The force of a car accident can cause the disc in the spine to move out of place, which may result in a herniated or bulging disc that is not immediately apparent to the victim of a car crash. A bulging disc occurs when the disk’s outer layer of cartilage bulges out between the vertebrae whereas a herniated disk occurs when the cartilage cracks and the soft inner filling of the disc protrudes through the tear. Either condition can spell trouble for the injured party, sometimes irritating sensitive nerves, resulting in inflammation and compression of the nerves and spinal cord. The associated pain can be debilitating, radiating to various areas of the body and sometimes result in weakness and loss of sensation in the extremities.
Many victims of car accidents are not aware they have sustained a serious disc injury only to develop painful symptoms days or weeks after an accident. The victim may start to experience symptoms such as headaches on a regular basis resulting in missed work, school or skipping activities they once enjoyed. They may start taking a daily dose of OTC meds or try hot and cold compresses trying to shake the pain, hoping the passage of time combined with TLC will fix what is wrong. When they finally seek medical attention, many are surprised to discover they have sustained a disc injury related to the car accident and that their troubles are far from over.
Because car accidents can easily result in injuries that are not immediately apparent, it is important for car accident victims to see a doctor if they experience any symptoms in the first 24 to 48 hours to secure documentation tying their injury to the accident. This can include feeling a jolt on impact, a feeling of numbness, a headache or any other symptom no matter how minor. Because medical records, including imaging scans and doctors notes, can play a pivotal role in proving that injuries were caused by the accident, and therefore compensable, it is important to seek medical care after a car accident if there is any doubt.
It is equally important that a victim of a car crash keep a detailed account of their own. Keeping a journal of what happened immediately before and during the accident, any witnesses to the accident and copies of any police reports are key. Victims should note when their symptoms appeared and how the injury affects their daily activities. Victim testimony is of great importance when trying to prove your case and can help determine what compensation is in order for your recovery.
Suffering From A Car Accident Herniated Disc?
Contact An Experienced Quad Cities Spinal Injury Lawyer As Soon As Possible
Recovering compensation for a bulging or herniated disc injury requires legal expertise because there are often many factors that play a role in proving your case. Victim and doctor testimony, medical history and the severity of the car accident can all prove that your injury was a result of the car accident and that compensation for your injuries is warranted. An experienced personal injury attorney can help to put the pieces together so that you can receive the full compensation you need to recover when you have been injured in a car accident. Contact Quad Cities spine injury lawyers of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for more information regarding compensation for neck and back injuries sustained in a car accident.