Slipped disk (also referred to as a herniated disc) injuries occur in your lumbar spine and sometimes also occur in your cervical spine. The bones in your spinal column are cushioned by these discs and are intended to absorb shocks from activities such as walking, lifting and twisting. Each disc is comprised of a soft inner portion and a tough outer portion.
Slipped disks are identified when the soft inner portion of the disc extends outward through the outer ring. This injury can cause immense pain and discomfort, especially when the slipped disk puts pressure on the spinal nerve, which can lead to pain and numbness along the affected nerves. In more severe forms of slipped disk injuries, surgical correction or removal may be required to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
While slipped disks are a common injury among elderly individuals – it is also a common injury sustained in motor vehicle accidents and other types of trauma.
If you have acquired a herniated disc injury as a result of a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation for these injuries. To find out more about working with a car accident injury lawyer at Braithwaite, check out our personal injury claims steps!
Alberta Car Accident Statistics
The total Reportable Collisions in 2015 by the Alberta Government’s Office of Traffic Safety Transportation Services Division (report released in May 2017) was 140,705. Of those collisions, the total number of casualties sustained was 18,237 over the 12-month period.
The report also reveals that 84.1% of the total collisions occurred in urban areas such as Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer to name a few.
If you have been involved in a car accident and were not at fault, and are experiencing any of the common symptoms of a slipped disc injury, consult with your doctor immediately. Reach out to our team of accident injury lawyers in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer to see if you have a claim for your slipped disc injury caused by a car accident.
Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc: What’s the Difference?
When you’ve been told you have a disc injury after a car accident, the medical terminology can feel overwhelming. Many people hear the terms “bulging disc” and “herniated disc” used interchangeably, but they describe different injuries.
The main difference is:
- Bulging disc: The disc extends beyond its normal position but remains intact.
- Herniated disc (slipped disc): The outer layer of the disc tears, allowing material from inside the disc to push outward.
Regardless of the diagnosis, both spinal cord injuries can have a serious impact on your quality of life. If your symptoms are making it difficult to work, stay active, or enjoy your normal routine, it is important to seek appropriate medical treatment and understand your legal options following the accident.
See Also:
- How The Nervous System Can Be Affected By A Spinal Cord Injury
- How Spinal Cord Injuries Can Become More Complex
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Hiring a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
In Alberta, you have two years from the date of the accident to file an accident injury claim. Reach out to an accident injury lawyer at Braithwaite Boyle today for a free consultation for your slipped disc injury after a car accident.
Common Symptoms Indicating You Have a Slipped Disk Injury
- Numbness, Tingling and Burning Sensations: You may experience numbness or tingling in the body parts that are served by the affected nerves.
- Weakness of Muscles: You may experience weakness of your muscles if they are in close proximity to the affected nerves.
- Pain: You may experience pain in your arms and legs especially after walking short distances, at night time, after certain movements or more commonly on one side of your body. This pain can occur in your arms, legs, buttocks, shoulder, arm, and neck.
In our years dealing with car accident victims, we have seen numerous cases where severe slipped disk injuries have left patients in constant pain for the rest of their lives, preventing them from carrying on normal duties such as working or day-to-day tasks.
In cases like this, where the other party was at fault for causing your injury and also has insurance coverage to pay you for damages, our Alberta accident injury lawyers can help advance a claim where you may be entitled to financial compensation.
How Is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed After an Accident?
After a car accident, it’s not uncommon for back or neck pain to worsen over the days that follow. Some people initially assume their symptoms will go away on their own, only to find that the pain begins interfering with work, sleep, and everyday activities.
If you suspect you may have suffered a herniated disc, a doctor will typically use a combination of examinations and imaging tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. This may include:
- A physical examination to assess your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength
- A review of your symptoms and how they developed after the accident
- An MRI, which is often the most effective way to identify a herniated disc
- Additional imaging tests, such as a CT scan or X-ray, where appropriate
Don’t put off seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident! Not only can an early diagnosis help you access the treatment you need, but it can also create a clear medical record connecting your injury to the accident.
What Compensation Can You Claim for a Slipped Disc Injury After a Car Accident in Alberta?
A slipped disk injury can affect far more than just your physical health. If your injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to return to your previous job
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses
- Physiotherapy and other ongoing care costs
- Future treatment or assistance you may require
Every case is different. The amount of compensation available will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury, how long your symptoms persist, and the impact the injury has on your life.
See Also: What is Car Accident Injury Compensation Supposed to Cover?
Speak with an Accident Injury Lawyer for Slipped Disk Injury
At Braithwaite Boyle, our accident lawyers in Alberta can support in advancing claims for slipped disc injuries. If you are suffering from a slipped disk injury as a result of an accident, contact our offices today and speak directly with a member of our legal team. With offices in Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer, our accident lawyers for slipped disc injuries can serve individuals across the Province of Alberta.
Please email or call 1-800-661-4902 and speak directly to a lawyer from Braithwaite Boyle for a free consultation about your personal injury claim.