A vertebral fracture from a car accident can be life-changing, causing severe pain, limited mobility, and potentially permanent disability. If you’ve suffered a spinal fracture in an Oklahoma City car accident, understanding your injury and legal options is crucial for your recovery and financial security.
What is a Fractured Spine?
A fractured spine refers to breaking any of the 33 vertebrae that make up your spinal column. A single bone in your spine is called a vertebra (vertebrae is the plural form). This condition is sometimes referred to as a “broken back.”
Spinal fractures typically result from:
- Trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries
- Osteoporosis (weakening of bones)
- Spinal tumors
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States, accounting for approximately 38.6% of all cases since 2015. These injuries often qualify as catastrophic injuries due to their potential for long-term disability and significant impact on quality of life.
Types of Spinal Fractures
Healthcare providers classify spinal fractures based on location and the nature of the break. They also categorize fractures as stable or unstable, depending on whether the vertebrae remain in their proper alignment.
Segments of the Spine
Your spine is divided into three main sections, all susceptible to fractures:
- Cervical spine fracture: Broken vertebrae in your neck
- Thoracic spine fracture: Broken vertebrae in your upper back (from the bottom of your neck to the bottom of your ribs)
- Lumbar spine fracture: Broken vertebrae in your lower back
Common Fracture Types
The most common types of vertebral fractures include:
- Compression fractures: Small breaks or cracks in vertebrae caused by trauma or developing over time due to osteoporosis. Undiagnosed compression fractures can cause height loss or kyphosis (hunched posture).
- Burst fractures: Result from sudden, strong compression forces on the spine. These fractures can shatter vertebrae into multiple pieces. When the vertebral body is crushed in all directions, it’s considered a burst fracture, much more severe than a standard compression fracture.
- Chance (flexion/distraction) fractures: Also known as “seat belt fractures,” these occur when vertebrae are suddenly pulled away from each other. These are common in frontal collisions when the upper body is thrown forward while the lower body is restrained.
- Fracture-dislocations: The most severe vertebral injuries, involving both fracture of the vertebra and displacement from its normal alignment. These injuries frequently damage the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
How Car Accidents Cause Vertebral Fractures in Oklahoma City
Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal fractures, with several mechanisms creating forces that exceed the structural integrity of the human spine:
- Impact Force: The impact force of vehicles weighing approximately 2,800 pounds creates tremendous force during collision.
- Compression Forces: Sudden vertical compression, such as from landing after being thrown upward in a collision.
- Flexion Forces: When the body bends forward violently, as often happens in frontal collisions.
- Extension Forces: Rear-end collisions often cause the head and upper body to extend backward.
- Rotation Forces: Twisting motions during a crash can create rotational forces exceeding the spine’s tolerance.
Common Oklahoma City accident types leading to vertebral fractures include:
- Head-on collisions on highways like I-35, I-40, and I-44
- T-bone accidents at major intersections
- Rear-end collisions
- Drunk driving accidents
- High-speed collisions on the Kilpatrick Turnpike and other major thoroughfares
- Rollover crashes on rural roads surrounding Oklahoma City
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Vertebral Fractures
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of vertebral fractures may include:
- Back pain: Sharp, intense pain that may worsen with movement
- Swelling or tenderness around the fractured area
- Changes to posture: New forward-leaning stance
- Tingling or numbness in the back, possibly radiating to limbs
- Height loss (up to 6 inches over time)
- Restricted range of motion
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Incontinence: Loss of bladder or bowel control (indicates possible spinal cord involvement)
Red-Flag Symptoms Requiring Emergency Care
Certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency:
- Paralysis: Inability to move limbs
- Loss of sensation: Complete numbness in limbs or body areas
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Indicates potential spinal cord compression
- Severe, unrelenting pain: May indicate unstable fracture
- Difficulty breathing: May occur with high thoracic or cervical injuries
After a car accident, adrenaline may initially mask symptoms. It’s essential to seek medical evaluation even if symptoms seem mild initially, as some vertebral fractures may not cause immediate symptoms but can worsen over time if left untreated.
Diagnostic Procedures
When a vertebral fracture is suspected, healthcare providers typically use the following diagnostic tools:
- Physical examination: Your provider will examine your back, check for tender spots, and identify any changes to posture or spine shape.
- X-rays: Initial imaging to identify fractures, alignment issues, and stability of the spine.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: Provide detailed cross-sectional images of the spine, showing the exact location and extent of fractures.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Shows soft tissues including the spinal cord, nerves, discs, and ligaments. MRI helps identify spinal cord compression and associated injuries.
- Neurological Examination: Assesses nerve function, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation to determine if there is spinal cord or nerve root damage.
Medical Evidence of Causation
For legal cases involving spinal fractures, medical evidence is crucial:
- Pre-accident imaging showing existing fractures can challenge causation claims
- Evidence of bone marrow edema (swelling) on post-accident imaging helps establish recent injury
- Edema appears immediately after trauma and typically lasts about 6 weeks (up to 8 weeks)
- A single MRI can’t date an injury, but comparing pre- and post-accident imaging can help establish causation
Treatment Options for Vertebral Fractures
Treatment depends on several factors, including fracture type, location, and severity. Here’s a breakdown of treatment approaches:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most spinal fractures don’t require surgery. Common non-surgical treatments include:
- Bracing: Wearing a back brace for several months to hold the spine in alignment while healing
- Physical therapy: Strengthening back muscles to improve overall strength and reduce future fracture risk
- Osteoporosis treatment: Medications or supplements to strengthen bones (if applicable)
- Rest: Limited activity while the spine heals
- Pain management: Medications, ice/heat therapy to manage pain and inflammation
- Muscle relaxants: To reduce muscle spasms
Surgical Intervention
Surgery may be necessary if:
- The fracture threatens spinal cord damage
- The fracture is unstable
- Pain doesn’t improve after months of non-surgical treatment
Common surgical procedures include:
- Vertebroplasty: Injection of liquid cement (Methyl methacrylate) into fractured vertebrae to strengthen it. Often used for immobile or bedridden patients.
- Kyphoplasty: Similar to vertebroplasty, but includes inserting a tiny balloon into the vertebrae first. When inflated, the balloon restores vertebral height before cement injection.
- Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae using bone grafts and hardware
- Decompression: Removing bone fragments or other structures pressing on the spinal cord
- Internal Fixation: Using screws, rods, or plates to stabilize the spine
These procedures are typically outpatient, with 24 hours of bed rest recommended afterward. Heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for up to six weeks post-surgery.
Oklahoma City Facilities for Spinal Injury Treatment
Oklahoma City offers several specialized facilities for spinal injury treatment and rehabilitation:
- OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center: Oklahoma’s only Level 1 Trauma Center
- Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation at Integris Health: Comprehensive rehabilitation services
- Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital: Specialized rehabilitation for spinal injuries
- Integris Baptist Medical Center: Advanced trauma care
- SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital: Full-service trauma care
Long-Term Effects and Recovery Timeline
Recovery Timeline for Vertebral Fractures
Treatment Type Initial Recovery Complete Healing Common Complications Non-surgical 2-4 weeks Approximately 3 months Chronic pain, kyphosis Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty 1-2 weeks 6-8 weeks Cement leakage, adjacent fractures Spinal Fusion 4-6 weeks 6-12 months Hardware failure, adjacent segment disease Decompression Surgery 4-6 weeks 3-6 months Infection, instability
Most people feel improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment. For non-surgical treatment, most spinal fractures heal in approximately three months. Surgical cases require about six weeks for post-surgery recovery, plus additional months for complete healing. Understanding what happens when you reach maximum medical improvement is important for both your medical and legal journey.
Long-Term Prognosis and Complications
According to medical experts, it’s “highly unlikely a compression fracture will ever return to the normal block of bone that it was before.” The ideal outcome is a “stable compression fracture without any pain.”
Potential long-term complications include:
- Chronic Pain: Many patients experience persistent pain due to changes in spinal alignment or nerve damage
- Mobility Limitations: Reduced range of motion or difficulty with certain movements
- Spinal Deformity: Kyphosis (forward curvature) or reduced height
- Risk of Additional Fractures: Altered biomechanics may increase the risk of future fractures
- Adjacent Segment Disease: After spinal fusion surgery, patients risk developing degeneration in adjacent vertebrae. Research on adjacent segment disease after spinal fusion indicates a 2-3% cumulative annual risk, meaning a 20-30% chance over a 10-year period.
- Neurological Complications: If spinal cord damage occurred, long-term issues may include paralysis, numbness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction
Frequently Asked Questions
How are vertebral fractures classified, and which types are most common in car accidents?
Vertebral fractures are classified by location (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) and fracture pattern. In car accidents, compression and burst fractures are most common. Compression fractures involve the collapse of the front portion of the vertebra, while burst fractures shatter the vertebra in multiple directions, potentially sending bone fragments into the spinal canal. Thoracic and lumbar fractures are particularly common in car accidents due to the forceful impact against seatbelts and steering wheels.
Can I still recover damages if I had a pre-existing back condition before my car accident?
Yes. Under Oklahoma law’s “eggshell plaintiff” rule, you can recover damages even with pre-existing conditions. The at-fault party is responsible for any worsening of your condition due to the accident. However, the insurance company may argue that your symptoms are solely from your pre-existing condition. An experienced attorney can help establish the difference between your pre-accident condition and post-accident injuries through medical documentation and expert testimony.
How long will it take to recover from a vertebral fracture after a car accident?
Recovery time varies significantly based on the fracture type, severity, and treatment approach. Non-surgical cases typically show improvement within 2-4 weeks and heal completely in about three months. Surgical cases may require six weeks for initial recovery plus additional months for complete healing. Some patients experience permanent limitations or chronic pain. Your doctor can provide a more specific timeline based on your particular injury and treatment plan.
What if the at-fault driver in my Oklahoma accident is uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has insufficient or no insurance, you may still have options. First, check if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy. This coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has inadequate coverage. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation, making UM/UIM coverage particularly important. Without this coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit directly against the driver, though collecting on a judgment can be challenging.
How do I prove that my vertebral fracture was caused by the car accident?
Establishing causation requires robust medical evidence. Key elements include: prompt medical attention documenting the injury; diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) showing acute injury characteristics; medical expert testimony linking the fracture pattern to accident forces; evidence of bone marrow edema on MRI, which indicates recent trauma; and comparison of pre-accident medical records (if available) to post-accident imaging. Your attorney will work with medical experts to establish this crucial causal link.
What factors affect the settlement value of my vertebral fracture case in Oklahoma?
Several factors impact settlement values: fracture type and severity (burst fractures typically yield higher settlements than compression fractures); treatment required (surgical cases, especially those requiring fusion, result in higher settlements); spinal cord involvement (neurological complications significantly increase claim value); permanence of the injury; impact on your ability to work; your age and pre-accident health status; strength of liability evidence; insurance policy limits; and quality of legal representation. A comprehensive claim considers both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering).
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer for my vertebral fracture?
No. Initial settlement offers are typically far below the actual value of vertebral fracture claims. Insurance companies often make early, low offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries and future needs. Vertebral fractures may require ongoing treatment, and complications can develop months after the accident. Before accepting any offer, consult with an attorney who can properly value your claim, including future medical expenses, potential complications, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
How can I afford medical treatment for a vertebral fracture while my case is pending?
Several options may help cover medical costs during your case: personal health insurance (which may place a lien on your settlement); medical payment coverage (“med pay”) from your auto insurance policy; letters of protection from your attorney to medical providers (allowing treatment with payment deferred until settlement); Oklahoma’s Medicaid program (SoonerCare) if you qualify; and hospital charity care programs. Your attorney can help explore these options and often negotiate with medical providers to ensure you receive necessary treatment.
What if my vertebral fracture prevents me from returning to my previous job?
If your vertebral fracture prevents you from returning to your previous employment, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity. This compensates you for the difference between what you could have earned without the injury and what you can earn with your limitations. Documenting this claim typically requires vocational expert testimony, economic analysis of your industry and skills, and medical evidence of your permanent restrictions. Additional resources include Oklahoma’s Department of Rehabilitation Services, which provides vocational rehabilitation services, and possibly Social Security Disability benefits.
How soon after my Oklahoma car accident should I contact an attorney about my vertebral fracture?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident, ideally within the first week. Early legal intervention provides several advantages: preservation of critical evidence before it disappears; proper documentation of the accident scene and injuries; guidance on medical treatment and documentation; protection from insurance company tactics designed to minimize your claim; and prevention of mistakes that could damage your case (such as recorded statements or social media posts). Most importantly, with Oklahoma’s two-year statute of limitations, prompt legal consultation ensures all deadlines are met.
For information about your specific situation, you can contact us at (405) 605-2426 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.