Herniated Discs in Car Accidents

Many victims of car accidents suffer herniated discs as a result of the impact of a collision. These injuries are painful and can require multiple surgeries, as well as other long-term recovery efforts. Herniated discs in car accidents are often due to a driver’s negligent acts behind the wheel. Miami car accident lawyer Robert Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to making sure that victims of serious motor vehicle collisions receive the compensation that they need in order to heal. Back injuries are some of the most lasting injuries, and they can interfere with every aspect of a victim’s life. People responsible for causing such harm should be held accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered a herniated disc as a result of another motorist’s negligence, we can help you determine your next legal steps. Our attorneys represent clients throughout South Florida, including in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties.

Herniated discs are also known as “slipped discs” and occur when a disc ruptures or moves out of place. Pressure put on nerves from this injury can result in immense pain, numbness, or weakness in parts of a victim’s body. These symptoms are experienced on one side of a victim’s body and can include sharp or radiating pain through an arm or leg, swelling, tingling in a limb, and kidney failure or paralysis. Herniated discs can affect any part of the vertebrae, from lower back to neck injuries. Almost 90 percent of all back injuries are to the lower back, pain from which is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Car accidents can cause herniated disc injuries to any victim involved, especially in rear-end collisions. However, these types of injuries are not always immediately symptomatic and may be difficult to diagnose. Herniated discs do not show up on x-rays, and they usually require additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. As a result, if a victim sustains a herniated disc as a result of a car accident, it may be more difficult to show that the collision was the cause of a victim’s injury in the event that legal action is necessary. Motor vehicle accident victims should make sure to tell their doctors of any pain, numbness, or other symptoms in the aftermath of a crash so that their injuries can be identified and treated as soon as possible. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney is also advisable to make sure that your legal rights are properly protected.

Victims suffering from a herniated disc can be out of work for lengthy amounts of time, especially in jobs requiring significant physical labor. Victims also need to undergo rehabilitative efforts that include doctor visits as well as physical therapy and other treatments. When these injuries are caused by another motorist’s negligent actions, they should be held liable. A driver is negligent when he or she acts differently than a reasonable person would act in the situation, thereby breaching a duty of care owed to all other motorists and road users. For example, a speeding driver who is tailgating another vehicle, and who hits them when traffic slows, could be found negligent. To prevail in a personal injury claim and recover damages associated with an accident, it must also be shown that the defendant’s negligent act caused the victim’s herniated disc injury. This causation element is one of the reasons why it is important to seek immediate medical attention following a collision. Compensation available for injured victims may include past and future medical costs, loss of income, and any diminished earning capacity that may result from a lasting injury.

A herniated disc is a serious injury that requires lengthy recovery time, and it can lead to significant, lasting pain. When other parties are responsible for causing herniated discs in car accidents, they should contribute to a victim’s cost of healing. Personal injury lawyer Robert Dixon assists clients in pursuing legal action against those responsible for their harm. If you have questions following a serious car accident, call the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We represent people in cities such as Miami, and West Palm Beach.