Karen Berkhan
Faith JenkinsWhen it comes to traumatic injuries affecting the human spine, herniated and bulging discs are among the most common and potentially debilitating. Often referred to as “slipped discs” or “pinched nerves,” these injuries can have a wide-ranging impact on an accident victim’s life. The nature of these injuries can make it challenging to prove they were caused by an accident rather than natural degenerative processes that affect everyone over time.
At Griffin Law Firm, our Snellville spinal cord injury attorneys have what it takes to demonstrate that your spinal cord injury resulted from a traumatic accident rather than solely from natural degeneration. This proof is crucial for winning your Snellville spinal cord injury case. We encourage you to reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you build a strong case.
Herniated Discs and Their Relation to Accidents
Spinal discs are circular tissues located between the vertebrae of the spinal column. These discs serve multiple functions: they connect the vertebrae, aid in movement, and act as shock absorbers.
Structurally, each disc consists of a tough outer layer encasing a gel-like center. To help our clients understand this concept, we often compare spinal discs to jelly donuts when presenting cases to juries.
In the event of trauma, such as a car accident, the disc’s inner core may leak out, resulting in what’s known as a herniated disc. These are serious injuries that can lead to chronic pain or weakness. If the inner material protrudes into the spinal canal, it may compress nerve roots, causing pain to radiate throughout the body. Interestingly, the pain is not felt in the back itself but in areas of the body connected to the affected spinal region. This radiating pain is typically described as a shooting sensation confined to a specific area. The location of the pain depends on where the herniation occurs – leg pain indicates a lumbar (lower back) herniation, while arm pain suggests a cervical (neck) herniation.
It is worth noting that herniated disc injuries are rarely diagnosed in emergency rooms following a motor vehicle accident. This is because spinal discs don’t show up on standard X-rays. For an accurate diagnosis, patients typically require advanced imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs.
Other diagnostic tools, such as discography, myelography, and electromyography, may also be used to identify compromised discs. However, it is important to understand that these diagnostic tests cannot measure a victim’s pain level.
Valuing Herniated Disc Cases in Snellville and Surrounding Areas
While national statistics can provide a general idea of case values, it is crucial to consider local factors when evaluating herniated disc cases in Snellville and the surrounding areas. Our experienced team at Griffin Law Firm has handled numerous herniated disc injury cases in the region, giving us valuable insights into how these cases are valued locally.
The value of a herniated disc case can vary significantly based on several factors.The injury’s severity and the treatment level required are primary considerations. The 3 basic levels of treatment for this condition are:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Physical therapy and pain medication
- Back surgery
The value of a case typically rises with more intensive treatment. Several factors influence the potential compensation, including the plaintiff’s age and any pre-existing back conditions.
Generally, younger individuals without prior back issues tend to receive higher settlements.
In Snellville and nearby areas, herniated disc injury cases usually have a median value ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity of the injury. For the most severe herniated disc injuries, however, the value can be much higher, potentially reaching between $250,000 and $350,000. These figures provide a general guideline, but each case is unique and may vary based on specific circumstances.
Contact Our Snellville Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
Suppose you or a loved one have suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident in Snellville or the surrounding areas. In that case, we invite you to call our team of personal injury lawyers at Griffin Law Firm today for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and will fight tirelessly for you and your family if we take on your case.
Our spinal cord injury lawyers are experienced in the medical concepts involved in spinal cord injury cases. We can help you pursue the compensation you deserve if you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence.
Griffin Law Firm, P.C. has been recognized as one of the Best of Gwinnett for Injury Law Firms in 2021 and 2022. This award, given to top law firms in Gwinnett County, reflects our commitment to providing excellent service to our clients.
Reach out to Griffin Law Firm today, and let our experienced team guide you through the legal process, fighting for your rights every step of the way.
