Sustaining a herniated disc injury from an accident can have a significant impact on your life, both physically and financially. Regardless of the type of accident, these injuries can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and a diminished quality of life. When someone else's negligence or misconduct caused your herniated disc injury, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages. The value of a herniated disc injury claim varies depending on factors unique to your case. To ensure you receive fair compensation, it's crucial to consult with an experienced New York personal injury lawyer. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, we understand the legal intricacies involved and will guide you through the process, advocating for your rights and maximizing the value of your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to evaluate your case and discuss the potential value of your herniated disc injury claim. In the past twenty years, our attorneys and of counsel have secured over $1 billion in compensation for injured victims. We are committed to helping you seek the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.
Examples of Herniated Disc Injury Verdicts in New YorkThe following cases are examples of verdicts related to herniated disc injuries.
Case: Barrowman v. Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., 252 A.D.2d 946 (N.Y. App. Div. 1998)
Accident Type: Fall
Verdict: $3,000,000 for plaintiffs past and future pain and suffering
Case Summary: Plaintiff suffered herniated discs and a ruptured disc in his back that required two corrective surgical procedures: an anterior cervical discectomy and spinal fusion with the insertion of a bone graft strut; and a lumbar discectomy and bilateral posterolateral fusion with bone graft.
Case: Doody v. Gottshall, 2008 N.Y. Slip Op. 51021 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2008)
Accident Type: Pedestrian motor vehicle accident
Verdict: $400,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was hit by a vehicle driven by the defendant and suffered several injuries including two herniated discs in the neck and back.
Herniated discs are a common and often debilitating injury that can result from various types of accidents. The spine is composed of vertebrae and cushion-like discs that act as shock absorbers. When one of these discs ruptures or herniates, it can cause severe pain, numbness, and limited mobility. Understanding the types of accidents that commonly lead to herniated discs is crucial for identifying potential causes and seeking appropriate legal recourse. In this article, we will explore some of the key accident scenarios that can result in herniated disc injuries in New York.
Motor Vehicle Accidents. Motor vehicle accidents, such as car collisions, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes, are a leading cause of herniated disc injuries. The forceful impact and sudden jolts experienced during these accidents can put tremendous stress on the spine, leading to disc herniation. Common scenarios include rear-end collisions, side-impact accidents, and high-speed crashes.
Slip and Fall Accidents. Slip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, public spaces, or private properties. When a person slips or falls, the impact can cause the discs in the spine to shift or rupture, resulting in a herniated disc. Factors contributing to slip and fall accidents include wet or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, inadequate signage, or negligence in property maintenance.
Construction and Workplace Accidents. Workers in construction and other labor-intensive industries are at risk of sustaining herniated disc injuries due to accidents on the job. Lifting heavy objects without proper technique or support, repetitive motion injuries, falls from heights, or being struck by falling objects can all lead to herniated discs. These accidents are particularly prevalent in construction sites, warehouses, factories, and other physically demanding work environments. If your herniated disc injury occurred in the workplace, immediately contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer as it may be subject to workers compensation rules.
Sports and Recreational Activities. Engaging in sports and recreational activities can also pose a risk of herniated disc injuries. Contact sports like football or rugby, where players experience high-impact collisions, increase the likelihood of disc herniation. Additionally, falls or impacts during recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or horseback riding can also result in herniated discs.
Work-related Stress and Strain. While not an accident in the traditional sense, work-related stress and strain can gradually contribute to the development of herniated discs. Jobs that involve repetitive movements, prolonged sitting or standing, or improper ergonomics can put significant strain on the spine over time, leading to disc damage and herniation.
Note that the above examples are not exhaustive, and herniated discs can occur in various other accident scenarios as well. If you have suffered a herniated disc due to an accident caused by someone else's negligence, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in New York. They can assess the specifics of your case, gather evidence, and help you pursue a legal claim to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Factors in Determining the Value of a Herniated Disc InjuryWhen seeking compensation for a herniated disc injury, several factors come into play in determining the value of your claim. Understanding these factors is crucial in assessing the potential worth of your case and negotiating a fair settlement. Here are key considerations that can influence the value of a herniated disc injury claim:
Severity of the Injury. The severity of your herniated disc injury is a significant factor in determining its value. A more severe injury that causes chronic pain, requires extensive medical treatment, or necessitates surgical intervention is likely to receive higher compensation.
Medical Expenses. The medical expenses associated with your herniated disc injury play a vital role in assessing its value. This includes costs for diagnostic tests, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, surgeries, and ongoing treatment. The extent of your medical expenses directly impacts the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Lost Wages and Impairment of Earning Capacity. If your herniated disc injury has resulted in time away from work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injury has diminished your ability to earn a living in the future, the impairment of your earning capacity will be factored into the value of your claim.
Pain and Suffering. Pain and suffering encompass the physical and emotional distress you have experienced due to the herniated disc injury. This includes the intensity and duration of pain, limitations on daily activities, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages can significantly impact the value of your claim.
It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in New York. They can thoroughly evaluate the specific details of your case, assess the above factors, and build a strong claim on your behalf. By understanding these factors and seeking expert legal representation, you can work towards obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve for your herniated disc injury.
Contact Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesAt Stephen Bilkis & Associates we understand the significant impact a herniated disc injury can have on your life. Our experienced personal injury attorneys serving New York are dedicated to fighting for your rights and obtaining the maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact us at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW (1-800-696-9529) to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Staten Island, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.