Discs are an important part of our spinal column. They are composed of two layers of cartilage: a soft cartilage interior and a tough cartilage exterior. The discs sit between each of the vertebrae on the spine, which helps to provide space for the spinal cord and spinal nerves to work properly. Discs absorb shock and tension when you move, jump, run, or put any pressure on the spine. You can think of them as the spine’s tiny shock absorbers.
A bulging disc injury occurs when the disc loses its shape and protrudes from its normal position between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges, it can cause spinal nerves to become pinched between the surrounding vertebrae. This can result in excruciating pain. The pain is often worsened by movement.
Causes of Bulging Disc Injuries
Bulging disc injuries can happen for many reasons. In fact, bulging disc injuries are often a common side effect of aging. The discs become worn over time and begin to lose their natural shape and position within the spinal column. However, bulging disc injuries can also be the result of injury and trauma.
Here are some of the commonly reported causes of bulging disc injuries in Miami.
Traffic Accidents
Traffic accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents, can be quite violent. It is not uncommon for passengers to suffer trauma to the lower back that causes the discs to become damaged. The risk of a bulging disc injury can be higher for passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are at an increased risk of suffering serious injuries in an accident. Back and spinal cord injuries are not uncommon. Discs can easily become damaged when passengers are struck by vehicles and/or fall to the ground during an accident.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of bulging disc injuries in Miami. The trauma of a fall can easily impair the disc’s tough outside cartilage and cause it to compress.
Workplace Accidents
Poor posture and lifting techniques can result in a bulging disc injury. Workers whose jobs include heavy lifting can be at risk of suffering a bulging disc injury if proper techniques are not used.
Construction Accidents
Construction workers may suffer a bulging disc injury if they suffer a fall from scaffolding or a ladder. Bulging disc injuries can also be caused if workers are not properly trained in the proper use of heavy machinery.
Symptoms of a Bulging Disc Injury
A bulging disc injury can be incredibly painful. The severity of your injury will depend on:
- The extent of the damage to your disc(s), and
- Where on the spine the injury occurred.
Symptoms of a bulging disc injury include:
- General symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling, and burning sensations.
- Cervical spine injury: weakness in the arms, hands, neck, and head
- Lumbar spine injury: weakness in the lower back, legs, and feet
- Thoracic spine injury: upper back pain; pain in the stomach or chest; cardiovascular issues
Have you suffered a bulging disc injury because of your Miami accident? Contact Lavent Law, P.A. for help understanding your legal rights. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit to recover the money you deserve. Call us today to learn more.
Treatment for a Bulging Disc Injury
There are several options that can be used to treat a bulging disc injury.
Treatment options can include:
- Nerve root blocks
- Steroid injections
- Spinal cord stimulator placement
- Decompression, and
- Spinal column fusion.
The treatment that is best for you will depend on the extent of your injury.
Damages Available to Bulging Disc Injury Victims
A bulging disc injury can result in excruciating pain. This pain can affect nearly every aspect of your life. The injury may require extensive medical care and treatment. You may be unable to work or take care of your family. As a result, you may be experiencing significant financial stress. If you’re like most Americans across the country, you don’t have enough saved away to cover all of your injury-related costs. The attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. can help you file a lawsuit to get the money you need.
Our attorneys will pursue economic and non-economic damages on your behalf.
Economic Damages: Economic damages are paid to help compensate for the financial costs of your accident.
These can include money for:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Lost wages, and
- Disability.
Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are paid to help you cope with the physical and emotional consequences of your accident.
These can include money for:
- Chronic pain
- Suffering
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact the Miami personal injury attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. for help getting the money you deserve after your accident.
Filing a Timely Personal Injury Claim in Miami
Florida law limits the amount of time you have to pursue damages after you suffer a bulging disc injury. The statute of limitations for bodily injury claims is four years. This means that you must file your claim within four years of the date of your accident if you want to recover compensation. Missing this window can prevent you from getting the money you deserve.
You can make sure that your claim is filed on time by calling an attorney as soon as you can after your accident. Contact the legal team at Lavent Law, P.A. to get started on your case today.
Call Our Miami Personal Injury Attorneys For a Free Consultation
Are you struggling with the pain of a bulging disc injury? Do you need help understanding your legal rights and options? Contact the Miami personal injury lawyers at Lavent Law, P.A. to schedule a free consultation. We will review the details of your accident, determine who may be to blame, and answer any questions you have. With our help, you can maximize the financial award you receive. Call us today to learn more.