If you are looking for the average herniated disc lower back workers comp settlement then you are in the right place.
Herniated discs in the lower back are usually a result of workplace injuries. Given the debilitating effects they can have on the body, they should be taken very seriously.
What Is A Disc Herniation?
Spinal disc herniation is the injury suffered by the tissues (discs) that attach and pad the bones in the spinal cord (vertebrae). This happens when the vertebrae experience high levels of physical stress and trauma.
When the outer ring of one of the spine’s discs (the annulus fibrosus) experiences a tear that allows the portion to within to escape, then the disc is herniated.
Causes Of Disc Herniation
A herniated disc in the lower back is usually the outcome of cumulative trauma, going back days or even weeks to get the point where the discs in the lumbar vertebrae are weak enough to rupture.
An abrupt, traumatic wound like the kind suffered in car accidents, falls from heights or when trying to lift heavy objects can also cause discs to herniate.
Effects Of Disc Herniation In The Lumbar Spine
Effects of herniated discs include pain, mostly in the back and less frequently in other parts of the body, and physical disability.
Over 80% of herniated discs are found in the lumbar region of the spine, at the L4-L5 and the L5-S1 levels.
Disc herniation in the lumbar region often presents as pain in the legs. An L4-L5 disc herniation will usually pinch the L5 nerve. This will present as weakness and pain in the whole leg.
Disc herniation at L5-S1 with usually pinch the S1 nerve and cause radiating pain through the feet and feet.
Diagnosing Disc Herniation
A doctor or surgeon (orthopedic) diagnoses disc herniation in the following ways:
- Medical history: The physician asks a series of questions to determine how you were injured, how severe your injury is, and any other symptoms you are experiencing as well.
- Physical examination: The physician will have you take a series of positions to see how they affect your symptoms.
- Diagnostic testing: the physician will use a test like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scans to detect the anatomic injury and confirm the presence of a herniated disc.
Treating Disc Herniation
Pain relief and restored function and mobility of the body is the aim of treating herniating discs.
The standard procedure for herniated discs involves rest, physical therapy, and medications to relieve pain. It usually takes 3 to 6 months of this conservative treatment for patients to recover fully.
If and when the restrained approach fails to achieve the desired results, surgery is the next option. The usual surgical procedures include lumbar decompression, microdiscectomy, cervical laminectomy, and spinal fusion. Unfortunately, surgery increases the likelihood of another disc herniation and further worsen the situation.
Cauda equina syndrome is also a worrisome issue. Cauda equina occurs when the herniated disc compresses the spinal nerve roots during surgery. It presents as weakness of the legs, dysfunction of the bowels and bladder and potential leg paralysis.
Compensation For Herniated Discs
A herniated disc can entitle you to
- Medical Herniated Disc Settlements, including medication and surgery
- PPD (Permanent Partial Disability) benefits
- TTD (Temporary Total Disability) benefits
- TPD (Temporary Partial Disability) benefits
- Vocational rehab if you are unable to return to your old job as a result of your injury
Examples Of Lumbar Spine Disc Herniation Settlements
In Michigan May 2017, a car accident at an intersection causes disc herniations and annular tears in the defendant. Facet rhizotomy (using a radio frequency probe to destroy malfunctioning nerve fibers) was used on both his lumbar and cervical spine. He was awarded damages of $329,000.
In New Jersey in June 2014, a man slipped and fell in an Edgewater food court. A knee and lower back injury sent him to an orthopedic surgeon who treated him with arthroscopic surgery and then a lumbar fusion. A settlement for $800,000 was reached during mediation.
In New York on April 2014, a 51-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and was diagnosed with two cervical avulsion fractures, ligament tears in her knee and shoulder, lumbar and cervical disc herniations, and lumbar disc bulges. The case was settled for $1.5 million.
How Much Compensation Payout Can I Get For A Herniated Disc In The Lower Back?
The average jury verdict for herniated discs is $350,000, but the median verdict is $75,000.
Ultimately, there is no one right way to calculate the compensation you deserve; consulting a personal injury lawyer will give an idea of what to expect.
The post What Is The Average Herniated Disc Lower Back Workers Comp Settlement? appeared first on Average Settlement Compensation.
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