Herniated Disc from Car Accident in Florida

A herniated disc is one of the most painful injuries you can sustain from a car accident. In addition to the pain, people with herniated discs often grapple with a long and painful recovery time. 

Suppose you’ve experienced a herniated disc due to a car accident caused by the other driver’s negligence. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

The car accident lawyers at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, can help you file a claim and receive compensation for your injuries and losses. We have over 20 years of experience handling car accident injury claims and can help you answer the most pressing questions about a herniated disc injury from car accidents. 

Do You Need Legal Representation for Your Herniated Disc from Car Accident Claim?

Yes. A skilled car accident attorney can help you navigate the often long-winded personal injury claims process. Specifically, the car accident attorney will help you:

• Interpret laws related to car accident injury compensation.
• Determine liability by gathering evidence and identifying liable parties.
• Deal with insurance companies to ensure you receive maximum (and fair) compensation for your herniated disc.

At Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, our legal team is well-versed in cases involving herniated discs stemming from auto accidents. Give us a call today at 407-422-4529 for a free evaluation. We will look at your case and provide guidance for the way forward. If you have a case, we’ll help you obtain as much compensation as the law permits for your injuries and suffering. 

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc(nucleus) pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer(annulus). This causes discomfort and even pain when it presses on nearby nerves. 

It’s important to understand that a herniated disc is different from a bulging disc. The latter occurs when the outer layer of cartilage(annulus) extends beyond its normal boundaries.

Insurance companies may attempt to exploit the difference between a herniated disc and a disc bulge. That’s because a bulging disc causes less severe symptoms and pain than a herniated disc. 

Can a Car Accident Cause Herniated Discs?

Yes, car accidents can cause herniated discs. The force of the crash can cause a vertebra to push into your spinal canal, leading to the herniation of a disc. In some cases, herniated discs do not cause pain. However, in most cases, herniated discs can cause significant discomfort and sometimes lead to chronic debilitating pain. If you’ve experienced a car accident and suspect a herniated disc, seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Some of the most common symptoms include pain in the lower back and neck and pain radiating down the leg, often called sciatica. You may also experience numbness or tingling in your limbs, which can result from nerve irritation caused by the herniated disc.

Visit your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes. 

Diagnosing a Herniated Disc

Diagnosis of herniated discs often involves imaging tests that can show the exact location and severity of the herniation. These tests can help determine the best course of treatment. The test results are also valuable evidence in any resulting personal injury claim.

Treatment Options for Herniated Disc from Car Accident

Several treatment options are available for a herniated disc caused by a car accident. These can range from home remedies and physical therapy to more invasive procedures like surgery. 

Physical Therapy for Herniated Discs

A physical therapist can help you exercise and stretch to reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles around the affected disc. This can help relieve pressure on the herniated disc and allow it to heal. Physical therapy can be a long-term solution for managing the pain and discomfort associated with a herniated disc.

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Disc

Chiropractic treatment can also effectively help treat a herniated disc caused by a car accident. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to realign the spine. These procedures relieve pressure on the herniated disc and reduce pain and numbness. This treatment can improve mobility and promote healing. However, it’s important to note that chiropractic care is most effective when used with other treatments like physical therapy and medication.

Surgery

Surgery is often the last solution. It’s only necessary when the herniated disc is causing severe pain, weakness, or numbness that is not responding to other treatments. Surgical options may include discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion. Surgery aims to relieve pressure on the nerves and restore normal function.

However, surgery can be expensive, and the insurance company may try to minimize their payout for these procedures. It’s essential to have an experienced legal advocate who can fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. 

How Much Does It Usually Cost to Treat a Herniated Disc?

The cost of treating a herniated disc can vary greatly depending on several factors, like the severity of the injury, the type of treatment required, your location, and the healthcare provider involved. Costs can start as low as $100 for conservative treatment options and skyrocket up to $20,000 for surgical procedures. These are rough estimates, and the actual costs can differ.

Furthermore, remember that these costs don’t reflect the indirect costs like missed work, decreased quality of life, and ongoing physical therapy. If you’re dealing with a herniated disc from a car accident, contact us at 407-422-4529. We can help you understand your legal options and guide you in securing compensation to cover these costs.

Is a Herniated Disc Considered a Serious Injury?

A herniated disc is a severe injury that can result in significant pain and discomfort. If not properly treated, a herniated disc can lead to long-term disability, impacting a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.

Given the severe nature of herniated discs, seeking immediate medical attention following a car accident is critical, even if symptoms do not appear immediately. 

What Impacts the Value of a Herniated Disc Case?

The plaintiff’s age, prior medical history, and credibility are key factors that affect the value of a herniated disc claim. For example, if the plaintiff is relatively young with no previous history of degenerative back problems, their herniated disc injury may have a higher settlement value than an older plaintiff with pre-existing back issues. The general credibility of the plaintiff also makes a big impact on compensation payouts.

If you’re seeking compensation for a herniated disc injury, trust the experienced legal team atMichael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney. We understand the factors that can impact your claim’s value and will work diligently to ensure you receive fair compensation. 

Are Herniated Disc Injuries Hard to Prove in a Lawsuit?

The difficulty of proving a herniated disc claim often lies in linking herniations directly to the car accident. You must provide credible evidence that the accident caused or significantly aggravated your herniated disc.

Florida law adheres to the Eggshell Skull Rule, which states that the defendant’s liability remains unchanged, even if the plaintiff is more vulnerable to injury than an average person. However, the defendant is responsible only for the additional harm caused by their actions. 

So, if you had a pre-existing medical condition, and a car accident exacerbated your condition, the defendant could be held accountable for worsening your condition and any additional pain and suffering caused by the accident.

Your Orlando car accident lawyer will help you gather the evidence to prove your case. 

What is the Average Payout For A Herniated Disc?

The average payout for a herniated disc injury varies significantly based on the particulars of each case. 

However, past settlements have shown that plaintiffs can receive anything from $25,000 to three million in compensation when surgery interventions have been made. 

Herniated disc injuries are considered severe and can lead to long recovery periods, chronic pain, and significant life alterations. It’s only fair that you receive proper compensation for these losses. 

Below are various categories that a herniated disc claim compensation would cover:

• Medical expenses: This includes expenses related to doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests (like CT scans), surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications. For instance, the procedure and follow-up care cost would be covered if you required spinal surgery after a car accident. Compensation may also cover the estimated future medical expenses related to ongoing treatment. For example, if you need regular physical therapy sessions or pain management for years to come, these costs should be factored into the compensation.
• Lost wages: If your herniated disc injury forced you to take time off work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. For example, if you could not work for several weeks while recovering, the compensation should replace the income you would have earned during that period.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation can also include damages for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced due to the injury. For instance, chronic pain, limited mobility, and the emotional distress resulting from these issues would be considered.

Get Help Filing a Herniated Disc Claim

A herniated disc resulting from a car accident in Florida can have far-reaching consequences, from enduring physical pain to complex legal challenges. Proving the link between the accident and the injury is even more challenging, especially when insurance companies employ delay tactics or offer inadequate settlements.

However, it’s crucial to remember that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Seeking experienced legal representation is your right and your best course of action. Our team at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, has the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of herniated disc cases arising from car accidents in Florida.

Don’t let insurance companies diminish the compensation you rightfully deserve. We are here to help you secure the financial support you need to move forward with your life. 

Schedule your free consultation today.