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Yes, a car accident can easily cause a painful, debilitating bulging disc injury. In fact, spinal cord injuries include bruising or severing of the spinal cord, herniated discs, or breaks in the bones of the spinal column.
If you suffered a painful spine injury in a car accident, you may be eligible for a settlement to cover your current and future medical needs. However, Florida’s no-fault accident laws come into play for victims, so filing a suit for the compensation you need can be tricky. It’s best to speak with an experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyer to explore your legal options.
How does a car crash cause herniated discs?
Your spinal cord is protected by a long column of vertebrae separated by thin, cushioning discs that prevent the bones from rubbing together. These discs also function as shock absorbers, cushioning the spinal column against the pressures of movement. However, these discs can only protect so much.
A herniated disc occurs when the outer shell of the disc is torn or ruptured, causing the softer inner portion of the disc to bulge outward. When it touches nearby nerves, it can cause immense pain by putting pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves, impeding your movements.
The sudden high-impact force in a car crash places immense pressure on the spinal column, causing the spinal discs to tear or burst. Back pain and difficulty with movement are two of the most common symptoms of a herniated disc; a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scan can properly diagnose the damage.
Treatment for herniated discs
Early intervention gives you the best chance for a full recovery, so it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after the wreck. Often, herniated discs are asymptomatic; you may not realize that you’re hurt until days or weeks later, when the interior of the spinal discs begins to touch the nerves around them.
Non-surgical treatments are usually the first recommended option, unless the damage is so severe that it must be immediately repaired. Physical therapy to strengthen and support the spinal column can take pressure off the slipped discs, allowing them to heal naturally.
However, if more conservative treatment options are unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord
Florida laws for filing a lawsuit after a traffic collision
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning that your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage covers your property damage and medical bills. However, if you have a serious injury (one that meets the state’s definition of serious), you have the right to file a lawsuit for damages against the at-fault driver. If you have one or more herniated discs requiring surgery, especially if the damage has affected your mobility and ability to work, you likely have grounds to sue.
A lawsuit can cover all medical bills from the accident, plus replenish your lost wages from the time you had to miss work and provide a fair amount for your pain and suffering (which can be considerable with a ruptured disc).
You and your lawyer must make a strong case to the insurance company linking the car accident to your injuries; it’s very common for insurance adjusters to claim that your slipped disc was a pre-existing condition and not due to the impact of the crash. Your medical records will play a critical role in establishing causation, so be sure to save everything related to your treatment.
Know your rights after a bulging disc
If you’ve suffered a bulging disc injury in a car accident, don’t wait; our legal team is here to help you pursue justice and relief. An experienced car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath understands how to help victims with spinal injuries get full and fair compensation for all their medical and other damages. We offer a free consultation; book yours online or by calling (561) 655-1990.