Degenerative disc disease, or DDD, is a condition that happens over time as the discs in your spine wear down. A car accident cannot cause DDD to start, but it can make existing problems worse. Even a minor crash can lead to increased pain or new symptoms if the discs were already weakened. Insurance companies sometimes try to argue that the pain comes from a preexisting condition, but the law recognizes that an accident can aggravate it. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means that the at-fault driver is responsible for the full extent of your injuries, even if your spine was already fragile.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease happens when the cushioning discs between the bones in your spine begin to break down. This can cause pain in your back, neck, or radiating pain in your arms and legs. Common signs include stiffness, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Age, genetics, prior injuries, and repetitive strain all play a role. Medical imaging like MRIs or X-rays often show disc thinning, bone spurs, or changes to the spinal canal. When a car accident aggravates DDD, these symptoms can get worse, sometimes requiring medical treatment or surgery.
Can a Car Accident Aggravate Degenerative Disc Disease?
Even if degenerative disc disease is preexisting, a car accident can aggravate it. Sudden forces during a collision can strain discs, ligaments, and muscles around the spine. The accident can accelerate pain, swelling, or nerve compression, leading to longer recovery or surgery. This aggravation can be included in a personal injury claim because the accident worsened your condition. Medical records that show increased symptoms after the crash are crucial for proving the aggravation.
What Is an Eggshell Plaintiff?
The eggshell plaintiff rule protects people who already have health issues. It says that the person who caused the accident must take the victim as they find them. Even if someone’s back was already weak, the at-fault driver or their insurance company is responsible for the full injuries caused or worsened by the accident. This is why someone with degenerative disc disease can still recover compensation if a car accident makes their symptoms worse.
Examples of Settlements of Disc Injuries
Settlement amounts for cases involving aggravated degenerative disc disease vary depending on the severity of injuries, surgeries required, and the impact on a person’s life. Past cases in Florida show:
- $1,575,000 for a three-level cervical disc herniation after a rear-end collision, requiring surgery.
- $1,074,169 for cervical disc herniations and back pain after a sideswipe accident, combined with arm fractures and surgeries.
- $500,000 for a neck herniated disc caused by a left-turn accident, also requiring surgery.
These numbers show that compensation can be significant, but every case is different. Settlements often range from $300,000 to over $1,500,000 depending on medical treatment, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
How Degenerative Disc Disease Affects the Value of a Personal Injury Case
Preexisting degenerative disc disease does not mean a case has no value. Insurance companies may try to reduce offers because the condition existed before the crash. However, if medical records show that the accident aggravated the disease, the victim may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Serious injuries may exceed no-fault insurance limits, and additional claims may be necessary to cover the full cost of recovery. Non-economic damages like chronic pain and limited mobility are often included in the total value of a case.
Potential Compensation in a Degenerative Disc Disease Case
Compensation can cover many aspects of a person’s life affected by an aggravated condition:
- Medical treatment costs, including surgery, therapy, and ongoing care
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term care or modifications needed for mobility
- In rare cases, punitive damages if the at-fault driver acted recklessly
Medical documentation showing the severity of symptoms and treatment is essential to get full compensation. Lawyers often work with spine specialists to support claims about the aggravation of degenerative disc disease.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If a car accident has worsened your degenerative disc disease, you should talk to a lawyer who understands these injuries. Having someone experienced can help you prove that the accident aggravated your condition and that you deserve fair compensation. Even preexisting conditions can be included in a claim, and a skilled car lawyer can make sure the insurance company does not offer less than you are owed. Don’t wait—getting help early can protect your rights and make recovery easier.