As you are undoubtedly aware, a Virginia car crash can result in all sorts of injuries, many of which could be quite severe. A good example of such an injury is a herniated disk. While they are not one of the more commonly thought of spine-related injuries, herniated disks can still have a significant impact on the lives of those injured in Virginia car crashes.
If you have suffered a herniated disk in a car crash, a qualified Virginia personal injury attorney can help you understand the compensation you may be owed. Your lawyer can also help you take all of the necessary toward collecting damages under Virginia law.
What is a Herniated Disk?
The spine of an adult human consists of 33 stacked vertebrae, through which the spinal cord and other nerves pass, transmitting signals to and from the brain and the person’s extremities. Between each of the vertebrae of your spine, there are small, donut-like disks.
On the outside, these disks are thick and tough. The exterior of the disk is called the “annulus.” On the inside, however, there is a soft, jelly-like center known as the “nucleus.” A herniated disk occurs when the jelly-like nucleus seeps through a tear in the exterior portion of the disk. This seeping can irritate nearby nerves, which may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs. It can also result in further degradation of the disk, which, over time, can lead to friction between the spine’s vertebrae. A herniated disk may also be referred to as a slipped, ruptured, or bulging disk.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disk
Herniated disks can result in a range of symptoms, but most are related to numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the legs and arms. While these symptoms may not indicate a severe problem, it is still important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing them. Any problems related to bowel and bladder dysfunction, pain in the neck, worsening symptoms, or progressive loss of sensation in the buttocks and upper legs—also known as saddle anesthesia—should be treated as an emergency.
Treatment for a Herniated Disk
While herniated disks do sometimes heal on their own over the course of just a few weeks, many victims suffer long-term symptoms. In such situations, the victim may need physical therapy or surgery. Medication to treat the pain may also be warranted. Alternative medicine may also be considered beneficial for some, but such treatment should only be pursued under the advice and clearance of a medically licensed physician.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Herniated Disk Injury
If your herniated disk was caused by an accident involving a negligent party, you may be owed compensation for your medical bills, lost time at work, and possibly even damages for pain and suffering. Obtaining a settlement for these issues can be a daunting task for victims who have been injured, but a skilled attorney can help you pursue the best course of action for attaining full compensation.
Your lawyer can oversee a comprehensive investigation into the crash that caused your injury in order to establish liability on the part of the at-fault driver. Once liability has been established, your attorney will help you in determining the extent of your injuries and the costs involved in treating them. You might also be entitled to collect compensation for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. Before you make any decisions or sign anything from an insurance company, it is important that you speak to a qualified Virginia injury lawyer first.
Contact Our Office for Guidance
For more information about seeking compensation for a herniated disk caused by an auto accident, contact the Virginia personal injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Our top priority is getting you the damages to which the law says you are entitled, just as we did in obtaining a $130,000 settlement for a woman who suffered a herniated disk in a Virginia Beach car crash. Contact our office today so that we can get started on your case today.
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