bulging neck disc from work when should i get an attorney

by Prof. Macie Braun 9 min read

For example, a workers compensation lawyer may be able to help you obtain a settlement for a bulging disc resulting from: A car, truck, or van accident while working An equipment or machinery accident Being struck by a moving vehicle, forklift, falling debris, or other object at work Falling at work

Full Answer

How to get rid of bulging discs in the neck?

In personal injury cases for just a bulging disc the range can generally start as low as $10,000 and go up to $40,000 on average. A bulging disc in the neck from a whiplash accident can settle on average for less than this as whiplash is not seen as serious as a bulging disc cases in the lumbar region of the spine.

What should you not do with a bulging cervical disc?

Mar 12, 2020 · If you work a physical labor job, however (construction, warehouse work, etc.) you’ll need a little longer — somewhere between four and six weeks. Of course, the severity of your herniated disc is a factor, too. Some herniated discs heal on their own within 12 weeks.

Can a bulging disc be treated?

Mar 21, 2019 · A bulging disc in the neck can occur when a spinal disc slips out of place. This can lead to a herniated disc, wherein damage causes the inner substance of the disc to leak out. Both conditions can...

What is disc bulge and disability?

Oct 25, 2018 · With the help of a professional at The Head and Neck Centers of Excellence, you can opt to treat the symptoms of bulging discs in the neck in the following ways: Give the body time to rest and heal Physical therapy which can include massage, acupuncture, and a targeted exercise regimen Take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications

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What is the average settlement for a bulging disc?

The average settlement value for a bulging disc in a personal injury lawsuit is about $15,000 to $30,000. The median jury award in bulging disc cases is $31,000. Bulging disc cases have a lower average settlement value when compared to herniated disc cases.

Can a bulging disc be work related?

Work Related Causes of Herniated & Bulging Discs Occupations where a person is consistently lift heavy objects (movers, construction workers, shelf stockers, freight workers) are at a higher risk of developing bulging discs as a result of work-related injury.Sep 28, 2017

How much is a neck herniated disc settlement?

Herniated Disc In Neck Settlement A herniated disc settlement for a neck injury ranges between $15,000 to well over $200,000. A neck injury settlement depends on which injury your neck has and a herniated disc is a serious neck injury which can leave you with debilitating pain.Jan 23, 2022

Are bulging discs considered a disability?

A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration's Blue Book.

Is a herniated disc considered a permanent injury?

Disc herniations are permanent injuries that require a substantial settlement value, due to the seriousness of the injury.

Is a bulging disc the same as a herniated disc?

Bulging and Herniated Discs Explained "A bulging disc is like letting air out of a car tire. The disc sags and looks like it is bulging outward. With a herniated disc, the outer covering of the disc has a hole or tear. This causes the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like center of the disc) to leak into the spinal canal."Nov 6, 2018

Is a herniated disc a serious injury?

A “herniated disc” – which is often a more serious injury than a “bulging disc” – involves not only a bulging outward of the annulus, but also a rupture of the annulus (often referred to as an “annular fissure”) which causes the nucleus polposus to leak out of the disc.

What happens if a bulging disc goes untreated?

Untreated herniated discs with symptoms can become more painful and debilitating as time goes on. You may also experience bladder and bowel dysfunction and saddle anesthesia, so-called because it affects the areas on your body that would touch a saddle if you were sitting on a horse.

Can a bulging disc get worse?

Do disc bulges get worse over time? Unfortunately if disc bulges are left untreated, and if the abnormal spinal stresses that caused them continue, they will often worsen over time.

Which is worse bulging or herniated disk?

Herniated discs are considered more severe than bulging discs because they put significant pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause intense pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement.

Is a Bulging Disc a Serious Injury?

A bulging disc can be a serious injury. While physical therapy and medications will be enough to treat some bulging discs, in some cases surgery ma...

Can a Work Injury Cause a Bulging Disc or Herniated Disc?

Yes, a work injury can cause a bulging disc or herniated disc. In fact, work-related bulging discus are extremely common, and they can result from...

Can Prolonged Sitting Cause a Herniated Disc?

Yes, even prolonged sitting at work can cause a herniated disc. When we are sitting, the muscles and vertebrae in our backs work to keep us upright...

How Can I Obtain a Workers Comp Bulging Disc Settlement?

If you are eligible for workers comp, you may be able to obtain a workers comp bulging disc settlement with the help of a local lawyer. While you c...

What Types of Settlements are Available for Bulging Discs?

There are two main types of workers comp settlements: lump sum settlements and settlements with installment payments. Your lawyer can help you deci...

What is the Average Settlement for a Herniated Disc at Work?

There isn’t a reliable average settlement figure for a herniated disc at work. While you may find some “average” figures online, these figures are...

How Much is a Herniated Disc Worth in Workers’ Comp?

How much a herniated disc is worth in a workers’ comp claim depends on each worker’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, workers’ comp be...

Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me Obtain a Workers Comp Settlement?

Technically, you do not need a lawyer—you are free to file a workers comp claim on your own. However, hiring a lawyer will significantly improve yo...

How Do Know if a Workers Comp Settlement Offer is Fair?

Your lawyer will be able to help you evaluate any settlement offers you receive. Does the offer reflect the full benefits to which you are entitled...

What if My Workers Comp Settlement Isn’t Enough?

Since disability benefits typically only cover two thirds of injured employees’ weekly earnings (at most), many workers will find that their worker...

How Long Do I Have to Seek Workers Comp for a Herniated Disc?

The amount of time you have to file for workers comp depends on the law in your state. However, workers comp deadlines can be very short (as short...

How Do I File a Workers Comp Claim for a Herniated Disc?

In most states, you report your injury to your employer, and then your workers comp claim will go through your employer’s insurance company. But, i...

Do I Need a Lawyer to File for a Herniated Disc (Lower Back) Workers Comp Settlement?

Hiring a lawyer is the best way to make sure you receive maximum benefits, especially for injuries like herniated discs. You can hire a lawyer on a...

What is the Average Herniated Disc Workers’ Comp Settlement Amount?

The average herniated disc workers’ comp settlement amount is not easy to quantify. But, it also is not important. If you have a workers’ comp clai...

How Do I Obtain a Herniated Disc Workers Comp Settlement?

To obtain a herniated disc workers comp settlement, you will need to negotiate with your employer or its insurance company. By default, workers com...

Can I Get a Workers’ Comp Settlement for Herniated Disc Surgery?

If you are suffering from a herniated disc and you are an eligible employee, you may be able to get a workers’ comp settlement for your herniated d...

How Do I Prove My Herniated Disc is Work-Related?

Since workers’ comp only covers on-the-job injuries, one of the keys to filing a successful claim for a herniated disc is proving that your injury...

How Long Will I Be Off Work with a Herniated Disc?

The length of time you will be off work with a herniated disc depends on the severity of your injury. Some employees are able to return to work in...

Should I Go Back to Work with a Herniated Disc?

If you have a herniated disc, whether you should go back to work depends on what your doctor says. Not only can returning too early delay your reco...

What are the benefits of a herniated disc?

In most cases, however, the workers comp benefits that are available to employees who have been diagnosed with herniated discs include: Medical benefits (to cover all necessary diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation costs) Incidental benefits (to cover transportation and other injury-related expenses) Disability benefits (to cover ...

How long does it take to file for workers comp?

However, workers comp deadlines can be very short (as short as seven days in some states), so it is important that you get started promptly.

What is Workers Comp?

As you go through the recovery process, the costs of your injury may begin to add up quickly. Workers comp provides coverage for medical bills and lost wages, and it can help cover many of your other out-of-pocket costs as well. But, claiming benefits is not easy, and you can loss your right to coverage if you make mistakes along the way. Here’s what you need to know about: 1 When Can You Seek a Workers Comp Settlement for a Herniated Disc? 2 What Benefits Can You Receive in a Herniated Disc (Lower Back) Workers Comp Settlement? 3 5 Important Facts about Seeking a Herniated Disc Lower Back Workers Comp Settlement 4 FAQs: How Do You Obtain a Lower Back Workers Comp Settlement?

Can you get workers comp if you have a herniated disc?

You can seek a workers comp settlement if you suffered your injury on the job. (If your injury is not job-related, you aren’t eligible for workers comp, but an attorney may be able to help you file for other benefits). Some of the most common job-related causes of herniated discs include: Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents.

Does Workers Comp cover medical bills?

Workers comp provides coverage for medical bills and lost wages, and it can help cover many of your other out-of-pocket costs as well. But, claiming benefits is not easy, and you can loss your right to coverage if you make mistakes along the way. Here’s what you need to know about:

Can you get a lump sum for a herniated disc?

However, in many cases, it is more advantageous for injured workers to obtain lump-sum or structured settlements.

Is it better to get lump sum or structured settlement?

However, in many cases, it is more advantageous for injured workers to obtain lump-sum or structured settlements. If you are interested in obtaining a workers comp settlement rather than weekly payments, you will want to consult with an attorney promptly.

What is bulging disc?

Symptoms That May Indicate a Bulging Disc. This condition (also referred to as a herniated disc) happens when a spongy disc located between vertebrae is damaged. It may break open or bulge out, putting pressure on nerves in the spinal cord.

Where does disc pain spread?

If the bulging disc is in one of the two most common areas – the lower back or neck – then the pain might spread to the: buttocks (lower back); hips (lower back); legs (lower back); shoulders (neck); or. arms (neck). The most common symptom is pain, which can spread to other parts of the body.

Can a bulging disc cause permanent disability?

A bulging or herniated disc that puts pressure on the nerves in your spine is not only painful but can result in permanent disability and impairment in some cases. If you have these kinds of symptoms it is very important that you seek immediate medical attention.

Can you have a bulging disc in your back?

So yes, you may be working with no issues and have a bulging disc in your back. However, if you are having pain that radiates into your arms, hands, legs or feet because of a bulging disc then this is likely a more significant problem.

Can a bulging disc hurt at night?

standing; or. it may get worse at night. If you or loved one has sustained a work injury involving a bulging or herniated disc which is causing you pain and problems, then it is important that you learn about your rights and responsibilities under Iowa law.

How long does it take to get back to work after a herniated disc?

There are several different surgeries for herniated discs, most of which will let you return to work within four weeks.

Can you go back to work with sciatica?

Don’t rush back to work just because your employer is giving you a hard time. Rest, heal, and then go back to work. Otherwise, the problem will just get worse, and you could end up with severe sciatica pain.

Can you expect a longer recovery from spinal fusion?

You can expect a longer healing time if you require a spinal fusion. Your workers’ comp spine specialist will best be able to determine what surgery you’ll need, and how long your recovery time maybe. Always ask them for their estimate.

Can a slipped disc cause pain?

A slipped disc is no joke. If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you know how much pain and discomfort it can cause. Herniated disc recovery takes time, and it’s important to take the time you need to heal. Missing out on work can be hard, and some companies are more understanding than others. The less time missed the better.

How to reduce neck bulging disc?

These structures in the spine tend to weaken over time, so aging can increase the risk of a bulging disc in the neck. Doing certain exercises or stretches can ease pressure on the spine and reduce symptoms. People can do this with the guidance of a physical therapist or at home. Taking pain medications can also be helpful for reducing discomfort. ...

How to get rid of a bulging disc in neck?

Exercises for a bulging disc in the neck tend to involve a mix of gentle stretches and muscle-strengthening exercises. Stretching the neck can help relieve pain and pressure in the area. Neck stretches usually involve slowly moving the head backward, forward, or from side to side.

Why does my neck hurt?

A bulging disc in the neck occurs when a spinal disc weakens and encroaches on the spinal cord. In some cases, this can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. Acute injury to the area can cause a bulging disc in the neck. Long-term trauma, such as poor posture or being overweight, can also cause a bulging disc in the neck.

What causes a herniated disc to bulge?

The causes of bulging or herniated discs include sudden or long-term trauma. Having poor posture and lifting weights with improper form are examples of what can cause long-term trauma. Other possible causes include:

How to help a neck?

Practicing exercises that strengthen the neck muscles is a longer-lasting method of easing pressure on the neck. It may also help strengthen other muscles that support the spine, such as the abdominal muscles. A physical therapist will also help improve posture and form when lifting objects and walking.

What is a bulging disc?

Herniated and bulging are terms that describe the disc. Some people compare a bulging disc to a tire that is going flat, whereas they consider a herniated disc similar to a tire blowout. Each disc contains a soft inner substance with a surrounding outer layer, which maintains the structure of the disc.

What is the connection between vertebrae?

Trusted Source. , a connective disc separates each vertebra. These spinal discs are made up of strong elastic tissues. When the spine bends or rotates, the spinal discs change in size to support the movement and prevent friction between the bones. It is possible for spinal discs to dislodge.

How long does it take for a bulging disc to go away?

In some cases, the pain may go away because the disc stops compressing a nerve root, but this is almost always a temporary relief and the unhealed bulging disc pain will return in a few days, weeks or months.

How to heal a swollen neck?

Physical therapy which can include massage, acupuncture, and a targeted exercise regimen. Take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. The application of heat and ice therapy. Manipulation of the neck and its position.

What does it mean when your neck is numb?

If the pain you are experiencing is locally in the neck area and radiates from the neck to the shoulder and down your arms to your fingers, there is a high possibility that you have bulging discs in your neck. Muscle weakness or a feeling of numbness in the muscles. Headaches are generally an indication of a bulging disc especially ...

Can a bulging disc cause pain?

When you have a bulging disc, you might be lucky enough to have a relatively painless experience. If, however, you are not so lucky, it can cause severe pain and discomfort that can negatively impact on your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of a bulging disc?

Some of the symptoms caused by a bulging disc are: Severe radiating pain. Numbness. Muscle weakness. With numbness and tingling in the legs. Hyperactive reflexes in the legs. Bowel and bladder habit changes. Paralysis below the waist.

What is a bulging disc?

Disc Bulge or Bulging Discs is a medical condition in which the outer part of the disk protrudes outwards into the spinal canal. Bulging Disc is usually asymptomatic, but tends to cause symptoms of severe pain and discomfort when it impinges on the adjacent nerve roots. Disc Bulge or Bulging Disc is more common than disc herniation and occurs with age. As an individual ages the outer portion of the disc gets weak resulting in the inner parts of the disc to bulge outward. Moreover, if an individual is involved in manual labor which puts added pressure on the back then disc bulge tends to develop faster than normal.#N#Most of the times an individual with a Disc Bulge or Bulging Disc may not even realize the problem until it starts to cause symptoms. When the bulge is significant enough to cause symptoms, then the affected individual may experience symptoms of low back pain with radiation of pain down the hips to the legs. The most common area where a disc bulge or bulging disc occurs is the L4-L5 region of the lumbar spine which compresses the L5 and S1 nerve root.#N#Bulging Disc is quite a common occurrence in young adults and the elderly population. Due to disc bulge, there is compression of the nerve roots causing symptoms. Some of the symptoms caused by a bulging disc are:

What happens if you don't fit into a job profile?

If the SSA determines that the claimant does not fit into any job profile then the claimant may be granted disability benefits due to Disc Bulge. Usually if the claimant is above 50 years of age then the chances of getting disability benefits significantly increase.

What is disc bulge?

Disc Bulge is quite a common finding in people. It is a medical condition in which the disc protrudes outward and compresses the nerve roots. Most of the cases of Disc Bulge are asymptomatic but at times they tend to cause severe symptoms of pain and discomfort which can make it difficult for the affected individual to carry out activities ...

Why does my disc bulge outward?

As an individual ages the outer portion of the disc gets weak resulting in the inner parts of the disc to bulge outward. Moreover, if an individual is involved in manual labor which puts added pressure on the back then disc bulge tends to develop faster than normal.

What is the Blue Book of Social Security?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a manual for granting disability benefits to claimants which lists out medical conditions which qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. This manual is known as the Blue Book. This manual has a comprehensive list of medical conditions which according to SSA qualify for Social Security Disability ...

Where is the bulging disc located?

The most common area where a disc bulge or bulging disc occurs is the L4-L5 region of the lumbar spine which compresses the L5 and S1 nerve root. Bulging Disc is quite a common occurrence in young adults and the elderly population. Due to disc bulge, there is compression of the nerve roots causing symptoms.

How to protect your neck from a bulging disc?

To protect the neck, you’ll want to avoid any exercises that may shock the cervical spine, such as weightlifting. Avoid other exercise or activities that require you to bend forward or use your arms or shoulders in front of your body, which could potentially irritate the bulging disc.

How to fix a bulging disc?

Shoulder Stretch – To improve posture that may have worsened due to the bulging disc, try a shoulder stretch. While it may seem almost too simple, fixing your posture can play a significant role in relieving pain and pressure in the cervical region, as well as relaxing the shoulders and upper back.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

The term bulging disc is often incorrectly used interchangeably with herniated disc: A bulging disc is when a disc flattens and extends past the normal space of the bones in the spine (vertebrae). A herniated disc is when damage to the disc’s outer ring (annulus fibrosus) occurs , causing the interior, gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) ...

How to stretch your shoulders at home?

If you’re at home, try using a mirror to ensure you’re maintaining proper posture during the exercise. Stand tall with your head facing forward and shoulders pulled back.

How to stretch your neck?

Stand tall with your head facing forward and shoulders pulled back. Then lightly bend your head down until you feel a moderate stretch in the neck. If you’re going for a deeper stretch, tuck the chin a bit more. Hold the stretch for about 2 seconds and then return to your starting position. Repeat 10 times.

What is the best way to warm up your cervical spine?

Trampoline Exercises – Exercising on a small jogger trampoline is an excellent way to warm up the muscles and stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to the cervical spine. Extra benefits include strengthening bone density and improving body balance.

How to stretch lower cervical spine?

Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart, back straight, chin slightly tucked and arms hanging loosely at your sides.

How to heal a bulging disc?

5 – Eating Inflammatory Foods. Aside from regular (and correct) exercise, eating a proper diet is crucial for managing bulging discs. It would be best if you fill your plate with nutritious options to reduce the pain felt from the injury. Also, avoid foods that can trigger pain and inflammation, like: Sugar.

How to get rid of bulging disks in clothes?

When it times to do the laundry, try and avoid constant bending to pick up dirty clothes off the floor. Instead, purchase a grabber reacher pick up tool to do it for you quickly. After all, all the bending and twisting will aggravate your bulging disks. Again, if possible, use a good laundry service to launder your clothes.

Where can bulging discs be found?

It can take place in your cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and mid-back), and the lumbar spine (lower back). If you have bulging discs, you must avoid particular things and activities to avoid aggravating the problem. Below, you’ll discover the top five things to avoid when you have this type of injury.

What does bad posture mean?

Bad posture can lead to unwanted tension and pain in various areas of the spine. These include the neck, upper back, and lower back. Personally, I struggle daily to improve my posture, especially when working from home.

What exercises can I do to help my back?

In short, avoid workout routines that need you to put heavy pressure on your spine. In doing so, you can regretfully cause further damage and experience more discomfort. Instead, you can do exercises that involve gentle tension to the neck, hamstring, and lower back.

What are the best exercises to avoid?

Avoid any exercise that requires you to do the following: 1 Excessive sitting 2 Lifting heavyweights 3 Bending forward 4 Jogging 5 Martial Arts 6 Squats 7 Deadlifts 8 Leg Presses 9 Biking or Cycling

Can you clean a bulging disk?

If not, you’ll need to find a comfortable and safe way to clean with your bulging disks. As you know, housework can aggravate your bulging disks, especially if you don’t follow your doctor’s guidelines. If possible, there are some cleaning tasks you should avoid and hire someone to help. Obviously, chores like mopping, vacuuming, ...

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