Degenerative Disc Disease Aggravated by Car Accident
If you have a degenerative disc disease (DDD) and were in a car accident, the impact could worsen your condition. Because you have a pre-existing condition, most insurance companies may try to deny your claim or downplay how the crash aggravated it. Many people with mild degenerative disc disease find themselves facing severe injuries, chronic pain, and worsened symptoms after a car accident. An experienced Ohio car accident attorney can gather medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence to support a demand for compensation for your degenerative disc disease aggravated by an auto accident.
Can a Car Accident Aggravate Degenerative Disc Disease?
Yes, a car accident can aggravate degenerative disc disease. DDD is a condition in which the spinal discs deteriorate over time, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A sudden, violent impact like a car crash can worsen disc degeneration by causing:
- Increased disc compression and nerve irritation
- Herniation or bulging of one or more discs in the spine, worsening the existing degenerative condition
- New back pain, such as soft tissue damage
Can a Car Accident Cause Scoliosis?
A car accident is unlikely to cause scoliosis, which is typically a developmental condition characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine. However, a car accident may worsen spinal curvature in some instances, leading to:
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal misalignment
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Muscle imbalances that cause further curvature of the spine
- Worsened pain
- Limited mobility
What Worsens Degenerative Disc Disease After an Accident?
Degenerative disc disease creates an environment in which the spine is more vulnerable to trauma. The effect of a car accident on an individual with even mild or moderate DDD is often far worse than on someone without a pre-existing spine injury or condition. Several factors can make degenerative disc disease symptoms worse after a crash, including:
- Nerve Compression — Bulging or herniated discs can press against nerves, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Inflammation — Trauma from the accident can cause painful inflammation and swelling around the discs.
- Increased Disc Damage — A sudden impact can cause discs to rupture or degenerate further.
- Limited Mobility — Pain and stiffness can make it more challenging to stay active, potentially leading to further degeneration over time.
People Also Asked
When people come to see us, they often have several questions about what to expect moving forward. Here are the answers to some of those questions.
1.How do you prove a car accident aggravated degenerative disc disease?
A: Medical records, expert testimony, and imaging (like MRIs) can show how your condition worsened after the accident. An attorney can work with medical professionals to connect your increased pain and new symptoms to the crash.
2. Can I get compensation if I already had degenerative disc disease before the accident?
A: Yes. If the accident made your condition worse, you can seek compensation for your increased pain, medical expenses, physical therapy, chronic pain, lost wages, and reduced quality of life through a car accident lawsuit.
3. How much is a degenerative disc disease settlement worth?
A: Settlement amounts vary based on the severity of your condition, medical costs, and how much the accident impacted your life. A personal injury lawyer can assess your case and fight for the maximum compensation in your car accident settlement.
Contact Our Ohio Car Accident Attorneys
If your motor vehicle accident worsened your degenerative disc disease, you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone. Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, has the experience and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Ohio car accident attorney.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
