on your side, you can be sure that you are getting fair compensation for the pain and suffering due to a cervical radiculopathy car accident. Schedule a free legal consultation today to get started.

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