--- description: If you have an injured spine in a car accident, you might be able to recover compensation for your damages. Call Chaikin and Sherman today. title: Spine Injuries - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. canonical: https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/spine-injuries/ date_modified: 2024-09-04T15:45:16+00:00 practice_area: car-accident --- - Spine Injuries - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # Spine Injuries Last Updated: September 4, 2024 - Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content ![090424_CSCS_APE30](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/090424_CSCS_APE30-r7ld7n5zxjd9ezimssquc85jvnm28x0iit481i4iwo.jpg) Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Spine Injuries [![Best Law Firms - Regional Tier 1 Badge](https://www.bestlawyers.com/Badges/Metro/35728/17508/15/washington-d-c/O/Detail.png)](https://www.bestlawfirms.com/firms/chaikin-sherman-cammarata-siegel/35728/US) What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million - Car Crash $2 Million - Car Crash $1.9 Million - Car Crash $1.37 Million - Car Crash $1.1 Million - Car Crash $1 Million - Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) [They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. 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"*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Send Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. ## **Spine Injuries From Car Accidents** ![spine injury after an accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-529068456-861x1024.jpg) Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of spine injuries. These injuries can result in minor strains or life-threatening damage that put you and your family under significant financial distress and pain and suffering. However, if you have an injured spine due to a [car accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/), you might be able to recover compensation for your damage. [Contact](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) an experienced personal injury lawyer with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to know what steps to take next and whether or not you have the right to [file a personal injury claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/). ## **Common Symptoms of a Spinal Injury** It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury so that you can take action as soon as possible. Common spinal cord injury symptoms include: - Numbness or tingling on your feet, legs, arms, or hands - Loss of bladder control - Difficulty breathing - Continuous pain in your neck or back ## **Common Spinal Injuries Caused By Car Accidents** Several spine injuries can occur in a car accident. ### **Soft Tissue Injuries** After a car accident, soft damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck or back can occur.** **This injury results in pulled or strained muscles and sprained joints. ### **Spinal Cord Injuries** The spinal discs in your cervical and lumbar spine are flat and round, like a jelly doughnut. When too much pressure is placed on them, the inner portion of the disc can push out through tears in the outer layer. This is called a cervical or lumbar disc herniation or a [herniated disc](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2014/06/what-is-a-herniated-disk-and-what-are-the-symptoms/). ### **Spinal Fractures** A spinal fracture is a simple break or complex fracture that involves multiple vertebrae. A break or fracture can cause damage to the spinal cord and lead to permanent paralysis. ### **Facet Joint Injuries** The [facet joints](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/facet-joint-injuries/) in the cervical spine provide stability and allow you to move freely. The impact of a car collision can inflame and irritate the joints causing pain and stiffness in your back or neck. ### **Spinal Stenosis** This occurs when the spaces in your spine that allow for nerve passage are narrowed, putting pressure on the spinal cord and leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. ### **Spondylolisthesis** Spondylolisthesis is a spinal injury that occurs when one vertebra on your spinal column slips out of place onto the vertebrae below it. This often happens due to an accident or trauma to the spine. Symptoms include back pain, neck pain, and numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. ![man with back pain following a car accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-857090084-1024x601.jpg) ## **Long-Term Complications of Spinal Injuries** Even if you fully recover from your spine injury, you may experience long-term complications. These can include: ### **Chronic Pain** This is pain that persists long after the initial injury has healed. It can be challenging to treat and often requires medication or surgery. ### **Depression and Anxiety** Many people who suffer from pain experience depression and anxiety. These are common psychological problems that can occur after a severe injury. They can be difficult to deal with and may require treatment from a therapist or counselor. ### **Reduced Mobility** You may experience reduced mobility in the affected area of your spine, making it difficult to do everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects. ### **Loss of Balance** If you have injured your spine, you may experience loss of balance or problems with coordination in your legs and arms. This can cause further injuries down the road if left untreated. ## **Treatment Options for Spinal Injuries** ![low back pain after accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-987814368-1024x688.jpg) Treatment for spine injuries depends on the severity of your injury. For example, if you have suffered a minor neck or back strain, rest and physical therapy may be enough to treat it. However, you may need surgery if you have experienced more severe damage, such as a herniated disc or spinal fracture. ## **Can You File a Lawsuit for Spinal Injuries Caused by a Car Accident?** To determine [whether you have a case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/do-i-have-a-case/), it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can [review the facts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-a-lawyer-looks-for-in-a-case/) of your situation and advise you on your best course of action. If you decide to [file a lawsuit](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-is-a-personal-injury-lawsuit/), your attorney will help you gather evidence to support [your claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/insurance-claim/) and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company for fair compensation. ## **What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do For You** The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## **Determining the Value of Your Case** If you have suffered a spinal injury in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To find out [how much your case is worth](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/videos/things-you-need-to-know/how-much-is-my-case-worth/), contact the personal injury attorneys of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents obtain justice and fair compensation. Here are some settlements our car accident lawyers have obtained for car accident victims: - $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision. - $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle. - $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident. - $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle. - $1 million settlement obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens. - $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle. ![back injury from an accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-1271666425-1024x684.jpg) ## **Contact an Accident Lawyer Today** If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your personal injury case, turn to [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) ![Main CSCS Video - Thumb 1](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. [Free Case Evaluation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), [Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/laurel/) Meet Our Team [Learn More About Us](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/about-us/) Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. [Ira Sherman's Bio](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/ira-sherman/) Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. [Joe Cammarata's Bio](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/joseph-cammarata/) Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. [Allan Siegel's Bio](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/allan-m-siegel) Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. [Stephen Ollar's Bio](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/stephen-ollar/) ## Related Articles [Read More Blog Articles](/blog/) ### [Why Some Insurance Companies Take Longer to Settle After a Car Accident in Washington, DC](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/why-some-car-insurance-companies-take-longer-to-settle/) ### [Washington, DC Tint Laws](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/washington-dc-tint-laws/) ### [Why Insurance Companies Lowball Car Accident Settlements in Washington, DC](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/lowball-car-accident-settlements/) ### [Economic VS Non-Economic Damages In Washington, DC Car Accident Cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/economic-vs-non-economic-damages/) ### [How Speeding Affects Liability In a Washington, DC Car Accident Case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/how-speeding-affects-liability/) ### [Car Accident Lawyer Arlington, VA](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/arlington/) ### [Should You Talk To the Other Person’s Insurance Company?](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/other-drivers-insurance/) ### [100 Deadliest Days of Summer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/100-deadliest-days/) ### [How To Deal With Insurance Adjusters](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/insurance-adjusters/) Auto Law ### [Can an Auto Insurer Refuse to Pay Your Car Accident Claim? A DC, Maryland & Virginia Guide](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2026/08/insurance-claim-denied/) By Allan M. Siegel, Partner — Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can your auto [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2026/08/insurance-claim-denied/) 08/21/2026 Brain Injury ### [Liability and Umbrella Insurance Protects You and Your Family](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) As we enter a new year, it is the perfect opportunity to take stock of [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) 12/16/2021 Car Accidents ### [The Courts Have Reopened and the Doors are Wider Than Ever](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) For months, the coronavirus pandemic practically shut down the courts in the District of Columbia, [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) 08/25/2021 Car Accidents ### [Law Firm Receives Super Lawyers Awards for 11th Consecutive Year](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) The 2021 Washington, DC Super Lawyers® annual list of “Top Lawyers” was recently featured in [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) 08/25/2021 ```json-ld {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"LegalService","@id":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/#firm","name":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel Personal Injury Lawyers","url":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/","telephone":"+1-202-659-8600","email":"publicrelations@dc-law.net","logo":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/new-logoBaskerville@2x.png","image":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cscs-firm-photo.jpg","description":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel is a Washington D.C. personal injury law firm with decades of experience representing accident victims throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.","foundingDate":"1969","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"},"founder":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Joseph Chaikin","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}},{"@type":"Person","name":"Ira Sherman","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}}],"employee":[{"@type":"Attorney","name":"Allan M. 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