The discs in our spinal columns act as cushions between the bones of the spine (vertebra). Unfortunately, these discs can become ruptured or herniated when a traumatic event occurs. Here, we want to discuss what happens after a spinal cord disc is herniated and whether or not crash victims are able to recover compensation for these injuries.
Discs in our spinal cords act as shock absorbers for the spine, essentially ensuring that the bones in our spine do not rub against each other when we go about our daily activities. A disc herniates when the softer center of the disc pushes through the tougher exterior of the disc.
In some cases, individuals experience no symptoms when a disc herniates. However, herniated discs can irritate nerves nearby the area of the herniation and result in numbness, weakness, or pain in certain areas of the person’s body, usually an arm or leg.
Not every herniated disc needs medical intervention. When treatment is needed, it could include medication and physical therapy. In some cases, individuals with herniated discs have to undergo surgery to repair the damage.
After a car accident, herniated discs can occur if the force of the collision leads to one of the vertebrae pushing into the spinal canal. This could compress the discs in the spinal cord and cause the disc to herniate outward.
Aside from vehicle accidents, there are other causes of herniated discs. In some cases, individuals are predisposed to herniated discs as a result of their genetics. Typically, natural wear and tear on the spine are the most common cause of herniated discs. Individuals already predisposed to degenerative disc disease are much more likely to incur a herniated disc as a result of a traumatic event such as a car accident.
If you or somebody you care about has sustained a herniated disc that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. If another driver is responsible for the incident, it will be necessary to prove their liability, and you also have to show that the herniated resulted from the vehicle accident.
So the main types of compensation you may be entitled to include coverage of all medical expenses related to treating the herniated disc, prescription medications, medical devices, and any other medical intervention needed. Additionally, if you are unable to work for any period of time as a result of the herniated disc, you should be able to recover compensation for lost wages. Your attorney will also strive to recover non-economic compensation, including physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the herniated disc.
It is important to work with an attorney after sustaining an injury like a herniated disc. Because there are other ways that individuals sustain these injuries, you can be sure that the insurance carriers for the at-fault party will push back from having to pay compensation. It will be necessary for your attorney to work with trusted medical experts who can show that the herniated disc did indeed occur as a result of the vehicle accident in question.
Call us today to speak with a Denver car accident attorney.
