Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
If you were involved in a slip and fall, car crash, or other accident, you may experience pain and soreness. While you might assume that the discomfort will disappear with time, it could indicate a severe injury. Depending on the symptoms, you could have suffered a broken tailbone.
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What Are the Signs of a Broken Tailbone?
Your tailbone or coccyx is the small bone at the bottom of your spine. The tailbone is composed of three to five fused bones. Generally, we never pay attention to this bone or give it any thought until it causes pain.
The tailbone is important because it is the point where numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles meet. It provides support and helps keep you steady. When the tailbone is fractured, it can cause severe pain and other symptoms.
The symptoms of a broken tailbone include:
- Tenderness or pain in the lower back
- Numbness or pain when sitting, especially for lengthy periods
- Painful bowel movements and/or sexual intercourse
- Pain on the top of the buttocks
- Swelling and bruising around the base of the spine
- Pain that worsens when you stand up
A bruised tailbone could take a month to heal. However, a broken tailbone could take up to three months to heal. In rare cases, a person may need surgery if they continue to suffer from pain six months or more after the injury.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Broken Tailbone?
The treatment for a broken tailbone depends on the injury. Doctors may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain and swelling. They might also prescribe heat to relax the muscles and cold therapy to reduce swelling. Sitting on a pillow or “donut” can help avoid putting pressure on the tailbone.
A broken tailbone that causes severe pain may require nerve blocks. Doctors may also prescribe physical therapy.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Broken Tailbone in New York?
A broken tailbone can significantly impact your daily life. Chronic pain could prevent you from sitting or standing for long periods, preventing you from working. You might find it difficult to perform daily activities, including housework, caring for children, or standing to cook dinner.
You could receive compensation if another party is responsible for the accident that caused the broken tailbone. However, you must prove fault before you can recover your damages.
Evidence that can help prove liability for damages caused by a broken tailbone includes:
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Statements from eyewitnesses and parties involved in the accident
- Videos of an accident from surveillance cameras and other sources
- Opinions and testimony from medical specialists, accident reconstructionists, and other expert witnesses
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Medical records
A New York personal injury lawyer can gather and preserve evidence to prove your claim. An attorney understands the level of evidence you need to prove the legal elements of negligence, strict liability, or intentional torts.
What Damages Can Be Included in a Tailbone Injury Claim in New York?
Personal injury claims in New York can include compensation for economic and non-economic damages. These damages are intended to compensate the victim for their injuries, monetary losses, pain, and suffering.
Examples of damages in a tailbone injury case include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Medical bills and expenses
- Diminished quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Impairments and disabilities
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitative therapies
The amount you receive depends on numerous factors. The severity of your injuries and the strength of your evidence are significant factors. The parties involved in the case, insurance coverage, and whether you sustain a permanent impairment also impact how much a broken tailbone injury claim is worth.
What Happens If I’m Partially to Blame for the Cause of My Broken Tailbone in New York?
New York uses a pure comparative negligence standard for personal injury claims. New York law states that comparative fault does not bar recovery of compensation in a personal injury case. However, the law allows judges to reduce the amount of compensation an injured party receives by their level of fault for an injury.
Therefore, if you were 30% to blame for causing a car accident that resulted in a broken tailbone, you cannot receive 100% of the award for damages. Instead, the judge reduces the award by 30 percent.
Do I Need to Hire a New York Personal Injury Attorney for a Broken Tailbone Claim?
As discussed above, you must prove that the other party caused your injuries and that you sustained damages because of their conduct. You will likely deal with an insurance company with deep pockets to fight your claim. The company has a team of professionals working to protect it from liability.
Hiring an attorney evens the playing field. You have someone on your side with the resources and knowledge to pursue the claim. You should consider meeting with a New York personal injury lawyer for a free consultation to protect your rights. Contact Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. today at (212) 514-5007.
