Car Accident Settlement for a Herniated Disc

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is not currently accepting these types of cases and has posted this content for information purposes only. We encourage you to seek a qualified attorney, if you feel you might have a case.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when all or part of a disc is forced through a weakened part of the spine. This places pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing severe pain. Herniated discs occur most often in the lower back. A herniated disc may also be referred to as a slipped disc or a prolapsed disc.

Related Article: Car Accident Lawsuit Update

Herniated Disc Caused by a Car Accident

A herniated disc after a car accident occurs when the force of the crash causes one of your vertebrae (bones of the spine) to push into your spinal canal where it may compress, placing pressure on or otherwise irritating your spinal cord, which is the bundle of nerves that carries messages from your brain to your body.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can cause the following symptoms:

Lower back pain
Numbness or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs, or feet
Neck pain
Problems bending or straightening your back
Muscle weakness
Pain in the buttocks, hips, or legs if the disc is pressing on the sciatic nerve (sciatica)

Is Disc Herniation a Permanent Injury?

If a disc herniates or ruptures, the integrity of that disc is compromised and the anatomy of the disc is permanently changed. Additionally, because there is NO blood supply into the disc, the disc will never repair itself. Once a healthy disc herniates, it will never return to its normal anatomical state—the disease or injury is permanent in nature.

Can You Sue for a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident?

If your auto insurance company refuses to pay for no-fault benefits associated with a herniated disc caused by a car accident, then you can file a lawsuit for unpaid or overdue medical expenses, attendant care, replacement services, and lost wages.

You can also sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering compensation; however, you will first have to demonstrate that the other driver was at-fault for causing the crash and that your mental trauma constitutes a “serious impairment of body function” under our auto law.

Additionally, you may be able to file a suit against the at-fault driver for other economic damages, such as excess and future medical bills and lost wages.

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A personal injury lawyer can reveal how your state's laws apply to your car accident case and advise what actions should be taken in settling or filing a car accident claim or a personal injury lawsuit after an accident.

FAQs

1. How Much Is a Herniated Disc Settlement Worth?

A herniated disc settlement can range from $20,000 to over $150,000, depending on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on the individual's quality of life.

2. What Will the Compensation Be for a Herniated Disc?

Compensation for a herniated disc includes medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses, typically ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

3. Is a Herniated Disc a Serious Injury in a Car Accident?

Yes, a herniated disc is considered a serious injury in a car accident, potentially causing significant pain, and mobility issues, and requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.