The amount of money you can recover from a herniated disc settlement depends on the severity of your injury, among many other factors.
Discs are a cushion with a soft center and rubbery exterior between the bones in the spine. A herniated disc occurs when some of the soft center pushes out through a tear in the rubbery exterior. Herniated discs can irritate a nerve, resulting in severe back pain and numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. Herniated discs can occur anywhere in your back or neck.
If you’ve suffered a herniated disc as the result of a vehicle accident in Georgia, you should contact an injury lawyer today.
Factors That Influence Herniated Disc Settlements in Georgia
The specific value of herniated disc settlements in Georgia varies from case to case. However, herniated disc injuries that require surgery resulting from car accidents can result in six-figure settlements.
Factors that affect herniated disc settlements in Georgia include:
- Whether your herniated disc injury resulted in permanent disability;
- The number of herniated discs in your back or neck;
- Your amount of lost wages;
- The cost of your medical bills;
- Your estimated future medical expenses;
- Whether you have had any prior back injuries;
- The duration of your medical treatment; and
- Pain and suffering.
You should discuss your herniated disc injury with a lawyer to find out how much you might be able to recover in a settlement.
Treatment for Herniated Disc Injuries
The treatment used for herniated disc injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Different forms of treatment for herniated discs include physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery. Other factors that affect the type of treatment used include how much the victim’s quality of life has diminished and his or her tolerance for pain.
The type of treatment needed for a herniated disc and the length of the treatment process will affect the value of a potential settlement. When physical therapy is part of the treatment process, its success in healing your injury is another important consideration. If you receive a steroid injection, it is a good idea to have a medical professional take a photo or video of the procedure so you can send it to your insurance company.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
The type and value of damages you can recover in a herniated disc settlement depends on the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries. The more severe the accident and injury, the more damages you can recover.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are damages for actual expenses associated with an injury. They are the most common form of damages available in accident cases. Examples include lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and diminished earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are damages for things such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other intangible harms. They are difficult to estimate because they do not measure physical harm or economic loss.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are damages for harm that is the result of acts that go beyond ordinary negligence. They are designed to punish the defendant and deter others from performing similar acts.
Under Georgia law, if the defendant acted with the specific intent to cause harm or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there is no limit on punitive damages. However, if there was no specific intent to harm or if the defendant was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, punitive damages are limited to $250,000.
Talking with an injury lawyer can help you get an idea of which damages might be available in your case.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If you’ve suffered a herniated disc as the result of a vehicle accident, an injury lawyer can help you file your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Hiring an injury lawyer gives you leverage when negotiating with difficult insurance companies.
The legal team at Pritchard Injury Firm understands the overwhelming and stressful nature of the personal injury claims process. They will guide you through every step with your best interests in mind. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
