Did You Sustain a Herniated Disc in a Car Accident?

Our Jacksonville injury attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve

Car accidents can cause serious harm to any part of the body, and some of the most common injuries are back and spine injuries like herniated discs. The crash itself may have been over in moments, but you could be dealing with pain, medical expenses, and the disabling effects of your back injury for months or years.

Getting full compensation for a herniated disc from a car accident can be a challenge, but you don’t have to face that challenge alone. Get an experienced Jacksonville car accident attorney who knows how to take on the insurance companies. Contact The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic today.

A herniated disc is considered a serious injury. You need a lawyer who is serious about recovering the financial compensation you deserve.

What is a herniated disc?

The spinal discs are rubbery pads that sit between the vertebrae (the bones that make up your backbone) and act as shock absorbers in the spine. Each disc has a soft, jelly-like center, called the nucleus, within a tougher, rubbery exterior, called the annulus.

A herniated disc in the neck or lower back occurs when damage to the disc causes the soft center to push through the rubbery exterior casing. This condition is also known as a bulging disc, ruptured disc, prolapsed disc, or “slipped disc” – although the latter term is a misnomer because the disc as a whole does not “slip” out of place.

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (including the L5-S1 segment where the lower back meets the sacrum) or the neck.

How can a car accident cause disc herniation?

Anytime the body is exposed to significant trauma, it can put pressure on the spine. This is particularly common in car accidents because the occupants of a car are in a seated position. During a collision, the back of your seat presses against your upper body, and this pressure can cause one or more discs to rupture.

A herniated disc from a car accident can happen to anyone, though people who already have age-related deterioration or a previous injury to the spine are more at risk. Being rear-ended, sideswiped, or T-boned can cause a herniated disc. A car accident can cause a mild disc bulge, multiple bulging discs, and more serious injuries that significantly impact your life.

How to know if you have a herniated disc after a car accident

Depending on the location of the herniated disc and the nature of the damage, symptoms may include:

• Lower back pain, often a result of muscle spasms.
• Leg pain, often in the buttocks, thigh, or calf, if the herniated disc is in the lower back.
• Arm and shoulder pain, if the herniated disc is in the neck.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness, if the disc is pressing on a nerve.
• Pain that gets worse with movement or in certain positions (such as slouching or hunching forward).

It’s important to note, however, that not all herniated discs have noticeable symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor and get a physical exam. Imaging tests like a CT scan, myelogram, or MRI may be needed to pinpoint the exact location of your back or neck injury.

How an attorney can help if you have a herniated disc

Depending on the nature and extent of the injury, the cost of a herniated disc can be substantial. You may need medications such as steroids, cortisone injections, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). You may also need surgery or disc replacement to repair the damage. The cost of those medical expenses can be substantial, and the recovery time can keep you out of work for weeks or even months. All of those costs should be accounted for in your herniated disc car accident settlement or verdict.

What is the average settlement amount? There’s no simple answer, as each case is different. But we are committed to helping you pursue the best possible outcome.

Unfortunately, injury claims involving herniated discs are often disputed. While car accidents are a common cause of herniated discs, they can also be a natural result of aging, degenerative conditions, or other types of injuries. The insurance company may question whether your injury was truly caused by the car accident or dispute whether certain treatments such as surgery are necessary.

Call a law firm with a proven track record

That’s where an experienced car accident attorney can make all the difference. As your attorney, we can investigate your accident to prove that the other driver was at fault, advocate for the medical care you need, and fight for full compensation from the insurance company. We can negotiate and, if necessary, litigate on your behalf while you focus on resting, healing, and rebuilding your life.