Spinal injuries can cause lifelong pain and suffering. Herniated discs are a type of spinal injury, and are especially common in car accidents. This injury is also referred to as “bulging,” “slipped” or “ruptured” discs.
Your spine has a number of vertebrae, which are cushioned by small, round, pillow-like discs in between. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, they’re like “shock absorbers” for your spine. Herniated discs occur when the tough outer layer of the disc ruptures or tears. The soft inner part—the nucleus—is pushed out. This can put pressure on spinal nerves and make it extremely painful to move. You may feel sharp pain, tingling, and numbness. Some patients experience weakness in their shoulders, arms, and legs.
Herniated discs can occur from age-related spinal degeneration; however, single traumatic injuries or strains can also cause them. If you suffered a herniated disc as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Treatment for Herniated Discs
Doctors may recommend that a patient rest and limit their activities for a few weeks. While it’s not strictly bed rest, it can make it difficult to perform job and other everyday duties. This is to help reduce spinal inflammation. The pain may go away on its own, or the patient may receive physical therapy and prescription medication to help the healing process.
Not all herniated discs are equal in severity. Some do not respond to conservative treatment, and may require surgery. Worse, surgery isn’t guaranteed to relieve the pain. Depending on the severity, patients may experience pain throughout the rest of their lives.
Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries?
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits, or file a personal injury lawsuit. If your herniated disc was due to another person or entity’s negligence, you could recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, long-term medical costs, lost wages while you recover and more.
Since herniated discs often involve lifetime pain and surgery, it’s crucial that you call an attorney as soon as your condition is stable. Failing to file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out means you could be on the hook for decades of medical bills. Protect your own interests and make sure the responsible parties are held accountable.
Discuss Your Case with an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
Herniated discs are painful, expensive and can have lifetime repercussions. If a negligent driver was to blame, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.944.4373 for a consultation.
