Spinal Fracture Lawyers in Georgia & South Carolina
A spinal fracture — a break in one or more of the 33 vertebrae that make up the spinal column — is a serious injury that can range from a stable compression fracture requiring bracing to an unstable burst fracture or fracture-dislocation that threatens the spinal cord with permanent paralysis. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that approximately 17,000 spinal fractures occur annually in the United States from trauma, with motor vehicle crashes and falls being the leading causes.
At Roden Law, our spinal fracture lawyers represent accident victims throughout Georgia and South Carolina. We understand the critical distinction between stable and unstable fractures, the risk of neurological injury, and the long-term consequences that demand full compensation.
Types of Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures are classified by their mechanism of injury, location, and stability:
- Compression fracture: The vertebral body collapses under axial loading, losing height. Generally stable, but can cause chronic pain and spinal deformity (kyphosis)
- Burst fracture: The vertebral body shatters in multiple directions, often sending bone fragments into the spinal canal where they can damage the spinal cord — a surgical emergency
- Flexion-distraction (Chance) fracture: The vertebra is pulled apart by a flexion-distraction force, commonly seen in lap-belt injuries during car crashes. May be associated with abdominal organ injuries
- Fracture-dislocation: The most unstable type — the vertebra is both fractured and displaced from its normal alignment, almost always causing spinal cord injury
- Transverse process fracture: A fracture of the bony wing projecting from the vertebra. Generally stable but indicates significant force was applied
Spinal Fractures and Cord Injury Risk
The critical concern with spinal fractures is whether the spinal cord or nerve roots are compromised. Unstable fractures — particularly burst fractures and fracture-dislocations — carry a high risk of complete or incomplete spinal cord injury, resulting in paraplegia or tetraplegia. Even stable fractures can become unstable if not properly diagnosed and treated — making emergency room and trauma care decisions critical.
Common Causes of Spinal Fractures
- Car accidents: The leading cause of spinal fractures — high-speed collisions, rollovers, and ejections apply extreme force to the spinal column. Lap-belt-only restraints are associated with flexion-distraction (Chance) fractures
- Falls from height: Construction falls, industrial accidents, and falls from ladders or roofs are a major source of thoracolumbar fractures
- Motorcycle crashes: Lack of structural protection means riders absorb the full impact force
- Truck accidents: The massive weight and force of commercial vehicle collisions cause the most severe spinal fractures
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Being struck by a vehicle can cause spinal fractures from the initial impact or the subsequent fall
Treatment for Spinal Fractures
Treatment depends on fracture type and stability:
- Bracing: Stable compression fractures may heal with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) brace worn for 8-12 weeks
- Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty: Injection of bone cement into a compressed vertebral body to stabilize the fracture and restore height
- Surgical stabilization: Unstable fractures require spinal fusion with pedicle screws, rods, and sometimes cages to stabilize the spine and decompress the spinal cord
- Emergency decompression: When bone fragments compress the spinal cord, emergency surgery to remove fragments and stabilize the spine may preserve neurological function
Compensation and Legal Rights
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-4) allows recovery of all damages, including surgery and hospitalization costs, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent impairment, and future medical needs. Georgia’s comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows recovery if less than 50% at fault. South Carolina’s threshold is 51%.
Filing Deadlines
Georgia’s 2-year statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) and South Carolina’s 3-year limit (S.C. Code § 15-3-530) apply. Contact a spinal fracture lawyer as soon as possible to preserve critical evidence.