Pascoe Law Firm
Neck Fractures
Principal office located in Friendswood, Texas.
Available to service League City, Webster, Pearland, Galveston, and the surrounding areas within Texas.
Neck Fractures
A neck fracture is a break in one or more of the seven cervical bones. The vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine. The seven bones in the neck are the cervical vertebrae. They support the head and connect it to the shoulders and body. A fracture, or break, in one of the cervical vertebrae is commonly called a broken neck. The cervical vertebrae in the neck are labeled C1-C7. They protect the spinal cord, support the neck and allow for movement. A cervical neck fracture is often a serious condition that can produce life-altering consequences. The neck is particularly vulnerable to breaking or fracturing. High-speed collisions or an accident with a severe impact can fracture or injure vertebrae in the neck. The fracture is a result of a break in the cervical vertebrae that affects its continuity. If specific cervical neck vertebrae are fractured, paralysis can occur, including paraplegia and quadriplegia.
At the Pacsoe Law Firm, our Neck Fracture Lawyer knows that in mere seconds an accident can cause a neck fracture that changes a life forever. Our Neck Fracture Attorney knows from experience that neck fractures can be much more complicated than they initially appear. We also understand that no two people heal the same or are affected by even very similar injuries in the same way either. However, insurance companies don’t seem to care about much other than their own bottom lines. When one of their policyholders is responsible for a car accident or another type of event that causes a serious neck injury for someone else, insurance company adjusters are often quick to make the victim a “fair and generous” settlement offer. Unfortunately, this offer is rarely as fair as it may initially seem.
Categories of Neck Fractures
Occipital-Cervical Spine (Occiput-C2)
- Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation (AOD)
- Occipital Condyle Fracture
- Atlanto-Axial Instability
- Atantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation
- Atlas Fractures (C1)
- Odontoid Fractures (C2 dens)
- Traumatic Spondylolisthesis of the Axis (C2)
- Axis Fractures (C2 vertebral body)
Subaxial Cervical Spine (C3-C7)
- Distraction-Flexion (Facet fracture/dislocation)
- Vertical Compression (Burst fracture)
- Compression-Flexion (Teardrop fracture)
- Compression-Extension
- Distraction-Extension
- Lateral Flexion
Common Causes of a Neck Fracture
A neck fracture is caused by severe trauma to the neck, which is strong enough to break the vertebra. Trauma may be caused by:
- Falls
- Car, motorcycle or pedestrian collisions
- Diving into shallow water
- Severe and sudden twist to the neck
- Severe blows to the head or neck area
Pascoe Law Firm
Friendswood, TX 77546
Phone: 713-829-4317
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Symptoms Of An Injury To The Cervical Spine
Individual suffering through the beginning stages of a neck fracture often experience a variety of basic symptoms. Many of these include:
- Severe pain (especially when turning the head)
- Tenderness and swelling
- Muscle spasm
- Bruising
- Stiff neck
- Numbness
- Puffiness and redness
- Lack of mobility
Without diagnosis and proper treatment, a fracture to vertebrae in the neck can cause severe symptoms and even paralysis. Many of these include weakness and numbness in the arms and legs, uncontrollable defecating and urinating, and the inability to walk or stay balanced. You will most likely be taken to a hospital. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred.
Imaging Tests to Check For Neck Fracture
The doctor will examine the injured area and perform a complete neurological exam. Imaging tests may include:
- X-rays —to look for breaks in the bones or a dislocation of the vertebrae
- MRI —provides cross-sectional images to look for spinal cord damage
- CT scan —to analyze bone injury and to see if the spinal cord is compressed by a collection of blood
