A very common accident-related injury is one or more herniated disks. This type of injury might occur in a motor vehicle accident, during a fall, or if you were struck or pinned by an object. Any type of incident that strains or puts extreme force on your spine can result in injuries to the disks, vertebrae, and spinal cord. Following these injuries, you may need a great deal of medical care. And, as anyone who has or knows someone with a back injury understands, you may deal with pain, discomfort, and limited mobility for a long period of time or forever. Your back may never be the same after sustaining an unexpected and serious injury.
Because of the serious nature of herniated disks and other back injuries after a car accident, it is essential you speak with a Herniated disk injury lawyer after a car accident in Miami, Florida as soon as possible. Working with an attorney improves your chance of bringing a successful personal injury claim and recovering the maximum amount of compensation possible.
To speak with a herniated disk injury lawyer or attorney after a Miami car crash call Gerson & Schwartz P.A., by calling (877) 475-2905. We offer free consultations, giving you the opportunity to learn more about your legal rights and options without a burdensome fee. You can also email us at info@gslawusa.com
What is a Herniated Disk?Between the bones of your spine, your vertebrae, there are rubber-like cushions, your disks. The disk is described as a jelly donut. The outer portion of the disk is a tough band, and the inner portion is a softer gel. Herniated disks occur when the inner jelly is pushed out through the tough outer band. This injury is also known as a ruptured or slipped disk.
Herniated disks are actually very common, and they can go undetected for a long period of time. However, a severely herniated disk can cause discomfort, pain, and mobility issues. Also, herniated disks can cause more significant medical issues when they push onto one or more nerves.
Herniated disks in the cervical spine, which is located in your neck, can press on nerves that run down your shoulders, arms, and hands. You may feel numbness, a tingling sensation, and/or weakness in the affected limb. Herniated disks in the lumbar spine, which is in your lower back, can press on nerves running through your buttocks, legs, and feet.
These symptoms are signs that the nerve is being compressed and damage. The longer the symptoms persist, the more likely you may be to experience long-term or permanent side effects. If you believe you are suffering from a herniated disk and nerve issues after an accident, see a physician immediate. Then, talk with our herniated disk injury lawyers for your Miami car accident to learn more about your right to compensation.
Treating Herniated DisksMany herniated disk injuries do not require surgery. Your physician may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications or stronger, prescription pain medications. Another common prescription is for muscle relaxers or cortisone injections. If your pain does not go away in a few weeks, your physician may recommend physical therapy. Certain exercise can improve the alignment and compression of your spin.
Other alternative medicines your doctor may recommend are chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, and yoga.
In cases in which a herniated disk is causing nerve issues and other more treatments have failed, your physician may recommend a discectomy.
Cauda Equina SyndromeIn rare cases, the herniated disk may press on the bundle of nerves at the end of your spinal cord causing cauda equina syndrome. If you are diagnosed with this condition immediately following an accident, call our herniated disk injuries car accident attorneys in Miami immediately.
The cauda equina grouping of nerves goes to your bladder, colon, and pelvic organs, and they run down the back of each leg like the sciatic nerve. When the bulging disk presses on these nerves, you can experience numbness in the genital area and lose the ability to control your bladder and bowel movements. You may experience urine retention of incontinence. You also may experience numbness and weakness down your legs and into your feet.
This syndrome can occur slowly, but it typical occurs as a sudden event—like a car crash—and it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. To remove the pressure from the nerves, the most common treatment is a discectomy. This is a surgical procedure during which a portion of the bulging disk is removed.
Following the surgery, you will experience significant relief. However, depending on how quickly you were diagnosed and treated, you may have lingering nerve damage. You will require a significant amount of time to heal and may need physical therapy to help improve mobility and strength.
If you were unable to obtain a quick diagnosis and treatment, you can experience permanent bowel and bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, and weakness or loss of movement in your legs.
Let Our Miami Car Crash Herniated Disk Injury Law Firm Fight For Your CompensationHerniated disks can be serious injuries when they affect one or more nerves. They can require medical care and prescriptions to treat the pain and underlying condition. In severe cases, you may require surgery. This is an expensive procedure and will have you out of work for a time. You also can experience long-term or permanent physical limitations.
Common Herniated Disks May Result from Auto Accidents such as:
When this condition was the result of another person’s careless, reckless, or intentional conduct, then you have the right to pursue compensation. Our Miami personal injury attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. will fight for you to receive compensation for your:
To learn more about your right to pursue compensation after an accident-related herniated disk and the potential value of your claim, call us at (305) 371-6000.