New York Herniated Disc

A herniated disk is a spinal cord injury that involves a problem with one of the rubbery cushions that are located between the vertebrae in your spine. Unlike other conditions caused by damage to the spinal cord such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, anterior cord syndrome, and posterior cord syndrome, a herniated disk does not typically cause paralysis. However, a herniated disk can cause significant pain, numbness or weakness in the legs or arms as it can irritate nearby nerves. While some people develop herniated disks from aging, herniated disks are often caused by accidents that result from the negligence from another person or entity. For example, a herniated disk can be caused by a car accident, motorcycle accident, construction accident or a slip and fall. Herniated disks can be quite painful and can limited mobility, making it difficult to work and earn a living. If you or a family member have been in an accident and suffered a herniated disk, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced New York Herniated Disks Lawyer as the law allows you to file a personal injury claim against the responsible person in order to pursue to compensation for your injuries and losses.

Herniated disks are typically located in the lower back, but can also occur in the neck. The most common symptoms of a herniated disk include:

Pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you are likely to experience significant pain in your buttocks, thigh, calf, or in your foot. If your herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will typically be in your shoulder and arm.

Numbness or tingling. You may experience numbness or tingling in the part of your body that is related to the affected nerves.

Weakness. Muscles related to the affected nerves may weaken, causing you to have difficulty walking or impair your ability to lift or hold items.

In addition, in some cases those who suffer from herniated disks also experience bladder and bowel dysfunction.

While a herniated disk can be caused by aging, one can also suffer a herniated disk from lifting heavy objects. In fact, herniated disks are one of the most common workplace injuries. Those who have jobs that involved repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting are at increased risk of an injury that results in a herniated disk. Other common causes of herniated disks include car accidents and slip and fall accidents.

If you suffer from a herniated disk, your ability to work may be compromised. For example, if your job involves heavy lifting, you may not be able to perform your job for a period of time. It is also possible that based on the severity of your injury and your response to treatment, you may not be able to return to a job that involves heaving lifting, pull or pushing. As a result, your ability to earn a living and support your family may be compromised.

Holding the negligent person accountable through a personal injury lawsuit may result in the compensation you need to provide you and your family with needed financial relief. Through a personal injury lawsuit you may receive compensation for losses you suffered. For example, you may receive damages for both your past and future medical expenses. Medical expenses including emergency room services, hospital stay, surgery, prescriptions and rehabilitation. You also may be entitled to receive damages to cover your lost wages if you miss work while you recover. If as a result of your injury you are unable to earn the amount of money you otherwise would have, you may be entitled to damages for loss of earning capacity. The physical and emotional pain that you endured are also compensable in a personal injury lawsuit.

If the injury occurred at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Compensation often comes in the form of medical expenses, lost income and benefits, loss of ability to earn, and more. However, just because the accident occurred at work does not necessarily mean that you are limited to the benefit available through workers’ compensation.

If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident, slip and fall accident, construction accident, workplace accident or any other accident that resulted in a herniated disk, contact an experienced attorney who understands both the legal issues associated with personal injury cases as well as the medical issues associated with spinal cord injuries and other serious injuries such as a brain injury, neck injury, or head injury. The staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, workplace and construction accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.