There are many different types of accidents that can result in neck and shoulder injuries. While rarely fatal, these injuries can result in intense pain and suffering, long-term mobility issues, ongoing medical expenses, and other damages. If you’re dealing with the consequences of a neck or shoulder injury stemming from an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, Louisiana state law gives you the right to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
The New Orleans neck and shoulder injury attorneys at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso have extensive experience in handling cases involving whiplash, cervical dislocation, rotator cuff tears, dislocation, and more. We are committed to providing compassionate support to our clients while aggressively pursuing the compensation they will enable them to move forward with their lives.
Types of Neck and Shoulder Injuries
At Lambert Zainey, we represent clients with neck and shoulder injuries caused by a wide range of accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Sports accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Assault
- Maritime accidents
Neck Injuries
Whiplash is often the most well-known type of neck injury, often associated with rear-end car accidents. This injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, damaging the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Other common neck injuries include:
- Cervical fractures and dislocations
- Fractures of the upper spine
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pinched nerves
Neck injuries can be severe and result in symptoms that include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Paralysis
In rare cases, neck injuries can be fatal.
Shoulder Injuries
Some of the most common shoulder injuries include:
- Bone fractures of the upper arm bones, shoulder blades, or sockets
- Shoulder dislocations
- Muscle strains, ligament sprains, torn tendons, and other soft tissue injuries
- Rotator cuff tears and dislocation
- Cartilage tears to the rubbery padding around the rim of the shoulder joint.
- Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis)
Shoulder injuries can result in:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Limited mobility
Legal Options for Victims
It’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. You only have a limited time in which to act. The sooner you seek experienced legal representation to protect your rights, the better your chances of collecting the full compensation you deserve for your accident-related damages.
The New Orleans shoulder and neck lawyers at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso are here to help you every step of the way, from gathering the evidence to support your claim to negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. We understand the challenges of such cases and are committed to fighting for your rights. Our skilled representation has enabled us to recover over a billion dollars in settlements for our clients.
Types of Compensation Available
Depending on the circumstances in your case and the extent of your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for damages that include:
- Current and anticipated medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our New Orleans neck and shoulder injury lawyers can thoroughly evaluate your case to identify the full extent of your damages and assign a dollar value to your losses. We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the total compensation you are due for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after an accident to protect my legal rights?
Check on the condition of everyone involved in the accident. Call 911 if necessary. If the accident occurred at work, notify your supervisors immediately. If you were involved in a car accident, exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved. File a police report.
Seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured — the symptoms of neck and shoulder injuries can be delayed for hours or even days. Gather evidence ((photos, names and contact information of eyewitnesses, etc.) from the accident scene. Don’t accept liability for the accident.
Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is typically one year from the date of the accident.
What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. This means that the total compensation you can claim may be reduced based on the percentage of fault you shared for the accident. For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages and it’s determined you shared 25% liability in the accident, you would only be able to recover $75,000.
Speak to a New Orleans Neck and Shoulder Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Louisiana, don’t delay in seeking legal help. For nearly 50 years, the personal injury attorneys at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso have been protecting the rights of clients in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. We’re dedicated to ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us at 800-521-1750 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case with an experienced New Orleans neck and shoulder injury lawyer. At Lambert Zainey, we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means there are no upfront costs for our representation and we only collect our fee as a percentage of your final cash settlement.