Herniated Discs
What are herniated discs?
Herniated disc injuries most commonly occur as result of vehicular accidents such as auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, or bus accidents. They can also occur in work-related accidents and may be part of a worker’s compensation case. All of these are a part of the large body of law known as personal injury law.
Herniated discs are also commonly referred to slipped or ruptured discs. Discs are the soft, rubbery pads that are found between the hard bones called vertebrae that make up the spinal column. The discs between the vertebrae allow the back to flex or bend and act as shock absorbers. Discs are composed of a thick outer ring of cartilage called annulus, and an inner gel-like substance called nucleus.
When a disc is forced out of place, or herniated, for example as a result of a strong impact in a car crash, it places great pressure on the human spinal cord. This causes enormous pressure on the nerves in the spinal column. Often, the herniated disc victim will experience severe pain in their extremities, meaning in the arms and legs.
The most common complaints of disc injuries are back pain, leg pain, and neck and shoulder pain. If the injury is severe, surgery may be required in addition to long periods of rest and medication. The victim may have to lose many days of work or may not be able to return to work at all.
Delayed diagnosis is common
The problem with a herniated disc injury is that it often is not diagnosed immediately in the initial emergency room treatment because it requires an MRI, not usually taken there and because the victim may still be in shock does not begin to feel the pain until the next day, or even days later. Parties responsible for compensation, such as insurance companies, or employers, try to avoid paying damages resulting from herniated disc injuries by claiming that because the herniated disc was not diagnosed at time of injury or immediately thereafter, then it is a preexisting condition and not compensable. It is, therefore, crucial that a victim speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as close to the injury as possible, who can determine how to proceed to ensure preservation of the victim’s rights.
Preserve your rights to maximum compensation—call Legome & Associates today
If you have suffered a herniated disc injury, you should speak with an experienced herniated disc injury attorney who will evaluate your case with you, as close to the injury as possible, to ensure that your legal rights are fully assessed and protected.
The attorneys of Legome & Associates are experts in herniated disc injury claims. We assess the viability of your herniated disc injury claim, explain what you can expect at every step of your herniated disc injury case, and take action on your behalf, such as researching the law, interviewing witnesses, collecting records, conferring with expert consultants, planning the legal strategy of your claim, and negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel. We are experienced, successful, and compassionate professions with the best interests of our clients as our top priority.
For a free consultation to discuss your herniated disc injury case, please call Legome & Associates at 856-528-3284 or click here to contact us online.