Cervical Disc Injury cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.
Last updated: November 2025
One driver ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. The injured driver underwent neck surgery and experienced recurring pain, requiring further treatment and future medical care. The defense argued the injured driver was comparatively negligent and the accident was unavoidable.
Cervical disc injuries affect the intervertebral discs in the neck, which provide cushioning and flexibility between cervical vertebrae. These injuries include disc bulges, herniations, ruptures, and degenerative changes accelerated by trauma. When damaged discs compress spinal nerves, symptoms include neck pain, radiating arm pain, numbness or tingling in fingers, shoulder pain, headaches, and weakness in arms or hands. Severe cases can affect grip strength, fine motor skills, and ability to perform overhead activities.
Motor vehicle accidents cause cervical disc injuries through hyperflexion/hyperextension (rapid forward and backward neck motion), axial loading forces (vertical compression of the spine), rotational forces twisting the neck beyond normal range, and lateral forces in side-impact collisions. Rear-end collisions and head-on crashes create the most severe cervical forces. The weight of the head (10-12 pounds) acts as a lever during sudden deceleration, creating enormous stress on cervical discs. Improper headrest position or lack of headrest increases injury risk significantly.
Initial treatment includes immobilization with soft cervical collar (limited duration), pain medications, muscle relaxants, and ice/heat therapy. Physical therapy begins once acute pain subsides, focusing on gentle range of motion exercises, postural correction, and neck strengthening. Advanced treatments include cervical epidural injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. Surgical intervention (anterior cervical discectomy with fusion or artificial disc replacement) becomes necessary when conservative treatment fails or neurological symptoms worsen. Surgery recovery typically requires 6-12 weeks with fusion, allowing return to light activities, though permanent restrictions on heavy lifting and overhead work often remain.
Cervical disc injury cases in Dallas-Fort Worth command higher settlements than soft tissue claims due to objective MRI findings and often surgical intervention. However, defendants frequently argue disc damage was pre-existing degeneration rather than acute trauma. Strong cases require MRI within weeks of accident, documented progression of symptoms correlating with disc pathology, EMG/nerve conduction studies proving nerve compression, neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon testimony establishing traumatic etiology, and vocational expert testimony regarding permanent work restrictions. Surgical cases typically settle for significantly more due to high medical costs ($50,000-$150,000+ for fusion surgery), extended recovery periods, and permanent impairment ratings affecting future earning capacity.
Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Dallas-Fort Worth
Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.