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A slip and fall can commonly result in personal injury. Out of many possible injuries, bulging or herniated discs are the most common. However, slips and falls can happen anytime and anywhere, requiring special care and concern to avoid personal injuries.
Cartilaginous discs lie between the vertebrae of the spine, which absorb shock and friction. The vertebrae are composed of interlocked bones with certain prime functions, including bearing the body’s weight and protecting the spinal cord that contains spinal nerves as bundles.
When the vertebrae bones get displaced, the cartilaginous disc and the fluid may get squished out, resulting in a bulging disc.
Here is a complete guide to slip and fall causing bulging discs.
What Is a Bulging Disc?
Bulging or slipped discs are a result of severe and sudden force. This usually occurs in the vertebrae, where bones get damaged, and the disc gets bulged out. However, it can happen anywhere along the vertebral column or spine, possibly due to lifting a heavy load or when an individual slips and falls.
Moreover, bulging discs can also be confused with herniated discs, but they are not the same. A herniated disc occurs due to a weakening in the disc and its rupturing, which can be due to improper lifting or wear and tear.
Can Slip and Fall Cause a Bulging Disc?
The precise answer to the question is an obvious yes. Slipping and falling is quite common. If an individual falls on their back, the sudden force can create pressure on the bones, breaking them and squishing them out of the discs. This can result in a bulging or herniated disc.
Although a person cannot detect a bulging disc without the help of a doctor or medical professional, there are specific symptoms that can indicate so:
Pain and a tingling sensation in the hands, arms, fingers, or shoulders.
The pain can be felt in the back.
Muscular spasms.
Numbness and weakness in the body.
The pain and symptoms may vary from person to person. What a person may feel may not be felt by the other. Hence, legal professionals always suggest going to the doctor as soon as possible.
What Treatment Does a Herniated or Bulging Disc Need?
A person suspected of a bulging or herniated disc can be given multiple treatments, but it does not guarantee complete recovery. Hence, a proper diagnosis must be made by visiting a doctor through an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. This is a critical step, as it can act as a substantial piece of evidence.
The doctor might prescribe the concerned individual physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory or pain relief drugs, rest, and in the worst cases, surgery. However, even after surgery, there is a five percent chance that the individual suffering from a bulging or herniated disc may face a second rupture.
Individuals may have to pay a heavy bill to treat their bulging or herniated disc. In addition, in cases of permanent disability, they may never be able to work with the same intensity and workforce as before.
How Can Someone Make a Claim for a Slip and Fall Injury?
An individual can recover from the damage of bulging and herniated discs. However, this depends on the severity of the condition. Some affected people face fewer complications, and the issue gets resolved in a few weeks. Still, in cases where the individual is severely affected, they will be eligible to make a claim.
To make a valid claim, the individual needs to prove specific criteria:
The injury caused is a result of the fall in a particular place.
There was negligence from the owner’s end that led to a slip and fall injury.
All the expenditures and bills like medical charges and lost remuneration and wages.
If the person suffering from a bulging disc can provide the following evidence, they will be eligible to claim proper compensation with the help of a St Louis MO slip and fall attorney.
Conclusion
An individual is eligible to claim compensation if the slip and fall accident has resulted in a bulging or herniated disc due to the owner’s fault. The property owner where the slip and fall accident occurred can be sued for compensatory damage and liable for a lawsuit.
Legal help must also be sought from the experienced and professional attorneys of the Powell Law Firm if a person needs assistance in civil proceedings.