Protruding discs can be caused by physical trauma like a car accident, and the resulting pain and disabling symptoms can make daily activities challenging. If you’ve been in a car accident that caused a spinal injury like a protruding disc, it could be time to consider legal action against the at-fault driver.
Disc protrusion occurs when the spinal discs between the vertebrae become displaced and press against the spinal column. This is a painful and potentially dangerous condition.
In some cases, complications can arise. For example, a disc protrusion with an annular tear is a more complex injury that increases the chances of complications and further medical treatment.
Protruding Disc vs. Bulging Disc
There are numerous types of spinal disc injuries, and two types that are often confused are protruding and bulging discs. While they are similar, in part because they both involve a disc that is bulging out of its correct position, the differences are relevant. The main difference is how they are classified based on the level of displacement. Protruding discs present with less than 180 degrees of displacement, while bulging discs have more than 180 degrees of displacement.
These types of disc injuries may also differ symptomatically. There is a higher likelihood for bulging discs to cause symptoms on both sides of the body because their displacement is more severe.
Symptoms of a protruding disc include:
- Pain in the shoulders
- Weakness in the arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
Treatment for a protruding disc in the neck or back includes conservative treatment like rest, medication, and physical therapy. Surgery would be necessary if other methods were unsuccessful.
Maximizing Your Financial Award
Justice for the wrong committed against you is the main goal of your protruding disc injury claim, but financial compensation is another facet of your case. Medical bills, property repairs, and lost wages add up and can easily cause economic strain on any household. Maximizing your compensation from your accident case ensures that the financial burden is lifted as much as possible so you can focus on a better future.
Seek Medical Treatment
Getting the medical care you need for your protruding disc is a key aspect of improving the outcome of your case. If you need treatment for a protruding disc in your neck or a disc protrusion with an annular tear, getting care as soon as possible will increase the likelihood of a good medical result and help your injury claim.
Understand the Value of Your Claim
Another key part of increasing the potential for a fair settlement or financial award is knowing the full extent of the accident’s impact on your life. Georgia personal injury claims, like protruding disc claims, can include general damages and special damages. General damages, sometimes referred to as non-economic damages, include emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and disability. Special damages, or economic damages, include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Gather Sufficient Evidence
It isn’t enough to make the claim that you deserve justice and compensation for your injuries; you have to prove it. The best way to do that is with documentation, including:
- Medical records
- Eyewitness reports
- Video footage
- Police reports
Compassionate Communication and Tireless Dedication to Your Case
If you have a disc protrusion with an annular tear or any other type of spinal injury, you deserve the peace of mind that comes with a successful injury claim. Flanagan Law has extensive experience helping clients navigate complex injury cases, and we are happy to discuss your case so you can make an informed decision about your options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
