Navigating a facet joint injury settlement can be challenging, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the medical and legal complexities involved. These cases frequently result from incidents such as car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, or workplace accidents, often leading to chronic pain and reduced ability to work.
For those in Dallas, TX, securing fair compensation for a facet joint injury is essential. At The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C., we provide experienced legal representation to help you pursue the settlement you deserve while focusing on your recovery. Let’s explore key aspects of facet joint injuries, including diagnosis, treatment, and the factors that can impact your settlement.
What Is a Facet Joint?
According to Radiopaedia, facet joints are small but significant structures at the back of your spine. They connect each vertebra to the one above it, playing a vital role in flexibility and stability. These joints allow movements like twisting, bending, and stretching while maintaining spinal alignment. Each joint is coated with cartilage and surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule, enabling smooth, pain-free motion.
However, facet joints are highly prone to damage because they are crucial for mobility. Injuries, such as those caused by car accidents, can lead to hyperextension or jamming of the spine, resulting in irritation, long-term pain, reduced range of motion, and other complications.
Car Accidents and Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joint injuries are often categorized as “soft-tissue injuries,” making them tricky to detect on standard imaging like X-rays or MRIs. They are commonly caused by rear-end collisions or other accidents where the spine absorbs significant shock. Despite the challenge of diagnosis, the pain and impairment from these injuries are very real.
How Is a Facet Joint Injury Diagnosed?
Determining whether you’ve experienced a facet joint injury requires a thorough medical evaluation, often by a specialist. Standard diagnostic tools include:
- Imaging Tests: While X-rays and MRIs might not always reveal facet joint injuries, they help rule out other spinal issues like fractures or herniated discs.
- Facet Joint Block: This involves injecting a numbing agent into the suspected joint to confirm if it’s the source of your pain.
- Physical Examination: Doctors will assess your range of motion, pain points, and referred symptoms to identify the affected area.
Main Symptoms of a Facet Joint Injury
Damage to facet joints can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the location of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic Back or Neck Pain: Typically worsens with prolonged sitting or standing. Pain often radiates to nearby areas such as shoulders, arms, or thighs but rarely below the knee.
- Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: Difficulty bending, twisting, or performing daily movements. Stiffness is frequently exacerbated in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Headaches or Nerve Pain: Facet joint damage in the cervical spine (neck) can result in headaches or referred pain in the scalp.
- Pins-and-Needles Sensation: Some individuals may experience numbness or tingling in nearby limbs.
Factors That Can Affect Your Settlement
Several variables influence the settlement amount for a facet joint injury case. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors:
1. Severity of the Injury
The more severe your symptoms and their impact on your daily life, the higher your settlement will likely be. Chronic pain, permanent disability, or the need for invasive interventions like spinal fusion surgery can increase the amount of compensation.
2. Medical Expenses
Your injury attorney will factor in current and future medical costs, including diagnostics, treatment, physical therapy, medications, or potential surgeries.
3. Lost Wages
If your injury affects your ability to work temporarily or permanently, you are entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
4. Pain and Suffering
Facet joint injuries can lead to substantial non-economic damages, including emotional distress, chronic discomfort, and reduced enjoyment of life. These are critical components in determining a fair settlement.
5. Evidence Strength
Documentation is key. Comprehensive medical records, diagnostic reports, and expert testimony demonstrating the causal link between the accident and your injury are essential.
6. Shared Fault Rules
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault rule, meaning your settlement will be reduced if you are found partially at fault. For example, if you’re deemed 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation will decrease by the same percentage.
Resolve Your Facet Joint Injury Settlement Today
Facet joint injuries can lead to ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and financial challenges. At The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C., our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your hardships. We’re here to support you every step of the way and ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Call us at 214.200.4878 today.
AARON A. HERBERT
Aaron A. Herbert is a highly regarded trial lawyer known for his aggressive advocacy on behalf of seriously injured clients in major accidents and industrial catastrophes. With over a decade of experience, he has built a reputation for securing significant verdicts and settlements, often under confidentiality agreements. He emphasizes passion, preparation, and persistence in his practice, aiming to maximize case value while minimizing litigation stress for his clients.
