Herniated Disc After a Car Accident

If you suffered a herniated disc after a car accident, our legal team is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We stand with people whose lives have been disrupted by serious car accident injuries, including spinal damage and disc herniation.

Our Chicago-based personal injury law firm understands the challenges that come with proving liability and dealing with insurance companies. From gathering medical documentation to building a strong legal claim, we offer experienced legal support every step of the way.

What Are Common Disc Injuries After a Car Accident?

Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, allowing your back and neck to move freely while absorbing everyday impact. In a car crash, the sudden force and unnatural movement can damage these discs, leading to painful injuries that may require long-term treatment.

Cervical Herniated Disc

A cervical herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in the neck region pushes out of place, often putting pressure on nearby nerves. These injuries are common in rear-end collisions and can lead to symptoms like neck stiffness, muscle weakness, headaches, or tingling in the shoulders and arms. Damage to cervical discs can also affect balance and grip strength. Because of the neck’s proximity to the spinal cord, cervical herniation should always be taken seriously.

Thoracic Herniated Disc

Though less common, a herniated disc in the thoracic spine can still result from a car accident. The thoracic spine runs through the upper and mid-back and is supported by the rib cage. Thoracic herniations may cause pain that wraps around the torso, as well as localized pain, numbness, or discomfort while breathing. Since the thoracic region is more stable than other parts of the spine, these injuries often signal to more serious harm.

Lumbar Herniated Disc

Lumbar disc herniations affect the lower back and are among the most frequently reported spinal injuries after a car accident. These injuries can lead to intense lower back pain, sciatica, or difficulty standing and walking. If the herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain that radiates through the legs. Some people experience muscle weakness or loss of bladder control, which may indicate nerve impingement requiring urgent medical care.

Bulging Disc

A bulging disc occurs when a spinal disc shifts out of its normal position but doesn’t rupture. While sometimes painless, bulging discs can still press on nearby nerves and lead to discomfort, stiffness, or limited movement. Car accidents can cause or worsen bulging discs, especially in the lumbar and cervical areas. Though less severe than a full herniation, a bulging disc still requires medical evaluation to prevent further injury.

Disc Protrusion or Extrusion

A protrusion occurs when the disc bulges outward without breaking open, while an extrusion involves the inner disc material pushing through a tear in the outer layer. Both injuries can irritate nearby nerves and may lead to numbness, weakness, or chronic pain. Disc protrusion and extrusion often show up on diagnostic imaging and may require physical therapy or epidural steroid injections for symptom relief.

Sequestered Disc Fragment

In more severe cases, a fragment of the disc breaks away completely and moves into the spinal canal. This condition, known as a sequestered or free fragment, can lead to significant nerve impingement and loss of function. Symptoms may be intense and sudden, including severe localized pain, numbness, or even signs of permanent impairment. Surgical intervention is often necessary if symptoms persist or worsen.

What Types of Car Accidents Can Cause Herniated Disc Injuries?

Herniated discs can result from nearly any kind of collision, but certain types of car accidents place more strain on the spine than others:

• Rear-End Collisions – Rear-end collisions are a leading cause of cervical herniated discs due to the sudden forward-and-back motion of the neck, often referred to as whiplash.
• Head-On Collisions – The force of a head-on crash often impacts the spine directly. Victims may suffer from lumbar disc herniations or thoracic injuries as the spine compresses under pressure.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes – Side-impact accidents can cause the body to twist unnaturally, putting stress on the intervertebral discs.
• Rollover Accidents – Rollover crashes are often violent and unpredictable. They can involve multiple points of impact, making spinal injuries more likely.
• Multi-Car Pileups – In multi-vehicle accidents, victims may be struck multiple times from different directions. This can create compounded forces on the spinal column, increasing the likelihood of disc herniation or other serious back injuries.

How Is Disc Herniation Diagnosed After a Car Crash?

Disc herniation isn’t always immediately obvious after a car accident. Some people feel mild discomfort at first, only to develop severe or chronic pain days later. Because these injuries can worsen without early treatment, getting a proper diagnosis is one of the most important steps you can take after any type of car accident.

A doctor will typically begin with a physical examination to check your range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and areas of localized pain. If you’re experiencing symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, this can help the physician identify which part of the spine may be affected.

To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as:.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• CT scans
• X-rays
• Myelogram

Getting a timely diagnosis helps prevent a more serious injury or permanent impairment. Waiting too long to seek medical attention may not only worsen your symptoms, but it can also make it harder to link your injury to the car accident.

How Are Herniated Discs Treated?

Medical treatment after a car accidentcan quickly become expensive, especially when it involves a herniated disc. These injuries often require ongoing care, and the costs can add up–from initial diagnostic imaging to long-term physical therapy or even surgery. Understanding the types of treatment you may need can help clarify the full scope of damages in a herniated disc car accident claim.

Treatment typically starts with conservative methods, including:

• Physical therapy: A common first step in recovery. It helps reduce inflammation, strengthen muscles, and restore mobility. Some people need weeks or months of therapy, which can be a significant financial burden.
• Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and prescription painkillers are often used. Epidural steroid injections may also be recommended to relieve pressure on spinal nerves.
• Rest and activity modification: Many patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or repetitive motion. This may mean time off work, contributing to lost income.

In severe cases, such as when there is nerve impingement or risk of permanent disability, procedures like discectomy, spinal fusion, or an artificial disc implant may be required. Surgery can be expensive and often includes hospitalization, anesthesia, and post-operative rehab.

All of these treatments contribute to the overall value of a herniated disc car accident claim. Keeping detailed medical records and following your treatment plan is essential for seeking compensation.

How Much Can Chicago Victims Recover for a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout for a herniated disc after a car accident is $332,367, while the median is significantly lower at $68,598. Settlement and verdict values range from as low as $3,000 to as high as $6.5 million, reflecting the broad spectrum of possible outcomes.

Several key factors influence how much a herniated disc injury claim may be worth:

• Type of treatment required: Claims involving physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, or surgical procedures (such as an artificial disc implant) tend to have higher values due to increased medical expenses.
• Severity and duration of symptoms: Long-term or permanent pain, muscle weakness, or disability can increase the claim’s value.
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability: If the injury interferes with your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently, that lost income is a recoverable damage.
• Diagnostic evidence: Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scans help substantiate the injury and link it to the car crash.

Insurance companies may attempt to reduce or deny claims involving car accident injuries with delayed symptoms, arguing they weren’t caused by the crash. Early diagnosis and medical documentation are critical to protecting your right to compensation.

What Damages Are Awarded in Herniated Disc Claims?

Damages in personal injury claims typically cover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include medical bills for treatment such as physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, epidural steroid injections, and surgical intervention.

If the herniated disc results in permanent pain or disability, future medical care and lost income are also considered. In more serious injury cases, claims may include reduced earning capacity or complete loss of income.

Non-economic damages account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Example Cases Involving Car Accidents Causing Herniated Discs

$2,225,000 Settlement – Rear‑End Collision Leading to Inoperable Cervical Herniation

John Hobart, a 57‑year‑old obstetrician, was rear‑ended on the Edens Expressway during heavy traffic. The impact was low‑speed with minimal vehicle damage, but he reported a slipped disc at C3‑4 that caused chronic headaches and required narcotic pain medication. Because of a prior fusion at C4‑5, he claimed the new disc herniation was inoperable and left him permanently disabled. He argued the condition forced him to stop practicing medicine and sought future lost wages totaling $2.4 million. The defense argued the disc injury was unrelated to the crash and accused him of exaggerating symptoms. The parties settled for $2,225,000 shortly after trial began.

$1,301,048.04 Verdict – Neck Herniations Requiring Injections and Lifetime Care

Maileen Santos, a registered nurse, was struck when another driver exited a parking lot and violated her right of way. She was diagnosed with herniated discs at C5‑6 and C6‑7, completed three months of physical therapy, and later received seven sets of epidural steroid injections. Her past medical expenses totaled just over $95,000, and she continued taking monthly medications. Santos shifted from surgical nursing to a less demanding role due to continued symptoms and sought compensation for changes to her lifestyle and long‑term medical needs. The defense disputed the extent of her injuries, claiming that later treatment addressed degenerative problems. A jury awarded $1,301,048.04, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life.

$671,000 Award – Rear‑End Chain Reaction Causing Cervical Herniation and Worsened Lumbar Fusion

Deborah Christman was stopped at a light when a driver behind her initiated a chain‑reaction crash. She was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with a C5‑6 slipped disc and damage to a prior fusion at L5‑S1. Treatment lasted months and included physical therapy and multiple epidural steroid injections. She reported chronic pain, headaches, and an inability to work. The defense claimed her injuries were short‑term soft tissue problems and argued she should have recovered in weeks. After a bench trial, the court awarded $671,000, covering medical costs, lost earning capability, and pain‑related damages.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered a Herniated Disc From a Car Accident

If you believe you’ve suffered a herniated disc after a car accident, act quickly to protect both your health and your legal claim. Start by seeking immediate medical attention, even if the pain is mild–injured discs can worsen over time. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely and keep copies of all medical records, expenses, and diagnostic imaging. Since car accident injuries with delayed symptoms are often questioned by insurance companies, early diagnosis and documentation are critical. Avoid giving detailed statements to insurers without legal guidance. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago car accident lawyers to discuss your options and begin building your case.

How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Herniated disc claims often involve insurance companies questioning the cause, severity, or timing of the injury–especially when symptoms appear days after the crash. Our legal team can help by gathering your medical records, imaging tests, and documentation of treatment to link the disc injury to the collision.

We work with medical experts to confirm diagnosis and prognosis, calculate damages such as medical bills, lost income, future care, and pain and suffering, and handle all communication with insurers. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, our Chicago personal injury attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’re dealing with a herniated disc after a car accident, we’re ready to help you without the stress of upfront legal costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our attorneys offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options and what your case may be worth. We’ll stand with you through every step of the legal process, from gathering medical records to negotiating with insurance companies. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney.