Parkersburg Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Unexpected accidents and injuries can alter lives. During these difficult periods, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They support those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This piece highlights the significant role these lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and rebuilding their lives.

Understanding Ruptured Discs and Nerve Impingement after a Car Accident

Serious car accidents often leave those involved with debilitating injuries. Ruptured or herniated discs and nerve impingement are examples of potentially severe injuries that accident victims might suffer. The location and symptoms of these injuries may vary, and treatment is available in many forms. If you have injured your back in a car accident, read through the following to determine whether you may have suffered a ruptured disc or nerve impingement, and understand the potential need for back fusion surgery.

Location of Intervertebral Discs

The spine consists of 24 vertebrae aligned atop each other. Through these bones runs the spinal cord, which the vertebrae protect from damage. Even simple actions such as walking or jogging send shockwaves through the spinal column. Between the vertebrae are gelatinous discs, known as intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the bones. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) describes these discs as being filled with a jelly-like center, known as the nucleus pulposus, which is surrounded by a thicker outer ring, called the annulus fibrosus.

If an individual suffers physical trauma, such as the impact sustained in a serious car accident, an intervertebral disc may rupture, causing the nucleus to push towards the outer ring, and in serious cases, it may squeeze entirely through.

Nerve Damage and Other Symptoms of a Ruptured Disc

If the nucleus of an intervertebral disc begins to push outwards through the outer ring, it may put pressure on the spinal nerves. If the nucleus succeeds in passing through the outer ring, the nerve damage may become more severe, often limiting movement.

Depending on the location of the ruptured disc, as well as the severity, certain specific symptoms may appear. These symptoms include pain or numbness in the parts of the body affected by the nerve. For example:
- A ruptured disc in the neck may cause pain and numbness in the shoulders, arms, or chest.
- A ruptured disc in the lower back might cause sciatica or pain in the buttocks, legs, ankles, and feet.

Diagnosing a Ruptured Disc

Once a doctor suspects a ruptured disc, they will perform further diagnostic tests to reveal the extent of the injury and the proper course of treatment. According to the AAOS, a doctor may start with a neurological examination, testing for sensory loss and weakness in a possibly affected area, or a straight leg raise (SLR) test that helps indicate whether a ruptured disc is present. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or computed tomography (CT) scan for further diagnosis.

Understanding Nerve Impingement

Nerve impingement, commonly known as a pinched nerve, occurs when a nerve is compressed by hard tissue such as bone or cartilage. Common causes include a bulging disc, bone spur, or misaligned joint in the spine. Nerve impingement can result in a variety of uncomfortable sensations, including tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and radiating pain.

Although not always immediately apparent after a crash, nerve impingement can be debilitating due to constant pain. Think of the nervous system as a superhighway with exit ramps allowing nerve signals to move to other body parts. If one of those exit ramps is affected by a pinched nerve, it can disrupt function and cause pain or numbness.

Back Fusion Surgery and Car Accident Injuries

Back fusion surgery is a procedure often required for severe back injuries such as slipped discs and spinal compression fractures resulting from car accidents. 

Common Car Accident Injuries Requiring Back Surgery

- Bulging and Herniated Discs: The spine consists of vertebrae and discs that enhance flexibility. A bulging disc occurs when the inner nucleus pushes against the outer capsule, while a herniated disc occurs when the nucleus spills out of a tear in the capsule. These injuries cause pain by pressing against the spinal nerves.
- Spinal Compression Fractures: These fractures may lead to a loss of spine height and cause pain both from the injury itself and from vertebrae pressing against the spinal cord.

Back Fusion Surgery Overview

During back fusion surgery, doctors remove the damaged discs and fuse adjacent vertebrae using a bone graft from the patient or a donor. Screws or plates are often used to hold the fusion in place until the bones completely join. Recovery can take several months, during which patients must avoid strenuous activities and may need physical therapy to learn proper ways to lift objects and perform other activities.

Proving Liability and Recovering Costs

To win a car accident case, plaintiffs must prove the other driver was negligent and that this negligence caused their injuries. Negligence generally means failing to use reasonable care to prevent harm to others, such as by violating a traffic law or driving while distracted. Plaintiffs may need to prove that their back injury was not pre-existing.

Doctors use x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to reveal disc degeneration and back problems. If tests before the accident show no issues, this can help establish that the injury was accident-related.

Establishing Damages

Accident victims can face significant damages, including hospitalization, medical bills, and lost wages. Medical records, bills, and evidence of lost wages can help establish the extent of damages so accident victims can recover their costs and losses. Health insurance may provide coverage while waiting for a settlement and may place a lien on any settlement or judgment to recoup its costs.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.