Can You Receive Compensation for a Herniated Disc?

September 08, 2020

By Keffer Hirschauer LLP

Can You Receive Compensation for a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a particularly painful back injury that many car accident or motorcycle accident victims suffer from. The pain can be so debilitating that some people cannot return to work and they lose out on tens of thousands of dollars of lost income.

The good news is that an accident victim can receive compensation if someone else is to blame for the wreck. Contact Indianapolis Injury Lawyers today.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

There are rubbery pads in between each vertebra in the spinal column. These pads provide cushion whenever the spine moves. Without them, the vertebrae could rub against each other, cause considerable stress and pain.

These pads have a soft interior, which can be extruded. Imagine pushing down on a jelly donut, forcing the jelly out. Violent events, like car accidents, can cause the soft center to push out, which then rubs against nearby nerves.

How Do You Diagnose a Herniated Disc?

If you feel pain, you should go to the doctor. The herniated disc can push against the spinal cord itself, so a patient might feel pain up and down their body. Any pain could be a signal that you have suffered a spinal cord injury.

A doctor can diagnose a herniated disc by ordering a CT Scan or MRI to look at what is going on in your spine and the discs in between. A doctor can also discuss the pain that you are feeling, which can help him or her locate exactly where on the spinal column you were injured.

Can You Treat a Herniated Disc?

Yes. The treatment will depend on the seriousness of the herniation. A mild herniation might only require anti-inflammatory injections and rest. However, more serious herniations could require surgery along with a regimen of physical therapy.

Herniated discs can cause incredible pain. Many people will be unable to work or even sleep properly, so a doctor might also prescribe muscle relaxants and painkillers.

It is vital that an accident victim does not reinjure the disc so soon after their collision. Avoiding strenuous exercise and stretching is recommended. Remember to always follow your doctor’s recommendations and schedule another appointment if you are not getting well.

Usually, patients can make a full recovery, but the length of time will depend on the seriousness of the injury. Very serious herniated discs often accompany spinal cord injuries, so those victims are dealing with multiple disabilities.

Obtaining Compensation for a Herniated Disc

Anyone suffering from back pain following a crash should carefully document how much they have spent or lost to treat their injury. We recommend that clients hold onto all medical bills and receipts for prescription drugs or prosthetic equipment.

Also fully document how the pain is impacting your life. Many of our clients miss out on time with their children or grandchildren, or they cannot be intimate with their spouse. This type of disruption also warrants financial compensation.

Call Indianapolis Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys offer a free consultation, which you can schedule by calling us today.