Lumbar 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 was going through an intersection when another driver turning left collided with their car. The injured driver claimed injuries to their back, knee, and neck. The jury determined the damages totaled $11,000 for past medical expenses.
One driver was traveling east on Sherman Street in Houston, approaching Adams Street, while the other driver was approaching the same intersection on Adams Street. Both drivers had stop signs. The vehicles collided in the intersection. The injured driver claimed neck and back injuries, including herniated discs. The injured driver sued the other driver for running the stop sign and failing to yield. The defense argued the injured driver failed to keep a proper lookout.
A 19-year-old passenger was injured when the vehicle he was in collided with another vehicle at an intersection. The collision occurred when one driver was proceeding through the intersection and the other driver was making a left turn. The passenger claimed injuries to his back, head, leg, and neck. The case involved claims of negligence against both drivers and vicarious liability against the owner of one of the vehicles.
Lumbar disc injuries involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the lower back, which act as cushions between vertebrae. Injuries range from minor bulges and herniations (where disc material protrudes) to complete ruptures or extrusions (where disc material breaks through the outer layer). These injuries can compress spinal nerves, causing radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, and weakness. Lumbar disc injuries significantly impact mobility, ability to sit or stand for extended periods, and capacity to lift or bend.
Motor vehicle accidents cause lumbar disc injuries through compressive forces during collision impact, rotational forces twisting the spine, sudden deceleration throwing the body forward while the spine remains compressed against the seat, and vertical compression from vehicles being struck and occupants being bounced. High-impact collisions, rollovers, and T-bone crashes create particularly severe spinal forces. Pre-existing disc degeneration can make discs more vulnerable to traumatic injury during accidents.
Conservative treatment starts with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, pain management, and physical therapy focusing on core strengthening and spinal stabilization. Epidural steroid injections may provide temporary relief by reducing nerve inflammation. When conservative treatment fails after 6-12 weeks, surgical options include microdiscectomy (removing herniated disc material), laminectomy (removing bone to relieve nerve pressure), or spinal fusion (permanently joining vertebrae). Recovery from surgery typically requires 6-12 weeks for minimally invasive procedures, longer for fusion. Many patients experience significant improvement, though some develop chronic pain or adjacent segment disease.
Lumbar disc injury cases in Dallas and Tarrant counties require strong medical documentation because defendants often argue disc problems are degenerative rather than traumatic. Key evidence includes MRI scans performed soon after the accident (establishing baseline damage), comparison with any pre-accident imaging, detailed pain journals showing functional limitations, employment records showing work restrictions or missed time, and expert medical testimony from orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons explaining how accident forces caused or aggravated the disc injury. Cases requiring surgery typically result in significantly higher settlements due to medical costs, lost wages, and permanent impairment ratings.
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.