How Much Is a Bulging Disc Injury Worth?

Average Bulging Disc Injury Settlements in Texas.

A bulging disc injury settlement on average could be from $15,000 to well over $150,000, depending on the severity of the injury, the type of treatment required, and how much it disrupts your ability to work and live normally. If the injury requires steroid injections, leads to surgery, or causes long-term nerve damage, the value of the claim can rise significantly.

But no two cases are the same. The amount you may be entitled to depends on multiple factors—from your medical records to how the accident happened. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what affects a bulging disc injury settlement, what kind of compensation you can expect in Texas, and what steps to take to protect your rights after an accident.

At Genthe Law Firm in Dallas, we’ve helped clients throughout Texas recover fair compensation for injuries just like this. If you’re looking for answers and real support, give us a call at 214-957-0898 for a free consultation.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc protrudes outward, often pressing on nearby nerves. Unlike a herniated disc, where the inner material leaks out, a bulging disc tends to stay intact but still causes pain and discomfort—especially with movement.

These injuries are commonly seen after:

• Car or truck accidents
• On-the-job incidents
• Slips and falls
• Sudden lifting or twisting movements

Bulging discs can happen anywhere along the spine but are most common in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions. Pain may radiate to the arms or legs, and symptoms like tingling or numbness are often reported.

How a Bulging Disc Can Disrupt Your Life

This type of injury can affect your ability to work, drive, or even sit for long periods. Tasks you once took for granted—lifting groceries, cleaning, or simply getting out of bed—can become painful or impossible. If left untreated, the condition may worsen and interfere with your long-term health and independence.

Some people face temporary challenges. Others experience chronic issues that affect their ability to earn a living, maintain relationships, or enjoy a basic quality of life. These real-life impacts factor directly into your potential settlement.

Treatment and Medical Costs

The cost of treating a bulging disc depends on how your body responds to initial care and whether more advanced treatments become necessary.

Conservative treatment options often include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories
• Physical therapy
• Hot/cold therapy
• Activity modification and rest

These can be enough for some people—but when pain lingers or worsens, more involved care may follow.

More advanced treatments include:

• Epidural steroid injections – Often given under imaging guidance to reduce inflammation around the nerve root. Multiple injections may be needed over several months, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per injection.
• Chiropractic care or spinal decompression therapy – These are typically out-of-pocket expenses and may or may not be covered by insurance.
• Surgical intervention – While rare for bulging discs, surgery may be considered if the disc compresses a nerve or leads to severe mobility issues. Procedures like microdiscectomy or laminectomy can cost $20,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on hospital stay and follow-up care.

What this means for your claim

Medical expenses form a large portion of a personal injury settlement. The more extensive your treatment—and the more it disrupts your life—the higher your case value can be. That includes:

• Ongoing therapy
• Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT)
• Specialist visits
• Post-treatment care

Documenting these costs with receipts, doctor notes, and treatment logs strengthens your case significantly. At Genthe Law Firm, we help clients pull together a full picture of their financial impact—down to the last co-pay.

When Legal Action Makes Sense

Not every back injury leads to a lawsuit—but if your bulging disc was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under Texas law.

You should strongly consider legal action if:

• The injury happened in a car or truck accident
• It occurred on the job and involves workers’ comp or third-party liability
• You were hurt in a fall at a business or public place
• The injury has led to ongoing pain, limited mobility, or job loss
• Medical bills are piling up and your insurance won’t cover everything

Texas Law: Time is Limited

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long to act, you may lose your right to seek compensation—even if your injury is serious.

What to do next

The best first step is to get a medical evaluation. From there, contact a personal injury attorney who can help gather evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, and make sure you’re being treated fairly.

At Genthe Law Firm, we offer free consultations. Call us at 214-957-0898, and we’ll let you know whether you have a strong claim—and what you can expect moving forward.

How Much Is a Bulging Disc Injury Worth in Texas?

In Texas, bulging disc settlements typically fall within a range of $15,000 to $150,000—though higher or lower amounts are possible depending on the details.

Factors that influence settlement value:

• Severity of the injury (Did it affect nerves? Require injections or surgery?)
• Length and cost of treatment
• Lost income and missed work
• Pain, emotional distress, and overall disruption to your life
• Percentage of fault (Texas uses a comparative fault system)

Certainly! Here’s the full section on real-world settlement examples for bulging disc injuries in Texas, reprinted in full with a strong closing that ties it back to Genthe Law Firm:

Real Settlement Examples for Bulging Disc Injuries in Texas

When evaluating the potential value of a bulging disc injury claim in Texas, looking at actual settlement outcomes can help set expectations. These examples, reported by various law firms and cities in Texas, show how different factors—like injury severity, treatment type, and the quality of legal representation—can significantly influence how much a case is worth.

$342,500 Settlement for Disc Bulge and Concussion

A rear-end collision resulted in a disc bulge, concussion, and cervical/lumbar sprains. The insurance company initially offered $90,600. After litigation, the case settled for $342,500.

$474,243 Settlement for Multiple Injuries Including Herniated Disc

A T-bone collision caused head, shoulder, knee, neck, and back injuries—including a herniated disc requiring a minimally invasive procedure. Though mediation failed, the case settled for $474,243 before trial.

$205,000 Settlement for Lower Back Herniated Disc

After being rear-ended at a red light, the plaintiff suffered a herniated disc and shoulder damage. The case was resolved at mediation for $205,000.

$173,500 Settlement for Bulging Disc With Surgical Recommendations

A client was rear-ended in Round Rock, Texas, and sustained injuries to the neck, back, shoulder, and hip. Multiple surgeries were recommended, including cervical fusion and lumbar decompression. The case settled for $173,500 before filing a lawsuit.

$1,900,000 Settlement for Multiple Clients With Disc Injuries

Five people were injured when a company vehicle rear-ended them. They suffered disc herniations, fractures, and required multiple surgeries. After litigation, the case settled for $1,900,000.

$225,000 Settlement for Disc Compression and Herniation

A Dallas driver rear-ended by another motorist suffered disc compression and required surgery. The case settled for $225,000.

$1,192,500 Settlement for Wrongful Death Involving Spinal Trauma

Though not a bulging disc case specifically, this wrongful death case involved spinal trauma. A mother of two was killed when her vehicle struck a disabled utility trailer. The family settled for $1,192,500.

$11,560,000 Verdict for Post-Surgical Complications From Spine Surgery

A cervical fusion surgery led to a hematoma and airway blockage, causing anoxic brain injury. The jury awarded $11,560,000 for permanent brain damage and 24/7 care.

What These Settlements Tell Us

These case outcomes illustrate a wide range—from $15,000 to over $1 million—depending on:

• Whether surgery or injections were required
• The extent of permanent damage
• Lost income or diminished earning capacity
• The strength of medical documentation
• Whether the case was litigated or settled early

What’s clear is that strong legal advocacy often results in significantly higher payouts. Insurance companies tend to lowball unrepresented claimants or those with incomplete records. A skilled attorney can present the evidence, negotiate effectively, and push for every dollar you’re owed.

📞 Call 214-957-0898 for a free consultation today. No pressure—just honest guidance and aggressive representation when you need it most.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. Here are some strategies they might use:

• Blaming your pain on pre-existing conditions
• Arguing that your treatment wasn’t necessary
• Delaying your claim to pressure you into a low settlement
• Monitoring your activities to dispute your injury severity

This is why strong documentation and legal support matter. The right attorney can push back with evidence and negotiate firmly on your behalf.

What Can Increase the Value of Your Claim?

Several elements may boost your settlement:

• Documented nerve involvement on MRIs
• Multiple rounds of steroid injections
• A recommendation for surgery
• Loss of ability to perform your job or return to work
• Emotional distress, sleep disruption, or reduced quality of life

If your injury is affecting your future earning ability, a higher payout may be warranted. A skilled attorney can help quantify these effects and include them in your demand.

FAQs About Bulging Disc Injury Claims

Will my settlement be higher if I need surgery for a bulging disc?

Yes. Surgery significantly increases the potential value of your claim. Procedures like a discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion come with steep medical costs, longer recovery periods, and a greater impact on your daily life and future earnings. If surgery is necessary, your case may be valued well above the average bulging disc settlement.

Does it matter what kind of spinal imaging I’ve had (MRI, CT, X-ray)?

Absolutely. MRIs and CT scans provide detailed images that can clearly show a bulging disc pressing on a nerve. These are often more persuasive than standard X-rays, which can’t show soft tissue injuries. The more precise your medical documentation, the easier it is to prove the injury’s severity—and that can raise your settlement value.

What if I was already at risk due to age, weight, or prior back problems?

You’re still eligible for compensation. While age-related disc changes or excess weight might be contributing factors, what matters is whether the accident made your condition worse or caused new symptoms. This is a common tactic insurers use to downplay settlements—but it doesn’t hold up if your medical team can show how the injury changed your baseline health.

I only took over-the-counter meds and did physical therapy—will that hurt my claim?

Not necessarily. Many bulging disc cases begin with conservative care, and if your doctor prescribed physical therapy and monitored your progress, it still counts as valid medical treatment. Keep records of all appointments, receipts, and pain logs to support your claim—even if you didn’t undergo injections or surgery.

Can I still get compensation if my symptoms improve over time?

Yes. Even if your condition improves, you’re entitled to compensation for the pain, disruption, medical expenses, and lost wages you experienced during your recovery. And if your doctor warned of long-term risks or restrictions, that can still influence the value of your case—even after symptoms lessen.

Can I still file a claim if I felt fine right after the accident but developed symptoms later?

Yes. It’s common for bulging disc symptoms to appear days or even weeks after an accident, especially once inflammation sets in or physical activity resumes. Insurance companies may try to argue the delay weakens your claim, but if medical records show a reasonable timeline, it’s still valid. Prompt medical evaluation once symptoms arise is key to linking your condition to the accident.

What if I had a desk job—can I still claim lost wages?

Absolutely. A bulging disc doesn’t just affect physical jobs. If you’re unable to sit for long periods, concentrate due to pain, or manage your normal workload because of medication or fatigue, you’re still eligible to claim lost income. Even reduced hours or a shift in duties can be compensated.

I was hit in a low-speed accident. Can that really cause a bulging disc?

Yes. Bulging discs can occur even in low-speed impacts, especially when the force is absorbed through the spine. The severity of the vehicle damage doesn’t always reflect the severity of the injury. Medical imaging is the best way to support your claim.

What if I already had back pain before the accident—but now it’s worse?

You may still be entitled to compensation. Texas law allows you to recover damages if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition. The key is demonstrating a clear worsening of symptoms after the incident. Your doctor’s records and a before-and-after comparison can be powerful evidence.

I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt—can I still file a claim?

Yes, but it may affect your payout. Texas follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your settlement can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Not wearing a seatbelt might lower your award, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from recovering damages.

My employer says my back pain isn’t from the workplace incident. What should I do?

Get a second opinion—and legal help. Employers and their insurance carriers may deny liability for spine injuries by blaming wear and tear or unrelated causes. But if your symptoms started after a specific incident at work, you have a right to pursue a workers’ comp or third-party injury claim. We help clients dispute unfair denials and connect them with trusted medical professionals.

Can I settle my case without going to court?

Most bulging disc injury cases settle out of court, especially when there’s clear evidence and strong legal representation. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean you’ll end up in trial—it’s often just a way to show the insurance company you’re serious.

Don’t Settle Before You Know What Your Claim Is Worth

If you’re dealing with a bulging disc after an accident, don’t let the insurance company downplay your pain. At Genthe Law Firm, we help accident victims throughout Dallas and across Texas fight for what they’re owed.

📞 Call us now at 214-957-0898 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s talk about your injury and what your case may be worth.