Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious injuries that can occur on the job. In addition to pain and missed time from work, it can leave you totally disabled or with a lifetime of problems. If you could no longer work or if you were suddenly confined to a wheelchair, would you be able to take care of your family? If you receive a spinal cord injury on the job, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim to assist you with your expenses. What Is Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance. In every state there is a law that most employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance for their workers. This is free for employees. If you’re hurt on the job, workers’ compensation may be able to provide you with help with medical expenses, healthcare related to your spinal cord injury, therapy, surgery, medications, medical devices, and vocational rehabilitation. However, to receive help with your expenses, you must first file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. The benefits that you qualify to receive will depend upon the severity of your spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Injuries Can Happen to You on the Job Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious injuries. They occur when there is pressure placed on the spinal cord and its nerves. The spinal cord and the nerves send sensory and motor information to and from the brain, which helps you function. If you suffer from a spinal cord injury, you may lose the ability to walk or be in extreme pain. Common spinal cord injuries in the workplace include: A fall from a ladder, roof, or other high place. This is common for construction workers, warehouse workers, and roofers. You could end up totally paralyzed. Motor vehicle accidents. Electricians, satellite television installation, and delivery drivers can be involved in a car wreck. A serious car wreck can cause a spinal cord injury. Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury If you’ve been in a car wreck or fallen from a great height and experience any of these symptoms, call 911 because you may have a spinal cord injury that can cause long lasting effects on your life: Hard to walk Inability to control your bladder or your bowels Inability to move your arms or legs No feeling in your arms or legs Loss of consciousness Headache Pain, stiffness, and pressure in your back Shock Unnatural head position A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Consider Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim If you’ve received a spinal cord injury while on-the-job, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. You’re going to have expensive medical bills including bills for x-rays, MRIs, therapy, and hospital bills. Workers’ compensation may help you cover these expenses, but you can only get help if you file a workers’ compensation claim. Learn More About Workers’ Compensation If you’re hurt on the job, you should call a workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about your rights under workers’ compensation law. An attorney can help answer your questions and help ensure that you get everything that you deserve under the law.
