Steroid Injections and Herniated Disc Injury Settlements in Florida

Herniated disc injuries are a common consequence of accidents, especially car accidents, and they can vary in severity from person to person. For many, these injuries are not immediately apparent, and it may take time to realize the full extent of the damage. 

In Florida, where traffic accidents are unfortunately common, understanding the treatment options and the potential legal outcomes for herniated disc injuries is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of steroid injections in treating herniated disc injuries and examine some real-life settlements and verdicts in Florida related to these injuries.

Understanding Herniated Discs and Treatment Options

A herniated disc can be a painful and debilitating condition, impacting people in various ways. Some may not even be aware they have a herniation, while others can experience severe discomfort. 

When dealing with herniated disc injuries, there is a spectrum of treatment options available, starting with conservative approaches and moving toward more intensive interventions.

• Conservative Treatment: The initial course of treatment often involves non-invasive methods such as anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. Many patients respond well to these treatments and experience relief.
• Steroid Injections: If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, the next step is often steroid injections. These injections are administered directly into the spine, aiming to reduce swelling and alleviate nerve pressure caused by the herniated disc.

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

There are three primary approaches to epidural steroid injections that lawyers often encounter in personal injury cases:

• Interlaminar Epidural Injection: This involves injecting anti-inflammatory medicine and steroids into the epidural space, and it is the most common type seen in personal injury cases.
• Transforaminal Epidural Injection (Nerve Blocks): In this procedure, local anesthetic and steroids are injected into the area where spinal nerves exit, such as lumbar, cervical, or thoracic regions.
• Caudal Epidural Injections: These injections involve injecting caudal steroids into the epidural space through the sacral hiatus. These are usually seen after back surgery, which may not always provide the victim with relief.

Settlements for Herniated Disc Injuries in Florida

Now, let’s delve into real-life settlement summaries for herniated disc injury cases in Florida. These cases showcase the wide range of outcomes and the factors that influence settlement amounts:

• 2022, Florida: $4,576 Verdict
  • A woman injured her neck, shoulders, and mid-back in a rear-end accident, aggravating her pre-existing lumbar bulges and herniations. The jury awarded $4,576.
• 2021, Florida: $4,985,379 Verdict
  • A woman suffered a C5-6 herniation in a rear-end collision and received nearly $5 million in damages.
• 2021, Florida: $18,000 Verdict
  • A woman and her son sustained herniations in a rear-end collision, resulting in an $18,000 verdict.
• 2020, Florida: $25,000 Settlement
  • A 26-year-old woman with cervical and lumbar herniations settled her case for $25,000 after being T-boned.
• 2020, Florida: $319,100 Verdict
  • A man received a $319,100 verdict for L4-5 and L5-S1 herniations after slipping in a supermarket.
• 2020, Florida: $1,198,643 Verdict
  • A man received $1,198,643 in damages for a C5-6 disc herniation and other injuries after slipping and falling in a Burger King restroom.
• 2020, Florida: $1,480,000 Verdict
  • A woman slipped on grease and suffered herniations in her neck and lower back, leading to a $1,480,000 verdict.
• 2019, Florida: $1 Million Verdict
  • A highway patrol officer was rear-ended and received over $1 million in damages for multiple disc herniations and other injuries.
• 2019, Florida: $655,693 Verdict
  • A 28-year-old real estate broker received $655,693 in damages after a garbage truck struck her SUV, causing herniations and significant pain.
• 2019, Florida: $1.3 Million Verdict
  • A microbiologist was stopped in traffic and rear-ended, leading to herniations and shoulder injuries. She received $1,300,000 in damages.

Steroid Injections vs. Surgery: Making a Choice

The choice between steroid injections and surgery for herniated disc injuries can be a complex one. 

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections, also known as epidural steroid injections, are a non-surgical treatment option for herniated disc injuries. They involve the administration of medication, including anti-inflammatory steroids, directly into the epidural space around the affected spinal nerves. This approach aims to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by reducing pressure on the compressed nerves caused by the herniated disc. Here are some key considerations when contemplating steroid injections:

• Non-Invasive: Steroid injections are non-invasive procedures, meaning they do not require surgical incisions. This aspect can be appealing to patients who wish to avoid the potential risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
• Pain Management: Steroid injections are effective in managing pain and can provide relief for many individuals. They are particularly useful for those with mild to moderate herniations and can be part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
• Less Disruptive: The recovery period following steroid injections is typically shorter compared to surgery, allowing patients to resume their daily activities sooner.
• Minimized Risk: Steroid injections generally carry fewer risks and complications than surgery, making them a safer choice for certain patients, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

Surgery

Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of severe or unresponsive herniated disc injuries. While surgery is more invasive and entails certain risks, it can provide significant benefits, particularly when non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective. Here are some considerations when evaluating surgery as an option:

• Efficacy: Surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments, including steroid injections, fail to alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with a herniated disc. It can directly address the root cause of the problem.
• Specific Procedures: There are different surgical procedures available, depending on the location and severity of the herniation. Common surgeries for herniated discs include discectomy (removal of the herniated disc material), laminectomy (removal of the lamina to access the spinal canal), and spinal fusion (connecting two vertebrae to stabilize the spine).
• Long-Term Results: Surgery can offer long-term relief and prevent further complications associated with untreated or recurring herniated discs. Patients who undergo surgery may experience a significant improvement in their quality of life.
• Patient Selection: The decision to undergo surgery is often made in consultation with medical professionals who assess the patient’s overall health, the specific characteristics of the herniation, and the potential benefits of surgery in their case.

Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts

Various factors can influence settlement compensation for herniated disc injury cases. It’s important to consider the following elements that may impact the outcome of a case:

• Medical Records and Diagnosis: The strength of medical evidence, including the diagnosis of herniated discs and their impact on the patient, plays a significant role in determining settlement amounts.
• Severity of the Injury: The severity of the herniated disc injury and its effects on the victim’s daily life, including pain and suffering, can significantly impact the settlement.
• Jurisdiction: The location of the legal proceedings can affect settlement amounts due to variations in local laws and legal precedents.
• Insurance Policies: The insurance coverage available to the parties involved, including both the at-fault party and the victim, can influence the settlement.
• Insurance Company: The specific insurance company involved can affect the negotiation and final settlement.
• Legal Representation: Having an experienced personal injury attorney who can advocate effectively for the victim’s rights and fair compensation is crucial.

Reach Out To an Experienced Deerfield Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve suffered a herniated disc injury in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and believe that negligence or wrongdoing by another party is responsible, it’s essential to take action promptly. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer serving Deerfield Beach. You can reach out to Frankl Kominsky today by calling (561) 800-8000 to schedule a free consultation. 

Our legal team is here to support you through every step of the legal process, from initial consultation to case resolution. We will work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for your herniated disc injury case, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical care and financial compensation to move forward with your life.