Occurring most often as the result of a motor vehicle and pedestrian accident, bulging and herniated discs can have serious mental and physical repercussions on those injured. These discs act as cushioning between the vertebrae, ensuring there is no bone to bone contact. In the case of bulging or herniated discs, patients may experience severe mobility issues, intense back pain, and due to these, they may even lose their employment and experience depression.
Cotton Law Firm is here with the information you need if you were recently the victim of an accident where you were diagnosed with either a bulging or herniated disc. You may be entitled to compensation. If you are in the Fayetteville, NC area, and are looking for a team of experts to handle your bulging or herniated disc lawsuit, contact Cotton Law Firm today. Read on to learn more!
Symptoms & Signs
If you have recently been in an accident, it is imperative that you see a physician as soon as possible, even if you show no current symptoms. If you are experiencing some back or neck pain, and curious if you may have a bulging or herniated disc, here are a few symptoms to look out for.
- Back and/or Neck Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle Spasms in the Back or Neck
- Arm Pain or Numbness
- Shoulder Pain or Numbness
- Leg Pain or Numbness
- Weakness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after a recent accident, make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible for a professional diagnosis. Keep all of your records organized to ensure you have all the information when you are ready to speak with an attorney.
Damages Most Commonly Sought
Pain & Suffering
Refers to physical pain and/or mental anguish caused by the injury.
Income
If the plaintiff has experienced any loss of regular income due to their injury, they may claim income damage in their lawsuit.
Medical Treatment
Claimed when the plaintiff has had to obtain medical treatment due to the injury in question.
Loss of Employment
Herniated and bulging discs can cause serious pain and can keep people from working their regular job. If this is the case, you may be entitled to compensation.
Property Loss
If, because of your injury, you have lost property due to not being able to make payments or other means, you can claim property loss as damages in your lawsuit.
Emotional Distress
Similar to pain and suffering, emotional distress can be sought when you have experienced long-lasting emotional trauma due to the incident that caused a disc injury, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded when the court finds the defendants’ actions particularly careless or cruel. These damages act as a way to punish the defendant.
Loss of Consortium
Refers to situations in which the plaintiff’s relationship to their spouse has been damaged due to their injury, loss of income or employment, etc.
Settlements
Statistically, anywhere from 95% – 96% of personal injury cases are settled out of court. Even though this is the case, it is still crucial to have a dedicated attorney on your side to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you are in the Fayetteville, NC area, and need such an attorney, contact the office of Cotton Law Firm today, and we will fight for you.
Compensation
Bulging Disc
Statistically, bulging disc cases are awarded far less than herniated disc cases, as it is the less serious injury. However, that is not to say that a lawsuit is not worth it. The average bulging disc case is awarded around $150,000.
Herniated Disc
Being the worse injury between the two, herniated disc lawsuits garner a larger reward. The national average of awarded damages is around $350,000.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you were the victim of an incident that caused a bulging or herniated disc, it is important that you understand your rights and how you may be compensated for your pain. The first step after any such incident should always be to see a doctor to get a professional diagnosis. With the information that your physician gives you about your injury, the next step should be speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney like the ones at Cotton Law Firm.
If you have been in an accident and believe you are entitled to compensation in the Fayetteville, NC area, contact Cotton Law Firm today!