Car accidents can result in chronic coccydynia. A thorough legal strategy that involves expert testimony that uses the specific details of your case can debunk the insurance company’s claims.
Imagine heading home from work when a driver that has run a red light hits you, pushing your car into a hydrant next to the sidewalk. There are no visible injuries, but after a set of investigations, the doctors determine that your lower back and coccyx were hurt, and you are diagnosed with chronic coccydynia. You file a compensation claim, but the insurance company denies the claim, arguing that the condition was probably caused by a fall, not the accident. Unfortunately, this scenario is quite common when it comes to tailbone injuries.
Having an experienced, decisive, and knowledgeable St. Louis car accident lawyer on your side can help minimize the risks of denying your claim. We’ve worked on cases like this before and know all the tricks insurance companies use.
Tailbone Injuries Caused By Car Accidents
The coccyx plays a critical anatomical and physiological role. It’s a junction point for various ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It also supports a person while sitting or standing. Any injury to this area will not only result in a lot of pain but will also affect the activities of daily living (ADL.)
The pain can be so intense that you may not be able to sit or require a donut pillow or frequent icing to get some relief. Sitting at your desk at work, driving, or doing simple, basic activities may become a struggle for car accident victims diagnosed with chronic coccydynia.
Most people suffering from this condition also experience back pain, shooting pain down the leg, pain during bowel movements, pain in the hips, and so on. The pain can be so intense that you can only sit in one position for a couple of minutes before having to move to get some relief.
Symptoms of a Tailbone Injury
The tailbone, or coccyx, sits at the very bottom portion of the spine. It consists of 3-5 separate or fused vertebrae. The coccyx is not one solid bone; there is limited movement between the bones.
When this area is injured due to trauma, like in a car accident, the results are typically painful and, in some cases, severe. If you have suffered a tailbone injury, here are some of the common symptoms you may experience:
- Tenderness or severe pain
- A visible bruise
- Worsening pain with prolonged sitting or direct pressure
- Painful bowel movements
Broken Tailbone
Some accidents result in a broken tailbone. Some of the symptoms of a fractured tailbone include:
- Numbness that radiates down to your feet
- Pain in the posterior area
- Pain when trying to sit, squat, crouch, or lie down
- Loss of bladder control
- Pain during bowel movements
- Weakness in your legs
- Lower back pain
Relieving the pain of an injured tailbone and having it heal properly often takes time and medical treatment. It may interfere with your normal day-to-day activities like sitting at your desk, driving, having sexual relations, and even using the bathroom.
Compensation for a Tailbone Injury
Tailbone injuries after a car accident often result in discomfort and pain. Side effects and symptoms can last a long time and often require rest and physical therapy to heal properly. Tailbone injuries can result in costly medical treatment, lost wages, and future pain and suffering.
Pain medicine, physical therapy, time off from work, and other expenses can result from a tailbone injury. It can significantly affect your daily life, making even the most mundane tasks challenging. This is something your compensation should account for that.
If you or a loved one are experiencing tailbone pain after a car accident, seeking medical care and treatment is essential. It is critical to determine the extent of the injury or if more severe issues cause the symptoms.
You should not bear the financial burden of being injured in an accident that was not your fault. Our experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys can help ensure your legal rights are protected.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!