Herniated discs have become a common health issue in the United States. A herniated disc is a spinal injury wherein the disc in your spine ruptures and the jelly-like center of the disc leaks which irritates the surrounding nerves causing pain and discomfort. You can get herniated disc in your neck, mid-back, or lower back. A herniated disc can be diagnosed through an MRI.
Usually, herniated discs are a result of age-related wear and tear. It is referred to as disc degeneration. However, even trauma, such as a car/motorcycle accident can cause a herniated disc. Car accident attorneys are witnessing a spike in cases of herniated discs among victims of motor vehicle accidents. If you already have disc degeneration, the chances of herniated disc increase even more and can occur even due to a minor injury or sprain.
Some of the common factors that can cause herniated risk are:
- Overweight – The extra weight of the body puts additional pressure on the discs of your back, especially the lower back, which may cause a herniated disc.
- Work-related – Your job may increase your risk, for example, if your work involves a lot of heavy lifting or is otherwise physically demanding, it can put you at a higher risk of a herniated disc.
- Smoking – Smoking may lead to a lessening of oxygen supply to the disc, which makes it vulnerable to become a herniated disc.
- Genetics – A family history of a herniated disc may put you at risk of this health issue.
Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising, maintaining a good posture, etc. to reduce your risk of suffering from a herniated disc.
However, despite these measures, you may fall prey to a herniated disc due to someone’s negligence. Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs, are one of the most common outcomes of motor vehicle accidents, including car, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents.
Additionally, the severity of the accident can also increase the severity of the injury. While in some cases, a few sessions with the chiropractor may be enough to cure the disc, in some incidents, a severely herniated disc may need surgical intervention or have lifelong implications on the lifestyle of the victim, such as restricted movement, etc.
If you suffer a herniated disc due to a car accident, you’re owed compensation from the at-fault driver. It is recommended you work with a car accident lawyer to help you receive the settlement you deserve.
While such a case may seem straightforward, there are many complications when the proceedings start. For example, the insurance company and the car accident attorney of the at-fault driver may try to pin the blame on disk degeneration instead of the accident. They may also try to settle the case for a far lesser compensation. In such a scenario, a car accident lawyer will be ideal to file the claim on your behalf and make sure that the compensation you receive is just and fair.
If you or someone you know has suffered a herniated disc due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.