Herniated, Bulging, and Slipped Discs
When you think about the most common types of bodily harm victims sustain in motor vehicle crashes, back injuries may not rank high on the list. However, a National Institutes of Health study on the frequency of back trauma in auto collisions proves otherwise. A common injury site is the spine, and leading injuries include bulging and/or herniated discs. Though there are many other causes of these conditions, an injured disc is frequently the result of someone else’s careless conduct. If you suffered a herniated disc from a car accident or other incident that wasn’t your fault, solid legal representation is essential for recovering compensation for your losses.
Herniated or bulging discs are a serious concern for victims because they’re very difficult to treat effectively with medication, bed rest, massage, or other remedies. This type of injury can be debilitating and affect many aspects of your life. You can count on the New York City spinal cord injury lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. to pursue the responsible parties for your considerable losses.
To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact us today at (212) 490-5700.
Bulging Disc Injuries
There are 33 vertebrae of the spine that are separated by spongy, gel-filled pockets called discs, which cushion the bones and act as shock absorbers. In a normal, healthy spine, these discs remain confined within the vertebrae. However, in the event of violent trauma, the disc material may bulge or herniate outwards and come into contact with surrounding nerve tissue. Not only is the condition painful, but it can also lead to loss of motion. A bulging or herniated disc in the neck may prevent you from turning your head, and this injury in the lower back may cause shooting pain down one or both of your legs.
The Difference Between Herniated, Slipped, and Bulging Discs
Though many people use the terms interchangeably, herniated and bulging discs are very different injuries. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic explain the difference, describing discs as similar to jelly donuts. With a bulging disc, there’s significant pressure on the spine, but the “jelly” stays inside the donut. When you suffer a herniated disc, the gel-like material protrudes out of the disc, which is why the condition is also called a slipped or ruptured disc.
The effects of this type of injury depend upon the vertebrae that are affected. For a herniated disc in the lower back, you could be unable to sit for long periods of time or do any heavy lifting. A herniated disc in your neck may lead to a severe loss of motion and shooting pain down one or both of your arms.
Common Causes of Disc Injuries
It’s common to suffer a bulging or herniated disc in a car accident, but there are many other causes for such injuries, including:
- Slipping on wet or slick surfaces
- Falls resulting from broken stairs or loose railings
- Tripping over unsecured carpet or flooring
- A pedestrian or bicycle accident
- A workplace accident
- A repetitive work injury from continually performing the same task
Spinal Injuries
Your Rights After a Disc Injury
You may be entitled to herniated or bulging disc compensation if you’re injured due to one of the above-mentioned causes. Your NYC personal injury attorney can explain your rights and options in more detail, but these claims usually fall under the legal concept of negligence. The key is proving that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care when acting, and this misconduct directly caused your injuries.
Compensation for Herniated or Bulging Discs
In most cases, you pursue the negligent person or entity through a claim with their insurance company. Drivers, businesses, and property owners carry liability insurance to protect against such losses. You begin the process by filing a claim with the insurer and requesting a payout for a herniated or bulging disc. It’s possible to seek compensation for such losses as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other monetary damages depending on your specific circumstances
Note that there’s a caveat in workers’ compensation claims. Though you don’t have to prove the elements of negligence, you’re not entitled to damages for pain and suffering.
You may find that the insurer is unwilling to pay a bulging or herniated disc settlement amount that’s sufficient to cover your losses. Having a lawyer on your side during negotiations increases the likelihood that you’ll be successful and satisfied with the results.
The next step may be filing a lawsuit in court if you can’t agree upon a fair, reasonable herniated or bulging disc settlement. Litigation is complex, so retaining an attorney to represent you in court is crucial for protecting your rights.
Speak with a Lawyer about Your Disc Injury
If you suffered a herniated disc from a car accident or other incident, reach out to Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. to set up a free case evaluation. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience fighting for injured victims in New York City and the surrounding areas, and they have recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for injury victims like you. We’re happy to explain your rights and legal remedies after reviewing the details of your case.
Call us today at (212) 490-5700, or reach out through the online form to learn more about how we can help.
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09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
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08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
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06/22/2021
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04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
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03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
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02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
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02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
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02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
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01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
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01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
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01/18/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
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01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
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01/06/2021
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12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
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12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
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12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
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12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
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12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
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12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
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12/07/2020
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12/04/2020
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12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
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12/03/2020
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12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
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12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
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12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
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01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
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07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
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07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
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07/05/2015
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07/05/2015
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07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
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07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
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07/05/2015
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06/05/2019
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05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
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05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
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