Your spine is made up of 33 bones called “vertebrae.” Small, disc-shaped structures sit between these bones to prevent them from rubbing against each other when you move. These vertebral discs function like shock absorbers, cushioning your vertebrae and allowing you a wider range of motion.
If you sustain any type of physical trauma, whether in a car accident, a slip and fall incident, or another situation that results in significant pressure on your spine, one or more of your vertebral discs can suffer damage. A disc might even rupture, leading to an injury called a “herniated disc.” Learn more about this type of injury and what to do if it happens to you.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
Vertebral discs contain a gel-like substance that acts as a cushion between your vertebrae. If you sustain trauma, this substance can push outward, pressing on nearby nerves. This is a herniated disc, also called a “slipped disc.” They are more likely to happen in the lower back, but it’s possible to suffer a herniated disc at any point in your spine.
Herniated disc symptoms can vary, depending on which disc is affected, and these are some of the most common:
- Muscle weakness
- Pain
- Tingling or numbness in your legs and feet
- Neck pain
People between the ages of 30 and 50 are more likely to experience herniated discs. Although disc injuries can occur as a result of wear and tear, another common cause is physical trauma.
Treating Herniated Discs
A mild herniated disc might not require extensive medical help, but it must still be assessed and treated by a doctor. You will likely be given pain medications. Your doctor may tell you to rest, but to avoid spending long periods in bed since that can lead to further stiffness and pain. Additionally, you may need to apply ice or heat to the area.
More serious injuries could require further medical care. Your doctor might prescribe muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy sessions can help ease some of the pressure on your nerves. If the pain is severe, you could require a spinal injection. This is a nerve blocker injected right into the affected area of the spine.
Most herniated discs don’t require surgery. In some cases, however, an operation could be the only way to relieve pressure. If, for example, the damaged disc impacts your bowel or bladder control, an emergency surgery could be required.
What Legal Options May Be Available After a Herniated Disc?
If the incident that led to the herniated disc was the result of another party’s negligent or wrongful behavior, you may have legal options. You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. This process usually requires proving that the other party owed you a duty of care and breached it.
A claim also requires evidence showing the other party caused your injury and that you suffered real damages. Building that proof can be difficult while you are dealing with pain, appointments, and time away from work.
How the Claims Process Works in Texas
There are many steps involved in pursuing a herniated disc injury claim.
These often include:
- Gathering evidence that shows how the accident happened and who was responsible
- Collecting medical records and bills that document your diagnosis and treatment
- Tracking lost income and other financial losses
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or argue that you were partly at fault. Texas has a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if your percentage of fault does not exceed 50%, but your recovery may be reduced. Having a lawyer can help protect you from unfair blame-shifting and low settlement offers.
Contact the Dallas Personal Injury Attorneys at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you have suffered a herniated disc because of another party’s misconduct, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. This is not a simple process. It requires experience and knowledge of Texas laws. That’s where Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can step in.
At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, our team of Dallas personal injury lawyers can assist you in understanding your rights and fighting for compensation. Contact us at (214) 556-8321 to schedule a free consultation.
