A bulging or herniated disc can occur due to any spontaneous traumatic force. Incidents that frequently lead to an individual suffering a bulging or herniated disc include automobile accidents, slip and falls, construction accidents, work injuries, and mishaps while participating in sports. When it comes to personal injury cases, herniated disc injuries are common.
When an individual sustains an injury due to the negligence of another person, a personal injury claim can be brought against the responsible person. The goal is to find those legally responsible for causing the injury and hold them accountable for any damages resulting from those injuries.
When personal injury damages are awarded to an injured plaintiff, these damages are meant to compensate for the losses he or she suffered and make the plaintiff ‘whole’ again.
To determine how much a settlement would be for a bulging disc, a dollar amount must be placed on all the consequences resulting from the accident. These consequences may include pain and suffering, physical limitations, medical bills and lost wages, etc.
When considering a workers comp settlement for bulging disc or thinking about a herniated disc settlement value, all of the factors listed above must be taken into consideration.
The majority of personal injury cases settle out of court. Usually, those who are personally involved in the dispute, the insurance companies and the attorneys representing each side are involved in negotiating a settlement amount.
A mediation or arbitration are other options frequently used to resolve cases: They are considered the 'middle ground' between an informal settlement and a lawsuit.
The amount that a bulging or herniated disc claim is worth varies greatly. Nationwide, the average award for this type of injury is $350,000; however, what the case is worth rests solely on the extent of the injury sustained and the specific facts of the case.
Eastman v. Nash
The plaintiff, Elizabeth Eastman, sustained an L4/L5 disc herniation in a vehicle accident. On Dec. 4, 2015, a jury awarded her $200,000. She received $150,000 for her past pain and suffering, and $50,000 for future pain and suffering.
Tracey A. Johnson and Christopher Johnson (her husband) v. Benedict A. Scaccetti
Due to a car accident that occurred on November 12, 2001, Tracey suffered a disc herniation at level C6/C7 as well as two broken teeth. Tracey underwent a spinal fusion in which rods were placed in her back. After a four-day, damages-only trial, Tracey Johnson was awarded $2,500,000 from a jury for the injuries she suffered. Her husband, Christopher, was awarded $500,000 on his per quod claim.
The defendant requested a new trial; however, the judge denied a new trial, but did remit Tracey’s jury award to $1,500,000 and her husband’s award to $250,000. Even after this reduction, the defendant appeals stating that the judge erred and should have granted a new trial due to the limitation on lawsuit thresholds set forth by the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act (AIRCA). However, the defendant lost this appeal and on the plaintiff’s cross-appeal the original jury verdicts were reinstated.
Rosanna Epstein v. Christian P. Stueben, ESQ
The plaintiff, Rosanna Epstein, states that on September 9, 2006, she slipped on a wet floor and fell near the escalator at the Tropicana. Due to this incident, Epstein contends that she sustained a herniated disc at the C5/C6 level. She had also complained of shoulder pain and pain running down her arm. Although Epstein denied previous treatment for a shoulder injury and pain down her arm, during discovery, Tropicana found proof of previous treatments for both of these issues. Since Tropicana was on the verge of filing bankruptcy, on March 4, 2009, the plaintiff agreed to a settlement of $45,000. Tropicana filed bankruptcy in April of 2009.
If you or someone you care about has sustained a herniated or bulging disc, contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation. The experienced attorneys at The Cagle Law Firm can assist you as you move through the legal process seeking the compensation you deserve.
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