What to do if you have a bulging disc after a car accident
Do you have a bulging disc from a car crash? Then you might be entitled to a settlement. The amount you’ll receive will depend on a variety of factors. So you could get a few thousand dollars or as much as a few million.
Do note that each vehicular accident and injury is unique. It’s crucial to understand the different variables that affect your settlement amount. Read on to learn more about this injury and your rights to compensation.
What are the Symptoms of a Bulging Disc?
A disc acts as a cushion between the vertebrae in the spine. The discs are composed of tough cartilage on the outside with soft cartilage in the middle.
A bulging disc is different from a slipped disc or herniated disc. A slipped or herniated disc occurs when the soft inner part protrudes out of the middle of the disc. As for a bulging disc, only the tough outer layer is affected. If the bulging disc hasn’t reached the herniation stage, then you may experience very little pain or no pain at all. Since it’s hard to identify, it’s critical to receive a full medical examination immediately after a car crash.
Usually, bulging discs create pressure points on the nerves around them and you may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain or tingling in your hands, fingers, arms, shoulders, or neck
- Difficulty walking or lifting objects
- Pain in your lower spine, buttock, thighs, or feet
- A bulging disc may also put a lot of pressure on your tender sciatic nerve. If that happens, tingling or pain will affect one leg or the other, not both
How does a bulging disc happen in an accident?
The impact of a car crash may cause your vertebrae to become maladjusted. This puts pressure on your spine, compressing the soft inner part of your disc and potentially causing its contents to begin to protrude. Bulging discs may make it more difficult for you to perform everyday tasks, and it also increases your risk for slipped or herniated discs if you don’t seek treatment.
You need to undergo a thorough physical examination following the car crash so you can document all your injuries after a car accident. Your lawyer will need all the information, so they can represent you.
What are the factors that Affect Settlement Totals for Bulging Discs From a Vehicular Accident?
As mentioned, every car crash and individual is unique, and it’s hard to give a settlement estimate without all the information. The amount you may get for bulging discs would depend on the following variables:
- Your Current Health Conditions – The first factor looks at how much the bulging disc is affecting you physically. Does the disc currently press on any of your nerves? How this impacts your daily life and your job are significant factors that could increase or decrease your final settlement amount.
- Required Surgery – Whether you had surgery or whether surgery was recommended are also key factors in determining the appropriate settlement amount. If the injury gets worse because the victim fails to follow medical advice, then the settlement amount will be affected. On the contrary, if the doctor says you don’t need surgery for your bulging disc, then that information would also be crucial.
- Total Medical Expenses – The total amount of medical expenses you incur as a result of the bulging disc plays a critical role in determining the appropriate settlement amount. The initial examination, follow-up treatments, physical therapy, medications, as well as assistive devices you may need to buy are all included.
- Time Off Work or Lost Wages – The bulging disc may cause such severe pain or numbness that you’re unable to perform your job. Should you miss work due to doctor’s appointments or lose wages because you’re in pain and unable to work, these are factors that will likely influence your case.
Remember, the amount you deserve for your pain and suffering is slightly more difficult to calculate. Do you suffer because of a bulging disc from a car accident? Let us help you get the right compensation. Contact us to get a free case evaluation. 304-594-1800.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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