Have you taken a spill at work, in the grocery store, or anywhere in public and later noticed an intense and worsening pain in your lower back? If so, there is a possibility that your slip and fall accident caused sciatic nerve damage. Although many individuals develop sciatica without being in an accident, it is entirely possible for nerve damage to occur from a slip and fall accident. If you are experiencing lower back pain, numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your lower spine and/or legs, you should seek medical attention, and next, seek legal help from a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, PA.
Sciatica Symptoms
Everyone has a sciatic nerve that stretches from the spinal cord down into the pelvic area then throughout the legs. The sciatic nerve is what allows you to experience both feeling in, and control over, your legs. This is what makes the sciatic nerve very important. When this nerve gets agitated in any way, sciatica is the result.
It is important to note that everyone experiences sciatica a little bit differently:
● Some people develop a pain in their lower back that tends to worsen as time goes on. This pain can extend into the buttocks and down through the legs.
● Other people might experience numbness, tingling, or a sense of being stuck by little pins and needles in their lower back and down into the legs.
● Pain can worsen with movement, and, in extreme cases, people can lose all feeling or the ability to move their pelvis and legs. Tingling and numbness have been known to extend all the way to the tips of the toes.
● Incontinence is another major issue that may come with sciatica but is somewhat uncommon. Some might experience difficulty holding their bladder, bowels, or both. If this is the case for you, you need to immediately seek medical attention.
Possible Causes of Sciatica
Although there are many causes of sciatica (including spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and spondylolisthesis), accidental injuries to the sciatic nerve are pretty common. Accidents that result in herniated disks can result in sciatica.
● When the top layer of cartilage surrounding the vertebrae rips, the substance contained within it can lead to compression on the sciatic nerve.
● It is estimated that about one in every 50 people will experience a herniated disk at some point during their life.
● About 10-20% of these people experience symptoms that last longer than six weeks.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you are experiencing sciatic nerve pain as the result of a slip and fall accident, it is important that you see a doctor. You might also want to consider contacting a slip and fall lawyer Milwaukee, WI, offers. If you opt to file a personal injury claim, you will need to prove your damages by presenting copies of your medical records. Treatment for sciatica can be ongoing and expensive, especially in severe cases.
Pain and suffering damages will be predicted within a broader range than the more obvious medical billing damages, but you can opt to file for those as part of your claim. Keep in mind that they are a lot more subjective than tangible medical expenses, as a trip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can explain.
Sciatic pain can range from anywhere to irritating to downright debilitating. If your sciatic pain is the result of a slip and fall accident, know that the at-fault party can possibly be held liable for damages. If you are currently seeking medical attention for your sciatica, keep thorough documentation and contact a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer if you decide to take legal action. You have the right to enjoy good health and well-being.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Hickey & Turim SC for insight into Personal Injury law.
