Bulging Disc After a Crash in SC? Learn Your Legal Options

What is a Bulging Disc?

Your spine is a complicated system of vertebrae (the bones in your back), discs, and nerves that work together to support movement. Your discs are incredibly important because they serve as a support system and shock absorbers between the vertebrae of your spine, which allows you to engage in everyday activities like walking, running, and jumping. These intervertebral discs have a soft, rubbery-like inner cartilage with a tough outer layer that protects the inside contents.

A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of one of your discs “bulges” or protrudes beyond its normal position in between your vertebrae. This protrusion causes pain by putting extra pressure on the surrounding nerves in your spine.

What is the Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a herniated disc occurs when there is a tear in the outer layer of one of your discs, which allows the soft insides to leak out, causing severe and debilitating pain by pushing on and inflaming the surrounding nerves. A bulging disc, however, simply extends out of its typical place in between the vertebrae. With a bulging disc, there is no tearing of the outer layer and the inner cartilage does not fall out; instead, only the outer layer of the disc sticks out from its proper position.

Can You Suffer From a Bulging Disc After a Car Accident?

A bulging disc can easily be caused by the traumatic impact and force of a car accident. The sudden and abrupt impact to your spine, such as being thrown against your steering wheel or airbag during the crash, can cause a disc to come out of place.

Bulging Disc Symptoms After a Car Crash in South Carolina

The two most common locations to suffer from a bulging disc are in your neck and lower back. Your symptoms may depend on the severity and location of your injury, but common symptoms include:

• Localized pain in your back or neck
• Pain that radiates to your arms and legs
• Tingling, numbness, and weakness, including in your arms and fingers
• Heightened pain during movement, such as bending over
• Weakness and restricted movement during everyday motion, such as walking or running

Bulging Disc Treatment

Your doctor may begin your treatment with physical therapy, steroid injections, over the counter medications for pain management, and other conservative treatment methods. However, if your injuries worsen and your pain becomes unbearable, surgery may be recommended to prevent permanent damage to the surrounding nerves. Surgery may involve fusing the two vertebrae where the disc is located, removing the bulging portion of the disc, or implanting an artificial disc.

The cost of surgery and any damages associated with recovery, such as time off work, can quickly add up. Many insurance companies offer settlements that won’t cover the full extent of your losses, which is why a personal injury attorney can help you seek the necessary compensation for your medical bills, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

What to Do for a Bulging Disc After a Car Accident in South Carolina

1. Seek medical attention. If you are suffering from any symptoms related to a bulging disc, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms in the first few days following the car crash, you should still visit a doctor as soon as possible. The effects of your injuries may be delayed, so it is important to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis quickly so you can understand the full extent of your injuries. Early treatment can also prevent your condition from worsening or developing into something even more serious. Your doctor will likely conduct a physical and use diagnostic imaging tests, such as an x-ray, to locate and diagnose the injured discs.
2. Keep all relevant documentation. Establishing a clear causation relationship between your injuries and the at-fault driver’s negligence is one of the most important elements in recovering a full, fair settlement. It is incredibly important to keep all records of your medical bills and expenses, as well as any documents related to the car accident, such as the police report. Seeking medical attention immediately after the crash and keeping records to prove that you did so can also prevent the insurance company from trying to argue that your herniated disc was caused by an underlying condition, rather than the other driver’s negligence.
3. Keep discussions with your insurance company brief and do not sign any settlement agreements. The insurance company does not have your best interests in mind and instead will typically try to pay the least amount of compensation possible for your injuries. If you speak with an insurance adjuster, keep your conversation limited to only the facts and do not discuss or theorize on the causes of the crash or your injuries. The insurance company may try to use your words against you to limit your recovery amount, even when you may be entitled to much more. Don’t accept their first settlement offer until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney.
4. Talk to a South Carolina personal injury attorney. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger are here to protect your right to a full, fair compensation for your injuries, so that you can focus on healing and moving past this traumatic experience.

How Much Can You Expect From a Bulging Disc Settlement in South Carolina?

The amount of compensation you may recover for a bulging disc depends on lots of factors, such as the severity of your injury and whether you can establish that your condition was directly caused by the other driver’s negligence in the car crash. Common types of recovery damages include: 

• Medical expenses and bills, including costs associated with surgery, x-rays used to diagnose your condition, and any hospital bills.
• Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy.
• Lost wages and whether you are no longer able to return to your previous job due to physical impairment.
• Pain and suffering.

Seeking compensation for your injuries can be overwhelming, but our experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger will thoroughly investigate your case, establish how your bulging disc was caused by the at-fault driver’s negligence, and help you seek a full, fair settlement.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help with a Bulging Disc After a South Carolina Car Crash

Suffering from a severely painful injury that affects your everyday movement, especially in the wake of a traumatic car accident, can be incredibly stressful. The last thing you should be worrying about is how to pay your medical expenses when your injury was caused by a negligent driver.

Our personal injury attorneys navigate the legal process for you by:

• Identifying relevant evidence,
• Building a strong claim,
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf,
• Helping you identify all potential avenues for financial recovery, and
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary.

We are committed to helping you receive a full and fair settlement to help you move past this traumatic experience. To schedule a free consultation, please contact us through our website form, chatbox, or by calling. Our offices are conveniently located in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, and we have been proudly servicing clients throughout the surrounding areas. Contact us online today or call us at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC).