When New Jersey Accidents Cause Herniated Disc Injuries, Attorneys Provide Assistance
How attorneys can help after an accident
If you have sustained a severe herniated disc in an accident in northern New Jersey because of the negligence of another, our lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard S. Greenberg can help you obtain relief. Medical treatment can be costly, and a painful slipped disc may make you miss work or render you unable to do the job you did previously. The pain and suffering can be excruciating and affect all aspects of your life. Our attorneys understand your situation, and we put our knowledge and vast network of professionals to work to help you obtain the medical care you need and the monetary damages for your harm that you deserve.
What are the causes of herniated discs?
The spine is made up of individual bones, called vertebrae, which have rubbery cushions, called discs, between them. The discs are soft inside with a harder exterior. In an accident, the exterior may crack and the soft inside the disc may push out, creating a herniated disc, also called a slipped or ruptured disc. Herniated discs can irritate nearby nerves and cause severe pain, numbness or weakness, not only in the back but also in the arms and legs.
At the Law Offices of Richard S. Greenberg in Bergen County, we help accident victims obtain compensation for all types of back injuries resulting from accidents caused by another, such as:
Sciatica, a lower back injury that causes pain and numbness in the buttock and down the leg
Cauda equina syndrome, a serious herniated disc injury in which the bundle of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord is squeezed, causing bowel, bladder, genital or intestinal problems, tingling or loss of feeling to the lower pelvic area and legs, or loss of function in leg muscles
How are herniated discs treated?
After an accident, if you suffer ongoing pain or numbness in the spine or limbs, you need to seek medical attention. A doctor may diagnose a slipped or ruptured disc through a physical exam or need to conduct tests, such as:
X-rays
CAT scans
MRIs
Myelograms
Nerve tests, such as electromyograms
Once the location and severity of the injury is determined, you may need treatment, including:
Over-the-counter pain medications
Narcotics, such as codeine or Vicodin
Nerve pain medications
Muscle relaxers
Cortisone injections
Physical therapy
Heat or ice
Traction
Ultrasound
Electrical stimulation
Short-term bracing for the neck or lower back
In a few severe cases, you may need surgery if other treatments fail and a disc fragment is pressing on a nerve, causing progressive weakness, or you have trouble performing basic activities, such as standing or walking. A surgeon may need to remove a portion of the disc or the entire disc and fuse the vertebrae together or implant an artificial disc.
Treatment for spinal cord injuries may be costly and time-consuming, resulting in significant financial harm. Our attorneys strive to help you recover compensation from any negligent parties that will cover your initial and long-term treatment and your lost income from missed work and other damages. Whether you were in car or motorcycle accident, slip and fall accident or construction accident, we have the knowledge and skills to help you through your lawsuit or settlement.