Can A Car Accident Cause A Herniated Disc?

You’ve been in a car accident, and ever since, you’ve been experiencing back pain that won’t go away. You’re not sure what’s causing it, but the pain is intense and starting to affect your daily living. Could the accident have caused a herniated disc? If so, what can be done about it?

What Is an Intervertebral Disc?

Think of a disc as a jelly donut. There is an outside casing with a jell like substance inside the casing. These discs run down your spine from your neck to the lower back. Discs provide “spongy cushions” to separate the bones of the spine or your vertebrae. Discs help provide shock absorption, keep your vertebrae bones from knocking into each other, and helps keep the spine stable.  

What Is Bulging and/or Herniated Disc?

A bulging disc occurs when the jell like substance pushes against the outer casing of the disc and presses against a spinal cord nerve. A herniated disc is where the soft, cushiony material inside the disc pushes out through a tear or rupture of the exterior casing touching the nerve roots of the spinal cord and causing severe pain.  

This leaking can cause immense pain because herniated discs press on nerves within your spinal column. Imagine this: if you squeeze a jelly donut too hard, some filling might ooze out. That’s what occurs during a disc herniation.

Once this happens in your back, it leads to immediate pain at the site. Despite their small size relative to our bodies, these little intervertebral discs play an enormous role in our overall comfort and mobility.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

If you have a herniated disc in your neck (cervical spine), you may have sharp pain that actually goes down (radiates) from your neck, through your shoulder, down your arm into your hands causing pins and needles and weakness. If you have a herniated disc in your lower back (lumbar spine) you may have  sharp pains shooting down your leg and noticeable muscle weakness. These are  telltale signs you’re dealing with in regards to this spinal cord-related issue. If you were recently in a car accident case and have these common symptoms. In that case, you may have a spinal disc herniation.

The severity of disc symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. While some people experience mild discomfort or no symptoms, others may suffer debilitating severe pain hindering their daily activities.

Is a Herniated Disc a Lifelong Injury?

Disc injuries are not always lifelong and permanent, but depending on their severity and location, they can turn into one.

In a herniation car accident case, if the force of impact is strong enough to cause disc injuries, it could damage your spinal cord or other surrounding nerves. This could lead to chronic pain and discomfort that might take years to alleviate.

The critical factor in determining whether your herniated disc will become a lifelong injury is how well you manage it post-accident. Seeking immediate medical treatments is crucial, as early diagnosis can help prevent further complications. Physical therapy, medication and pain management, and sometimes surgery may be part of the treatment plan designed by healthcare professionals for recovery.

Remember, while some people recover completely from disc injuries caused by accidents within weeks or months, others may have lingering effects that last much longer – possibly even for life. So, ensure that you focus on your health after any accident because negligence could result in unnecessary chronic pain or lifelong injury.

How Do You Prove a Herniated Disc Is From a Car Accident?

To prove that such disc injuries are directly related to the car accident, there are several steps you need to take.

Firstly, seek immediate medical attention following the accident. Ensure you describe all your symptoms to the doctor so they can accurately give diagnostic tests or physical examinations and identify any injuries, including a herniated disc.

Then, get hold of all related medical records; they will assist to see if anything from your past medical condition contributed to the disc injury or the accident itself was the sole contributor. 

Secondly, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who has experience of dealing with cases involving herniated discs caused by car accidents. By seeking legal representation, you’ll have someone who’ll guide you through gathering other crucial pieces of evidence like police reports and witness statements while advising on how best to pursue compensation for your injury.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Herniated Disc?

While it’s challenging to put a clear-cut worth on your suffering and pain, personal injury claims can vary significantly, primarily influenced by factors such as the severity of your neck or back injury, the impact on your daily life, and other related costs incurred. Compensation benefits for a herniated disc from an auto accident usually consider immediate medical bills and long-term health care needs.

The insurance company will likely examine the extent of your accident injuries and how they have disrupted your ability to work or perform routine activities.

In determining what you might expect as an average settlement:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes ambulance fees, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and any future projected medical expenses related to your herniated disc.
2. Lost Wages: If you’ve had to miss work due to recovery time or ongoing treatment, these lost wages should be factored into the compensation amount.
3. Pain and Suffering: This is more subjective but still very important. It assesses the physical discomfort and emotional distress you’ve experienced due to the accident injuries.

While these factors provide a general guide, each case is unique, so there isn’t a standard ‘one-size-fits-all’ payout amount for herniated disc injury claims resulting from an auto accident. The age of the injured, the type of work the person is employed in, if any pre-existing injuries, etc all are in the formula. Actively engaging with an experienced attorney ensures that all potential impacts are included in any demand made to the insurance company.

Taking Legal Action

Legal action is not just about filing lawsuits; it’s about ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation claim you deserve for your injuries and losses. Connecting with personal injury attorneys from a reputable accident law firm can make this process smoother. They’re equipped to handle the intricacies of your case and negotiate effectively on your behalf against insurance companies or the driver at fault.

Here are some core benefits you should consider:

• Experience in Accident Law: Accident lawyers have specific knowledge and experience dealing with similar cases.
• Maximum Compensation: They’ll fight to get you the highest possible payout in your compensation claim.
• No Win-No Fee Basis: Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.
• Negotiation Skills: Lawyers will negotiate with insurance firms to ensure you’re adequately compensated.
• Stress Reduction: Hiring an attorney allows you to focus entirely on recovery. At the same time, they manage all legal aspects of your claim.

Understanding these benefits makes it clear why seeking legal action is essential after suffering from a herniated disc due to a car accident. It ensures that justice is served and helps alleviate some of the burdens of such unfortunate incidents.

Join Forces With Law Offices of Stuart Kerner P.C – Your Legal Support

If you’ve been hurt in an accident and are dealing with the aftermath, we’re here to help. Our experienced team is committed to providing the legal support you need during this difficult time.

Remember, it’s not just about getting compensation – it’s about ensuring justice is served and helping you get back on your feet.

At the Kerner Law Group, P.C., we’re dedicated to making your life easier after a traumatic incident. We understand the pain and suffering an accident victim goes through, especially if you’ve sustained injuries such as a herniated disc due to automobile accidents.

Our legal team will guide you every step of the way, providing support and expert advice. We will meticulously work on your case to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your loss and injuries.

At Kerner Law Group, P.C., we have successfully represented hundreds and hundreds of people who have suffered herniated discs in car accidents. We won’t rest until justice is served and your peace of mind restored.

For a free consultation or to set up an appointment, call 718-796-7900 today.

Remember, at Stuart Kerner P.C., we’re not just attorneys; we’re here to help when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common treatments for a herniated disc caused by a car accident?

Your treatment options for a herniated disc may include physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery. It’s essential to consult with your physician to determine the best procedure based on your specific condition and symptoms.

Can a herniated disc caused by a car accident lead to chronic pain or other long-term health complications?

There is a possibility that it will lead to chronic pain or other long-term health complications. You may experience ongoing discomfort, nerve damage, loss of mobility, and even potential paralysis.

How often do car accidents result in herniated discs?

It’s challenging to pinpoint exact numbers as each accident varies. Some studies suggest that it is pretty common that car accident victims may experience herniated discs. But it depends on factors like impact and physical condition.

What types of car accidents are most likely to cause a herniated disc?

Rear-end and front end collisions are most likely to cause herniated discs due to your head and neck’s sudden, forceful movement. However, any high-impact accident can result in this injury, depending on the circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents, no matter how minor, can cause serious spinal injuries like herniated discs, so seeking medical attention is crucial. You may not feel pain immediately, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t suffered an injury.

A herniated disc might be lurking beneath the surface, only showing symptoms after some time. Dealing with a herniated disc due to a car accident is undoubtedly challenging; the pain can be debilitating, and your daily routine may get disrupted drastically. Acting promptly will allow for effective treatment and could prevent further complications. 

But remember, you’re not alone in this journey. You have legal rights that entitle you to compensation benefits if someone else was at fault for the accident.

Seeking professional advice from experienced lawyers at the Kerner Law Group, P.C. can help streamline this process. At the same time, you focus on your recovery and treatment plan. So, be sure to call 718-796-7900 to schedule an appointment.