Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in people under 65 years old, and this includes ruptured discs. If you’ve suffered a ruptured disc as a result of a car accident in Georgia, you may be looking for guidance on what to expect from your pending injury claim.
Continue reading for a comprehensive guide to ruptured disc claims in Georgia.
Ruptured, Bulging, Herniated, and Slipped Discs
There are many terms for the various spinal disc injuries, and the differences are not always clear. Discs serve as cushions between your vertebrae, and the following terms are often used interchangeably:
- Ruptured disc
- Bulging disc
- Herniated disc
- Slipped disc
Despite having similarities, there are differences that should be pointed out. A herniated disc occurs when a tear or rupture in the outer layer of a disc causes the inner layer to leak out.
A ruptured disc is a type of herniated disc, but it is unique because it is a full tear in the outer layer of a disc rather than a weak spot or partial tear.
A bulging disc is differentiated from a herniated disc because it causes the disc to sag and bulge.
The term slipped disc is often used to describe other disc injuries and is not a medical description of a spinal cord injury.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Disc
Depending on the severity and location of the rupture, you may experience symptoms like shooting pain down your legs, weakness in your lower extremities, pain when you bend or sit, or tingling in your feet or legs.
Recovering Damages for a Ruptured Disc in Georgia
If you pursue an accident claim, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages in Georgia. Economic damages are tied to your financial losses and are usually easily quantified. They include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Property damage
Medical equipment, like a back brace for your ruptured disc, is also included in these calculations.
Non-economic damages are slightly more complicated to determine because they are not tied to any tangible injury and are based on subjective factors, including:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Chronic pain
Your attorney will be able to discuss your injuries and accident to help you calculate an appropriate amount. Factors like the severity of the injury and the type of treatment necessary will play important roles in this process.
What to Do After Your Accident
One of the most important steps you can take for your physical health and accident case is to seek medical attention immediately following your accident. This is crucial even if your symptoms do not seem serious.
If you do not receive medical care for your ruptured disc, the insurance company could use that as a reason to deny your injury claim or lessen the amount they offer in a settlement. Prompt medical treatment shows that your injury is serious enough to require immediate attention. It also creates a timeline of your symptoms and status from right after the accident throughout your recovery.
As you receive the necessary care, try to document as much as possible. Keep medical documents, appointment notes, and hospital bills. These are useful when calculating the value of your Georgia injury claim.
Other documentation that will likely be useful includes:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Video footage of the accident
- Photographs of the accident scene
Do You Need an Attorney for Your Georgia Accident Case?
You are not required to have an attorney, but forgoing legal representation can be detrimental to your case. Not only are there numerous deadlines, procedures, and requirements that most people are not familiar with, but handling your own accident case is a tremendous burden during an already difficult time. Your primary focus should be physical and mental recovery.
By letting the personal injury attorneys at Flanagan Law take over the legal aspects of your case, you have the time and energy to prioritize your healing and well-being. Schedule your free consultation with us today.
