New York Burst Fracture Injury

According to our experienced New York Spinal Injury Lawyer team, the spinal column is composed of 33 bones, known as vertebrae, which surround and protect the spinal cord. Nerves from the spinal cord are directed to various body parts through spaces between each vertebra. A burst fracture is a form of traumatic spinal injury resulting from a high-energy impact causing all or part of the vertebra to shatter into the surrounding tissues and spinal canal. The New York Burst Fracture Injury Attorney team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC finds burst fracture is commonly caused by motor vehicle accident This injury occurs with a higher frequency in a motorcycle accident and truck accident as there is greater impact to the body. The injury is also seen in high velocity fall or high distance fall as seen in a construction accident or other workplace accident (workers compensation case). Burst fracture is more severe than compression fracture due to the immediate and continual long-term neurological damage and impairment of the victim’s mobility.

Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC skilled New York Burst Fracture Injury Lawyer staff states that the intensity of the burst fracture is determined by the severity of spinal canal damage, the severity of the deformity, the amount of neurologic deficiency and the amount of vertebral body height loss. A burst fracture may vary from no neurological damage to complete and permanent paralysis including paraplegia and quadriplegia. Severe pain typically arises from a burst fracture at the location of injury.

Typical signs and symptoms of burst fracture include:

• Moderate to severe back pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Loss of bowel function
• Loss of bladder function

Burst fracture requires immediate hospitalization due to the possibility of paralysis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scans), Computerized Tomography (CT scans) and X-rays are utilized in determining the probability of surgical repair. Treatment is determined by the intensity of the burst fracture. If the burst fracture is unstable, surgical management is crucial. Surgical treatment is also necessary if there is spinal cord or nerve root compression. Different surgical procedures are often used, such as vertebral fusion, removal of the vertebral fragments and replacement with artificial or cadaver bone. If the burst fracture doesn’t elicit a neurological deficit, nonsurgical management may be possible, as in a Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (full-body, external brace). If you did not receive immediate medical treatment or you are the victim of a procrastinating medical provider, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. Contact our New York Burst Fracture Lawyer group to review your case.

Burst fracture can substantially affect your everyday life. Burst fracture treatment and management may elicit extensive medical bills, a decreased range of mobility, stress, pain and emotional suffering. Burst fracture can also lead to a loss of wages, loss of the ability to work or perform numerous other tasks. Consulting the New York Spinal Injury Lawyer staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC may be crucial in protecting your rights and pursuing compensation to cover your medical bills, loss of wages and loss of quality of life.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a burst fracture or other spinal injury, contact our New York Spinal Injury Attorney team with Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC at 800.696.9529 or online for case evaluation. For your convenience, Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC has offices located throughout the New York City area in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Westchester County and in Long Island in Suffolk and Nassau County.