There is no way to put an average value on a car accident case with a bulging disc injury. Not only does the severity of these injuries vary dramatically from person to person, but each collision is different, and the costs of other losses will change the settlement in that case.
One of the best ways to determine a fair settlement value for your case is to work with a car accident attorney. They will investigate what happened, document your losses, and pursue an agreement for a just settlement for you.
What do I Need to Know About Bulging Discs?
Bulging discs and other similar back injuries are common in traffic accidents and other traumas. They are sometimes called herniated or ruptured discs. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), they can occur between any two vertebrae along the spine but generally affect the lumbar region in the lower back.
A bulging disc usually heals on its own with rest and conservative treatment. However, recovery could take weeks or even months. During this time, you could experience back pain, disability, leg pain, and sciatica. Diagnosis generally requires an examination and either a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study or a computerized tomography (CT) scan.
Some people require surgery and rehabilitation to address the issue, although this is rare.
You Could Suffer Chronic Pain and Lasting Disability
In some cases, people reaggravate their injury or never fully get rid of lingering symptoms. Either could mean they live with back pain, leg pain, loss of strength in the affected leg, and nerve concerns that lead to sharp pains and numbness in the leg and foot.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
What Are My Recoverable Damages Based on This Type of Injury?
When you file an insurance claim to recover compensation, the value of your claim depends greatly on the costs and losses you incurred. The most influential factor that can affect this value is generally the severity of your injuries.
An injury that requires significant medical intervention and causes lasting disability calls for more compensation than a wrist fracture that requires only a quick trip to the emergency department and a follow-up appointment to remove the cast.
When it comes to a bulging disc, you will need to document your injuries and expenses closely. You will need this evidence to support reimbursement of these damages:
- Your medical bills
- Ongoing pain management, physical therapy, and other treatment
- Lost income when you cannot work
- Diminished ability to earn if you cannot return to work
- Vehicle repairs
- Related expenses
- Pain and suffering
How Will Sharing in the Fault of My Crash Affect My Settlement for a Bulging Disc Injury?
In most states, you can contribute to an accident in some small way and still recover compensation for your damages. However, the insurance company is not as likely to pay you the full amount of your losses. If the case goes to trial, your comparative fault will deny you full recovery. For example, if you were 10 percent at fault, you can only recover 90 percent of your damages.
State laws differ on how exactly this process works, though. In Arkansas, Ark. Code Ann. § 16-64-122 bars you from recovering anything if you were 51 percent or more responsible. Louisiana and Mississippi allow anyone to sue under La. Civ. Code Art. 2323 and Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15.
Alabama is one of four states that bar you from any recovery if you share fault in a crash. If you believe the at-fault driver may try to blame your Alabama accident on you, an attorney familiar with these cases might be your best chance at financial recovery.
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Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney for My Case?
A personal injury law firm handles traffic accident claims every day. The attorneys will know how to navigate this process — from identifying the liable party to valuing the claim to knowing when a lawsuit is necessary. In addition, they will provide you with services, support, and representation while you undergo treatment and heal from your injuries.
While you can handle your claim on your own, there are few advantages to doing so. Most personal injury lawyers work based on contingency, meaning they do not ask for a retainer. Instead, they collect their attorney’s fees from the payout they recover for the client either through a settlement or trial. If they don’t win you a settlement or verdict, they don’t receive any attorney’s fees.
Morris Bart, LLC Knows How to Navigate Back Injury Claims
You can speak to an attorney at the Morris Bart law office near you today in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, or Mississippi. Our team provides free consultations and will assess the merits of your case right away. We explain rights and legal options, outline our services, and can go to work for you today.
Call (800) 537-8185 to speak with our team about your crash and back injuries.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
