Can Scoliosis Be Caused by Car Accidents? Here’s What To Know

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is curved sideways in an abnormal way. There’s often a rotational component to a scoliosis diagnosis as well. The severity of scoliosis depends on the degree of the curve, and measurements can be taken through an X-ray and other physical or diagnostic tests. After a diagnosis, patients will be diagnosed with a mild, moderate, or severe presentation of scoliosis.

What’s the Difference Between Idiopathic Scoliosis and Traumatic Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is broken up into two different forms: idiopathic and traumatic scoliosis. It’s important to understand the difference between the two because they might warrant different treatment outcomes and can have varying degrees of life impact. 

Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis has an unknown cause. Many cases of idiopathic scoliosis have a genetic link, but it’s typically uncommon to have an identified trigger. Most forms of idiopathic scoliosis develop at birth, but some forms will develop in later childhood or adolescence. 

Traumatic Scoliosis

Traumatic scoliosis results from a traumatic injury or severe physical trauma that has resulted in a curvature of the spine. This typically happens because of car accidents, fractures, or other spine-related injuries where the spinal column becomes misaligned. Unfortunately, spinal injuries are common injuries from car accidents. 

If you have been injured in a car accident or another traumatic personal injury that has resulted in a scoliosis diagnosis, there may be legal options available to you. Speak with an attorney at Bachus & Schanker to learn more about your legal rights, what to do next, and how to recover compensation you may be entitled to.

Can Scoliosis Be Caused by a Car Accident, and What Are the Symptoms?

Yes, traumatic scoliosis can result from car accidents. Symptoms you should be aware of for scoliosis from a car accident may manifest themselves after an accident. Some common symptoms of traumatic scoliosis might include:

• An uneven posture — this might look like higher shoulders or hips.
• An uneven rib cage.
• Back pain and stiffness.
• Numbness or tingling in your limbs.
• Muscle strain.
• In some cases, a noticeable curvature in your spine.

Because scoliosis can range in severity and yield different outcomes in your overall health, it’s important to seek out medical care immediately to determine if you’ve suffered injuries that could amount to a traumatic scoliosis diagnosis.

How Is Post-Traumatic Scoliosis Diagnosed?

There is a combination of assessments used to diagnose post-traumatic scoliosis. Typically, a diagnosis may be made through a physical exam, including imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and technical scans, like the Adams Forward Bend Test. With a combination of these tests, a doctor can determine if there is a curvature of the spine that’s 10 degrees or higher as well as the severity, the type, and any potential causes of your scoliosis. 

Why Choose Our Personal Injury Law Firm?

Bachus & Schanker is led by top-rated personal injury attorneys recognized among the best in Colorado. With decades of experience and thousands of cases handled within Colorado and nationwide, our team brings a proven track record of results to every case. They have represented victims in accident cases involving spinal injuries, traumatic scoliosis, and long-term back complications resulting from motor vehicle collisions across Colorado and nationwide.

At our firm, hands-on case management and personalized attention are central to how cases are handled. Attorneys remain directly involved throughout the process, with a focus on responsiveness, attention to detail, and clear communication at every stage of the case.

The benefits of working with our legal team include:

• Personal injury accident cases taken on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we win your case
• Support of our victim advocates team
• Personalized attention from attorneys who understand personal injury accident accidents law
• Proven track record of maximizing settlements by proving the link between the collision and complex spinal conditions
• Experience handling cases in Colorado and across the United States

When you need experienced legal representation to secure compensation for your spinal injuries and future medical care, choose Bachus & Schanker, recognized as some of the best personal injury lawyers in Colorado.

What Types of Car Accidents Are Most Likely To Cause Spinal Trauma?

High impact car accidents, including high speed collisions, rollovers, ejections, and side impact collisions, are common types of accidents that can result in scoliosis. These types of accidents cause sudden and unexpected movement of your neck and spine, which can result in a life-changing spinal cord injury.

Can Whiplash or Herniated Discs Lead to Scoliosis?

Yes, whiplash and herniated discs can both lead to scoliosis or exacerbate an existing scoliosis diagnosis. Whiplash can contribute to the misalignment of your spine. Herniated discs can also disrupt the natural alignment of your spine, which in turn, can exacerbate existing symptoms.

How Soon After an Accident Can Scoliosis Symptoms Appear?

How long after an accident can injuries show up depends on several factors. After a car accident, you may begin to experience scoliosis symptoms anywhere from several days to several weeks after your accident. It will take some time for your body to heal from the traumatic event, and what might have previously felt like aches and pains from the accident can be masked as pain from an injury to your spine.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for Scoliosis Caused by a Car Crash?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident that has resulted in a spinal column health issue, like scoliosis, you may be able to recover compensation from the negligent parties that caused the accident to happen. 

You’ll be able to file a personal injury claim for your scoliosis pain, suffering, and treatment costs. While this does not reverse the injury you’ve suffered, a personal injury claim can help you recover much needed compensation to treat current and future medical expenses.

What Kind of Compensation Might Be Available for Scoliosis After a Car Accident?

When filing a personal injury claim for your scoliosis injury, you’ll be able to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. These damages are designed to help make you whole and cover expenses like medical bills, lost income and wages, property damage, and other intangible losses. You’ll also be able to seek compensation for pain, suffering, disfigurement, and other incalculable losses you’ve endured, as these are classified under non-economic damages.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help With Scoliosis-Related Claims?

A scoliosis diagnosis can be life-altering, and being able to recover the compensation you’re entitled to can help ease your recovery journey. When you work with an experienced personal injury attorney who has represented victims like you in the past, you’ll have a legal representative on your side who will know what to look for, how to proceed with your claim, and hold the negligent party accountable.

What Kind of Medical Evidence Is Needed To Prove a Link Between the Accident and Scoliosis?

To pursue a personal injury claim, you must successfully prove that negligence has occurred by the at-fault party. A key component of negligence is proving you’ve suffered a physical injury. This is where the concept of damages comes in. Medical documentation, medical bills and invoices, and physician testimony are just some examples of evidence.

How Can Bachus & Schanker Help Accident Victims in Colorado With Scoliosis Claims?

At Bachus & Schanker, our attorneys are ready to support you in the way you need. When you work with our team, you can look forward to a legal team that will take the time to fully understand your case and help you understand the steps to take after a car accident. Additionally, our attorneys will work collaboratively with investigators, experts, and other involved parties to build a case rooted in evidence and fact.

Our team of attorneys are also expert negotiators and will aggressively fight back against lowball offers. If we are unable to reach a satisfactory settlement, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.

Get in touch today to learn more about the strength of your case, how our team can help represent your legal rights, and what legal options you have moving forward. We don’t take a fee until we win your case, so call today to schedule your free initial evaluation.

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