There are few parts of the body more sensitive to injury than the neck.
In some ways, our necks are remarkably strong: in many places, people balance heavy jars and baskets on their heads every day.
But sudden trauma, such as car accidents and slips and falls, can subject the neck to forces it cannot withstand.
Damage to the muscles and tissues of the neck can cause disability, while damage to the spinal column can be fatal or lead to paralysis.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of neck injuries.
Slipping on a hard floor, for example, can result in a person's head and neck hitting the ground forcefully at an unusual angle.
Trips and falls, even from short distances, can also cause serious head and neck injuries.
Even incidents that do not cause head injuries can cause serious damage to the delicate structures of the neck, including ligaments, muscles, and the spine.
Car accidents are also a leading cause of neck injuries.
Whiplash injuries are a common result of rear-end collisions.
Whiplash occurs when a sudden shock causes a person's head to whip back and forth rapidly.
The muscles and connective tissue of the neck that keep the head upright are ordinarily able to respond to sudden trauma by loosening for impact, but whiplash occurs faster than they can respond.
This can cause serious damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
People who have sustained neck injuries because of the negligent, reckless, or malicious actions of another person may be entitled to recover compensation from the people responsible for their medical bills, losses, and suffering.
By taking legal action as soon as possible after the injury, they can help offset the impact of their injuries on their lives.