Augusta Back Injury Lawyer

M. Austin Jackson understands the physical and emotional toll a back injury can take. When an accident disrupts your life, our local attorneys will be there to advocate for your best interests.

You shouldn’t have to struggle to cope with pain while worrying about mounting medical expenses and lost wages. We represent our Georgia and South Carolina neighbors with compassion and understanding, handling the complexities of the legal process so you can focus on healing.

Some firms view you as just a number in their long list of cases. Not us! You’re a person who needs care, respect, and justice during this difficult time. Our experienced attorneys make you feel at ease while tirelessly protecting your rights.

Fill out the form to schedule your free consultation with M. Austin Jackson, or call 706-981-9286 for a friendly and informed walkthrough of your legal options.

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What Are Back Injuries?

Back injuries account for nearly 40% of all work-related musculoskeletal disorders. They’re one of the most common disorders that cause workers to spend days out of work.

Back injuries are also common in car accident victims—31% report lower back pain that persists one year after the accident. U.S. hospitals see approximately 869,000 spinal injuries annually from traffic accidents.

A back injury can involve damage or trauma to any part of the back. This includes the bones, nerves, or connective tissues.

Chronic back pain often has a significant, wide-ranging impact on a person’s life. It can cause persistent pain and discomfort, reduce mobility and function, and interfere with sleep. Over time, back pain can also limit an individual’s career options and create financial strain.

Many back injury victims experience long-term effects that impact their overall health. You should never underestimate a back injury. Even injuries that seem minor can linger and cause pain and discomfort for years after an accident occurs.

Experienced Team

We understand the challenges back injury victims and their loved ones face, and we know how to secure results on their behalf.

We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win

We charge our clients nothing until we secure them a financial recovery.

Augusta Local

Not only is our practice based in Augusta, GA, but so are we. We live right where our clients are.

If you or a loved one have sustained a back injury, contact M. Austin Jackson today for a free consultation.

Types of Back Injuries

Some of the most common types of back injuries include:

  • Soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, or ligaments
  • Whiplash
  • Lumbar injuries
  • Spinal fractures
  • Nerve damage

Soft tissue back injuries like strains and sprains may cause sharp, dull, or aching pain in the affected area. You might notice stiffness, muscle spasms, and weakness or tingling. Many soft tissue back injuries have a good prognosis when the injured person seeks timely medical attention and follows their treatment plan.

However, other types of back injuries like fractures and spinal cord injuries can cause lasting damage. Following a spinal fracture, you may find that standing or walking causes sudden, severe back pain that radiates throughout your body. If you’ve suffered a serious accident, your injury may cause a permanent disability.

You should treat any back injury with urgency. Early diagnosis and treatment of your injury can significantly improve outcomes and prevent future complications. Quick medical care can also strengthen your legal case as you pursue compensation for your damages.

Signs and Symptoms of Back Injuries

Pain is the most obvious symptom of a back injury. It’s your body’s warning signal that something is wrong. Yet many people brush off their injuries, not wanting to make a big deal out of seemingly mild or moderate pain.

After a back injury, you may experience:

  • Back pain that’s sharp or dull, constant or intermittent
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Muscle weakness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Breathing difficulties (in serious cases)

The best thing you can do following a back injury is to seek an immediate medical evaluation. Delayed treatment can impact your recovery and make it more challenging to calculate fair compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. Your insurance company may even use your delay to downplay the seriousness of your injuries.

Common Causes of Back Injuries in Augusta

Back injuries are often the result of an auto accident, workplace accident, slip and fall, or sports injury. Factors that can increase the likelihood of a back injury:

  • Overexertion: In industries like manufacturing and construction, workers may be injured while lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects.
  • Improper lifting methods: People who use improper techniques when lifting heavy objects are more likely to suffer a back injury.
  • Repetitive motion: Repeatedly performing the same motion can lead to muscle fatigue and overuse, making the back more susceptible to injury.
  • Sudden trauma: A forceful blow to the back from a fall or car accident can cause immediate damage to the spine, muscles, ligaments, or other soft tissues.

For more than a decade, M. Austin Jackson has helped his Georgia and South Carolina neighbors handle the uncertainties of their back injuries. With compassion and expertise, our firm works to ensure your medical expenses are covered, your lost wages are accounted for, and your future is secure.

If you’re not sure whether you have a case, give us a call! We’ll talk through your situation with you and help you find the right next step for you and your loved ones.

How to Prove Your Back Injury Claim

Proving a personal injury claim involves establishing liability. You’ll need to prove each of these four elements are true:

Duty of Care

The defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., providing a safe work environment).

Breach of Duty

The defendant breached their duty of care through negligence or carelessness (e.g., failing to provide proper lifting equipment).

Causation

The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your injury.

Damages

You suffered damages or losses as a result of your back injury (e.g., lost wages due to time off work).

As your partner in recovery, our firm takes an individualized approach to your case. We gather evidence that will help maximize your financial recovery and restore your peace of mind. M. Austin Jackson and his team of experienced attorneys won’t settle for anything less than a full and fair settlement.

What Compensation Can Back Injury Victims Recover in Georgia and South Carolina?

Back injuries cause more than physical pain. They can impact your ability to work, pay your bills, and enjoy the activities you love.

Our attorneys consider how a back injury impacts every aspect of your life—both now and in the future. Back injury victims may be able to pursue economic and non-economic damages for their injuries.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include anything that’s quantifiable, for example:

  • Medical expenses (includes current medical bills and estimated future medical costs for ongoing care)
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Loss of benefits, bonuses, or other job-related compensation
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses (includes medications, medical devices, assistive equipment, and costs for physical therapy and rehabilitation)

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are harder to quantify, but equally important:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Mental anguish
  • Permanent disability and disfigurement

In cases of gross negligence, you may be awarded additional compensation to punish the at-fault party (called “punitive damages”). For example, if a property owner repeatedly ignored safety hazards and failed to repair them to save money, a victim may be able to claim punitive damages in a slip-and-fall accident.

About
M. Austin Jackson

M. Austin Jackson has built a reputation as one of Augusta’s leading personal injury attorneys. For over a decade, he’s fiercely protected the rights of his injured Georgia and South Carolina neighbors. Austin has a proven record of securing million-dollar-plus settlements, and as an Augusta native, he has deep roots in the Aiken-Augusta community.

Although he has experience securing major settlements, his practice isn’t built on million-dollar cases. He is honored to help victims with mild and moderate injuries while he is also working on catastrophic injury cases.

Though you might meet Austin during one of the most challenging periods of your life, he strives to make every interaction a positive one. Clients call Austin when they need a determined legal advocate known for his unparalleled client care, compassion, and deep commitment to ethical practices. He will help you navigate this difficult time and fight for your recovery.

Learn More

Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

How an Augusta Back Injury Attorney Can Help

As your back injury attorney, M. Austin Jackson leverages more than a decade of personal injury experience. Our firm handles every personal injury case with the utmost care, so you always have a trusted advocate in your corner fighting for a fair recovery.

Here’s how we can help with your case:

  • Determining liability: We assess the circumstances of your back injury to find out who’s responsible for your damages. This might involve investigating the accident scene, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
  • Assessing damages: We calculate the full extent of your financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning capacity.
  • Hiring experts: If we need more detailed information on the consequences of your injury or the scene of the accident, we have a Rolodex of experts we can bring in to strengthen your case.
  • Negotiating with insurers: We negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company.
  • Representing you in court: If parties are unable to reach a settlement, we will represent you in the courtroom and pursue the maximum compensation for your damages.

How to Choose the Right Back Injury Attorney in Georgia or South Carolina

When choosing a back injury attorney, don’t let convenience cloud your judgment. You want to choose an Augusta personal injury lawyer with specialized knowledge, a record of successful settlements, and a reputation for making clients feel like a priority. Checking those boxes is important, and sometimes the first option you find on Google doesn’t do that.

Experience in Back Injury Cases

Look for an attorney who’s successfully handled back injury cases. Back injuries can involve complex medical jargon, medical procedures, and long-term implications. You need someone who understands these nuances.

Successful Settlements and Verdicts

A solid track record is a good indicator of an attorney’s skill and effectiveness. Positive reviews from past clients can also provide valuable insights into an attorney’s reputation and ability to deliver results.

Personal Attention and Communication

Work with an attorney who’s readily available to answer your questions and address your concerns. They should take the time to understand your situation and tailor their approach.

Why Choose
M. Austin Jackson?

  • We have more than a decade of personal injury expertise and specialize in back injuries.
  • We have a record of success and have recovered millions for our clients, including several multi-million dollar cases.
  • We’re ready to take on smaller back injury cases as well, so you can get back to the rhythms of your life.
  • We have extensive experience representing our Georgia and South Carolina neighbors who have sustained back injuries.
  • We live where we work and are deeply rooted in the Aiken-Augusta community, so we know state laws and local courts like the back of our hand.
  • We don’t get paid unless you receive a financial recovery.

Back Injury FAQs

How long do I have to file a back injury claim in Georgia or South Carolina?

In Georgia, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including back injuries, is two years from the date of your injury or accident. In South Carolina, it’s three years.

What if my back pain doesn’t appear until days after an accident?

Delayed back pain is very common. Thirty-one percent of car accident victims report lower back pain that persists even one year after the accident.

As soon as you experience pain, seek medical attention. Keep a detailed record of when your pain started, the severity of your pain, and any other symptoms. Be sure to follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes—failure to adhere to this plan can negatively impact your case.

It’s also a good idea to consult with an Augusta personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.

Can I still work while pursuing a back injury claim?

In many cases, yes, but you should consider your health first and consult with a medical professional. If your doctor clears you to return to work, you may be able to work part-time or with accommodations.

Document any limitations or restrictions your doctor recommends. You should also keep track of the tasks you can perform and any pain or discomfort you experience while performing them.

Remember, your health is your main priority. Pain or discomfort can indicate you need to rest and recover from your injuries. If you’re worried that taking the time to heal will impact your ability to pay bills and support your family, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.

How are back injury settlements typically calculated?

Calculating your back injury settlement is tricky because it depends on various factors. The severity of your injury, the impact it has on your quality of life, and the at-fault party’s liability can influence your settlement amount.

Other key elements considered include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Long-term prognosis
  • Permanent disability
What if the insurance company claims my back injury is pre-existing?

Medical records can often prove you didn’t have a pre-existing condition before the accident. Expert medical witnesses can also testify about the nature and cause of your injury and how it relates to the accident.

Based on a doctrine known as the “eggshell plaintiff rule,” even if you had a pre-existing condition, you can still hold the at-fault party responsible for aggravating or worsening that condition.

Contact a personal injury attorney like M. Austin Jackson immediately. We can help you gather evidence to refute your personal injury claim and protect your rights.

Contact Our Augusta Back Injury Lawyers

Your story matters to us, and we’ll do everything we can to support you along your journey to recovery. Reach out to M. Austin Jackson for local legal representation with a personal touch.