New York Herniated Disks

A herniated disk is a spinal injury that involves a problem with one of the rubbery cushions that are located between the vertebrae in your spine. Unlike other conditions caused by damage to the spinal cord such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, anterior cord syndrome, and posterior cord syndrome, a herniated disk does not typically cause paralysis. However, a herniated disk can cause significant pain, numbness or weakness in the legs or arms as it can irritate nearby nerves. While some people develop herniated disks from aging, herniated disks are often caused by accidents that result from the negligence. For example, a herniated disk can be caused by a car accident, motorcycle accident, construction accident or a slip and fall. Herniated disks can be quite painful and can limited mobility, making it difficult to work and earn a living. If you suffered a herniated disk in an accident that you believe was another person’s fault, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced New York herniated disks lawyer as the law allows you to file a personal injury claim against the responsible person in order to pursue to compensation for your injuries and losses.

Herniated disks are typically located in the lower back, but can also occur in the neck. The most common symptoms of a herniated disk include:

• Pain. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you are likely to experience significant pain in your buttocks, thigh, calf, or in your foot. If your herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will typically be in your shoulder and arm.
• Numbness or tingling. You may experience numbness or tingling in the part of your body that is related to the affected nerves.
• Weakness. Muscles related to the affected nerves may weaken, causing you to have difficulty walking or impair your ability to lift or hold items.

In addition, in some cases those who suffer from herniated disks also experience bladder and bowel dysfunction.

While a herniated disk can be caused by aging, one can also suffer a herniated disk from lifting heavy objects. In fact, herniated disks are one of the most common workplace injuries. Those who have jobs that involved repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting are at increased risk of an injury that results in a herniated disk. If your injury occurred in the workplace, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, depending on the specifics of your case, even if your injury occurred in the workplace, a New York herniated disks attorney can review your case to determine whether you may be eligible for benefits and compensation beyond workers’ compensation.

Other common causes of herniated disks include car accidents and slip and fall accidents.

If you suffer from a herniated disk, your ability to work may be compromised. For example, if your job involves heavy lifting, you may not be able to perform your job for a period of time. It is also possible that based on the severity of your injury and your response to treatment, you may not be able to return to a job that involves heaving lifting, pull or pushing. As a result, your ability to earn a living and support your family may be compromised. If your injury was the result of another person’s negligence, the law is on your side. As a herniated disks attorney in New York can explain in detail, New York law allows victims of negligence to file personal injury claims in order to demand compensation for their injuries. For example, if your fell down a flight of stairs and suffered a herniated disk in an office building due to worn out carpet, you have the right to file a claim against the owner or manager of the building demanding compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.

If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident, slip and fall accident, construction accident, workplace accident or any other accident that resulted in a herniated disk, it is important that you are represented by an experienced herniated disks attorney serving New York. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has decades of experience successfully representing victims with serious back and spinal injuries. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.