How Much is a Herniated Disk Settlement Worth?
There are many variables when deciding a personal injury case’s settlement value. One case involving a herniated disc may be worth far more or less than another. We can discuss “ballpark” figures during a consultation to give you a rough idea of what your case might be worth. However, we can’t develop a firm settlement value without thoroughly investigating your situation.
Orange County personal injury lawyer Aaron Hicks can help you cope with your severe physical injuries, medical bills, psychological harm, wrecked car, and lost income. Make him part of the team that puts your life back together.
Call our office at (949) 541-9944 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation concerning your personal injury accident with Mr. Hicks directly today.
What is a Disk?
The phrase “herniated disk” describes a problem with a rubbery cushion, called a disk, that’s between the spine’s vertebrae (bones that create the spine), according to the Mayo Clinic. These disks have a soft, jellylike center (the nucleus) surrounded by a tougher, rubbery exterior (the annulus).
What is a Herniated Disk?
A herniated disk, or a slipped or ruptured disk, occurs when part of the nucleus pushes through a tear in the annulus. It can happen anywhere on the spine but is most common in the lower back.
As many as half of those with herniated disks don’t know they have them, reports Yale Medicine. Others may suffer:
- Severe sciatica (a sharp pain shooting down the leg) caused by disk pressing on the sciatic nerve when the herniation is in the lower spine
- Upper spine disk herniation can result in a similar feeling in the arms
- Other symptoms can be weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs or arms
- Lost bowel and bladder control
Symptoms may improve over time and surgery usually isn’t needed to address the problem.
What Causes a Herniated Disk?
For most people, disk herniation is due to age-related, gradual wear and tear. Sometimes, a severe jolt from a vehicle accident or fall can cause a disk herniation, or an already herniated disk can worsen.
What’s the Settlement Value of a Case Involving a Herniated Disk?
You’re settling a case, not an injury. Settlement isn’t strictly based on an injury or how serious it is. Generally, verdicts for plaintiffs with a herniated disk are about $350,000, and settlements are about $50,000. But these numbers may mean little in your case, which may be worth much more or less. The Hicks Law Firm works hard so clients obtain the most compensation possible, given their situation.
Some considerations for settlements include,
- Liability evidence: If we can’t establish the defendant is responsible for your accident, your case has no or minimal settlement value because it may be difficult or impossible to show they should compensate you for your injury. The stronger this evidence, the simpler your case, the greater the settlement value
- Degree of limitations: The more physical limitations and the less you can do because of your herniated disk, the greater the settlement value. This is especially true if it impacts your ability to earn an income and forces you to take time off. Chronic pain and limits on how much you enjoy your life and relationships also play a role
- Medical bills: The cost of your medical and rehabilitation significantly affects your settlement value. The more extensive and expensive your care, generally speaking, the more you can demand for a settlement. These costs are a way to judge the seriousness of your injury and case value
- Your recovery: The longer it takes to recover, and the more time you’re in pain and unable to work and enjoy your life, the higher your settlement value. Cases involving long-term or chronic physical problems are worth more than those who suffer more temporary challenges
- Your actions, words, and goals: If you’re not open to going to trial, that reduces the leverage we can use to negotiate a better settlement. Telling others, especially on social media, how great you’re feeling and all the things you’re doing will undercut your claim of pain and disability, reducing your credibility and your case’s settlement value. You must mitigate your damages, so you must take reasonable steps to accept treatment and improve your situation. Not complying with your physician’s instructions, not taking treatment seriously, and skipping physical therapy can greatly reduce your case’s value
The Hicks Law Firm and our clients are a team. We need to work together so you can reach your goal of a fair settlement for what you endure. That teamwork can make all the difference between a successful outcome and a disappointing one.
Aaron Hicks is an Orange County Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust
If another party injured you or a loved one, Aaron Hicks at the Hicks Law Firm can help. He is an experienced Southern California personal injury lawyer representing clients throughout Southern California and Orange County, including Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Nashville.
Aaron Hicks has assisted many injured plaintiffs in Orange County and looks forward to helping you, too. Call us at 949-541-9944 or complete our online contact form so our personal injury attorney may discuss your case.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
