Negligence at work leads to back and/or neck injuries, swollen discs, lost work, debilitating pain, lost opportunities, and costly medical expenses. In fact, two million back injuries happen each year in the United States alone. However, our legal system provides potentially powerful recourse for workers who have been injured on the job—a reality that is further complicated by rules and regulations that differ from state to state. People facing neck/back injuries at work often feel discouraged by the complexity of the benefits system.
At The Walker Law Group, we know what it takes to support those in this situation and provide them with the resources they need to recover maximum compensation. In this blog post, we discuss how workers should handle a neck or back injury (or any other type of workplace injury)—from determining eligibility for disability benefits, managing time off due to recovery, filing insurance claims, understanding when it’s appropriate to contact an attorney and more. Read on for an overview of this process so you’ll know exactly what steps must be taken if you or your loved one ever experience a workplace accident.
Understand Your Rights
As an employee who has been injured on the job, it is crucial to understand your rights. It can be daunting to navigate the legal system, especially if you have suffered a neck or back injury. Seeking the guidance of a professional neck and back injury attorney can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your rights are protected. They can explain the Workers’ Compensation system and assist you in obtaining benefits, including medical treatment and wages lost due to your injury.
Remember, you have the right to a safe working environment. No matter what else, you deserve safety and compensation for breaches in safety.
Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Suffering from a neck or back injury can be a painful and stressful experience becuase these types of injuries can often have long-lasting effects on your daily life. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after sustaining such an injury. A qualified medical professional can provide a proper diagnosis and outline an effective treatment plan that will put you on the best path toward recovery.
Also, documenting your treatment means you have a paperwork trail to show your company when discussing settlement amounts.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Comp for a back injury typically covers medical expenses, lost wages due to missed workdays, and rehabilitation costs. Depending on the severity of the injury, workers may be eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits. It is important to note that not all back injuries are covered by Workers’ Compensation (ex., those incurred during your commute to work). However, by familiarizing yourself with the Workers’ Compensation system and understanding which benefits you may be eligible for, you can ensure that you receive the support you need to recover from your injury and return to work.
Follow Up with Medical Treatment
As an injured worker, it is crucial to follow up with medical treatment recommended by your physician and keep track of all doctor visits and medical bills incurred because of the injury. This not only ensures you receive the proper care, but it can also make a significant impact on your worker’s comp claim.
Documenting every medical expense for your neck and back will help you accurately calculate the total cost of your injury and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. It also make the claims process smoother and quicker. So, take the time to track your worker’s comp medical bills and doctor visits—it can pay off in the long run.
Track Your Lost Wages
Sustaining an injury can be a painful experience both physically and financially. One of the most significant impacts on individuals is the lost wages due to missed workdays or reduced hours that can stretch for an extended period.
The burden of managing finances when someone can’t earn as usual is not always easy. It can lead to stress and anxiety while trying to make ends meet. But documenting missed workdays and reduced hours calculates the extent of the damages. This record can help you in assessing the settlement ammount that might be owed to you. This valuable information can also help your lawyer present the damages you have suffered to insurance and/or court hearings.
Other Thoughts
Average Settlement for Neck or Back Injury
The settlement for neck or back injuries typically depends on the severity of the injury, the circumstances surrounding it, and the impact it has on an individual’s daily life and work. Workers’ compensation settlements usually cover medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes additional compensation for pain and suffering or long-term disability. However, it’s important to understand that each case is unique, and the settlement amount will vary greatly.
Types of Therapy Covered in Workers’ Compensation Neck Injury Claims
For workers’ compensation claims involving neck injuries, including conditions like radiculopathy (which involves nerve root irritation or compression), therapy may include:
- Physical therapy to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility.
- Chiropractic treatment in some cases, especially if spinal alignment is involved.
- Occupational therapy to assist workers in returning to work or adjusting to limitations.
- Pain management treatments like medication or nerve blocks may also be covered.
- Surgical interventions may be required in more severe cases, though this typically requires specific approval.
Wrapping It All Up
Taking the right steps is essential after getting a neck or back injury at work. It’s important to understand your rights as an employee, seek medical attention as soon as possible, and contact an experienced lawyer to ensure that you receive the proper benefits for your case. Be sure to follow up with any recommended medical treatment and document all doctor visits for your records. Additionally, keep track of any wages lost due to missing workdays related to the injury.
The Walker Law Group can provide support throughout the entire process so you can get fair compensation for your injury. We offer years of expertise and have won various awards across many areas of law. Contact us today for a consultation about your personal injury case! With our dedication to delivering justice to each of our clients comes our pledge to represent your best interests in the face of legal action since no one should ever go through such a difficult time alone.
*Every case is different, and this blog is not legal advice. For advice about your particular case, contact an attorney.
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