BROOKLYN, NY - Herniated disc injuries from slip and fall accidents often require treatment beyond conservative care, and the level of medical intervention can directly influence the value of a personal injury claim. Brooklyn personal injury attorney Samantha Kucher of Kucher Law Group (https://www.rrklawgroup.com/how-much-could-a-steroid-injection-increase-settlement-on-your-herniated-disc-case/) explains how epidural steroid injections may increase compensation in premises liability cases involving spinal injuries.
According to Brooklyn personal injury attorney Samantha Kucher, a herniated disc occurs when one of the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae tears or ruptures, allowing the interior material to press against nearby nerves. The condition can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms depending on the location of the herniation. "When conservative treatment like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication fails to provide relief, steroid injections become the next step in the treatment progression," explains Kucher. "That escalation signals to insurance adjusters and juries that the injury is more serious than a standard soft tissue claim."
Brooklyn personal injury attorney Samantha Kucher notes that epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure in which a pain management specialist delivers corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord using fluoroscopic guidance. The injections reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on affected nerves, though they do not heal the herniated disc itself. Pain relief from a single injection typically lasts several weeks to a few months, and most physicians limit patients to two to four injections per year due to the risk of tissue and bone weakening from repeated steroid use.
Attorney Kucher emphasizes that the need for steroid injections can strengthen a personal injury claim in several ways. Each injection adds to total medical expenses, including the procedure itself, pain management consultations, and follow-up imaging. The number of injections matters as well, since a patient who required multiple rounds of treatment over time demonstrates a persistent condition that conservative approaches could not resolve. "A single injection may produce a modest increase in settlement value, but multiple injections over an extended period reflect a chronic, ongoing condition that demands greater compensation," she adds.
Several factors determine overall settlement value in herniated disc cases involving steroid injections. Injury severity plays a central role, as multi-level herniations with nerve damage tend to produce higher settlements than single-level injuries. Total past and anticipated future medical costs directly increase the damages calculation, and six epidural injections plus pain management visits can generate significant medical bills. Lost wages from missed work due to pain, medical appointments, and recovery periods contribute to economic damages. Non-economic damages, including chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and limitations on daily activities such as the inability to lift children, exercise, or sleep comfortably, also factor into the calculation. Under New York CPLR § 1411, compensation is reduced by the injured party's percentage of comparative fault, meaning liability strength directly impacts the final amount. Steroid injections can also support claims for future medical expenses when physicians document that additional care is likely needed.
The team at Kucher Law Group points out that insurance companies routinely challenge herniated disc claims through Independent Medical Examinations. Despite the name, these examinations are conducted by physicians selected and paid by the defendant's insurer. The examining doctor may conclude that the herniation is related to a pre-existing or degenerative condition rather than the accident, that the steroid injections were medically unnecessary, or that the patient has recovered sufficiently to return to work without restrictions. Under New York CPLR § 3121, the defense has the right to request a physical examination when the plaintiff's condition is at issue. "Thorough documentation of the injury, consistent medical treatment, and close communication with legal counsel are critical to protecting the value of a claim when the defense challenges your medical evidence," advises Kucher.
When steroid injections fail to provide lasting relief, surgery may become the recommended course of treatment. Common procedures include microdiscectomy, which involves removing the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve, and spinal fusion, which permanently connects two or more vertebrae. Surgical cases typically carry the highest settlement values because they involve greater medical expenses, longer recovery periods, and more significant impacts on quality of life. Attorney Kucher notes that settling a case before surgery is complete may leave compensation that does not account for the full cost of the procedure, post-operative rehabilitation, and potential complications.
Individuals who suffered a herniated disc in a slip and fall accident and are receiving steroid injections may benefit from consulting with an experienced premises liability attorney to evaluate how their treatment history affects the value of their claim. For those facing these circumstances, contacting a personal injury attorney may help ensure that compensation reflects the full scope of the injury and its treatment.
About Kucher Law Group:
Kucher Law Group is a Brooklyn-based law firm dedicated to personal injury and premises liability representation. Led by attorney Samantha Kucher, the firm handles herniated disc claims involving steroid injections, surgical intervention, and complex settlement negotiations throughout Kings County and New York. For consultations, call (929) 563-6780.
Embeds:
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS0Mt7kcuUw
GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=5716384493669715397
Email and website
Email: contact@rrklawgroup.com
Website: https://www.rrklawgroup.com/
Media Contact
Company Name: Kucher Law Group
Contact Person: Samantha Kucher
Email:Send Email
Phone: (929) 563-6780
Address:463 Pulaski St #1c
City: Brooklyn
State: New York 11221
Country: United States
Website: https://www.rrklawgroup.com/
