Although a herniated disc is a common spinal injury, it can cause excruciating and disabling symptoms including severe pain, numbness, and weakness. Unfortunately, herniated discs often result from serious accidents and have a significant impact on victims’ health and finances. If you suffered a herniated disc from a car accident, slip and fall, or other accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party, but you will likely need to work with an attorney to recover what you deserve.
Below I’ll tell you more about this injury and how to file a lawsuit if another’s negligence caused it. A neck and back injury lawyer at Buttafuoco & Associates can also help you value your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve. Set up a consultation by calling 1-800-NOW-HURT.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a condition where a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, causing potential pain and mobility issues. Your spinal column is made up of 26 individual bones known as vertebrae. Between each vertebra are gel-like discs that decrease friction during movement and give your spine flexibility. By providing a cushion between your bones, discs prevent degeneration of the vertebrae.
Some herniated discs result from aging; other times, an activity or accident stretches or compresses a disc, leading to a bulge or rupture. Some activities that commonly cause herniated discs include:
- Improper lifting of heavy objects
- Twisting while you lift
- Slips and falls
- Sitting for long periods
- Driving
- Abrupt impact in an accident
Car accidents can cause some of the most severe back injuries, but the team at Buttafuoco & Associates has significant experience helping clients recover compensation in these cases. To find out more about your rights, call us at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
Herniated Disc Symptoms and Treatment
The most common symptoms of herniated discs include:
- Neck and back pain
- Pain that runs down your lower back to your feet (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in your legs or feet
- Weakness in your legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (severe cases)
If you experience any of these symptoms, get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible. If you experience spinal pain or numbness after an accident, make sure to mention the accident during your exam. If you choose to file a lawsuit at any point, it’s a good idea to have these details in your medical records from the beginning as they will help your attorney build a strong case.
Herniated Disc Treatment Costs
Treatments for mild herniated discs, like rest and anti-inflammatory medication, are relatively inexpensive. But even in mild cases, MRIs, follow-up doctor’s appointments, medication, and physical therapy can all add up.
If conservative treatment isn’t helping your symptoms, your doctor may need to further treat you with epidural injections, or in severe cases, surgery to remove the disc and bone fragments that are compressing your spinal nerve.
The cost of treatment itself is only a portion of the costs you may incur due to a herniated disc. Many patients are unable to work during their recovery because standing, movement, and even sitting can all be incredibly painful. Childcare and other activities may also prove impossible, and result in additional unexpected expenses.
The financial burden that can be caused by herniated disc treatment can be a huge hurdle for many people, but a New York back injury attorney can help you understand your rights and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Get the Best Herniated Disc Car Accident Settlement
If you suffered a herniated disc in an accident caused by another party, you are entitled to seek damages by filing a lawsuit. Buttafuoco & Associates can help you not only compile evidence of fault, but will also work with you to identify and prove the value of your case. This requires a strong understanding of short- and long-term damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Our team believes that when an accident happens, the responsible party must be held accountable. If you have been harmed due to another party’s negligence, we will fight for your rights and for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
