A neck injury can sideline you from performing essential tasks, like working and performing the tasks of everyday life. But if you sustained your injury on the job, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation in Georgia. Workers’ comp can provide vital benefits to offset your financial losses while you heal. But where should you start?
The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. can help you apply for benefits if you are recovering from a workplace neck injury. Contact us today to speak with a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer. The first consultation is free.
Common Types of Neck Injuries
Here are some of the most common workplace neck injuries:
- Strains and sprains – Strains involve the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Sprains affect ligaments. Neck strains and sprains can occur from sudden movements, such as lifting heavy objects, twisting the neck forcefully, or working in awkward positions for extended periods.
- Whiplash – Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck, often due to motor vehicle accidents or slip-and-fall incidents.
- Pinched nerves – Nerves can become compressed, pinched, or irritated due to herniated discs, bone spurs, or other forces that put pressure on the nerves. Pinched nerves can occur due to repetitive strain or an acute accident.
- Cervical fracture – Fractures in the neck vertebrae can result from severe trauma, such as falls from heights or heavy machinery accidents. These injuries require immediate medical attention, especially if the fracture also damages the spinal cord.
- Herniated discs – A disc herniates when the jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc protrudes from the outer shell, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, and difficulty with movement. Lifting, bending, and pulling movements increase the risk of herniated discs.
- Paralysis – Severe injuries to the spinal cord at the neck could result in partial or complete paralysis.
What to Do After a Workplace Neck Injury
Georgia has strict procedures for applying for workers’ compensation after a work-related injury. Follow these steps to protect your right to benefits:
- Report the accident – Notify your employer of the neck injury as soon as possible. If you fail to report within 30 days, you risk losing workers’ compensation benefits.
- Get medical treatment – Generally, you must receive medical treatment from an authorized physician approved by your employer. There are some limited exceptions to this requirement. An attorney can advise you whether your case may qualify for one of the exceptions to treatment with a panel physician.
- Gather documents – Gather all documents related to the accident and your injuries.
- Consult a lawyer – A workers’ compensation attorney can take over the claims process for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
- Notify the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) – Complete a Form WC-14. Send copies to your employer and their workers’ comp insurer. If you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, they can take care of this step for you.
- File a workers’ compensation claim – Complete and file a claim with the SBWC.
Although the process sounds simple, it’s easy to make an innocent mistake that leads to a claim denial or delay in payments. An experienced lawyer can help you avoid the common pitfalls that could set back your workplace neck injury claim.
What is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement for Neck Injuries?
An average settlement for neck injuries is hard to calculate because each settlement depends on the severity of the injury, its effect on the person’s ability to work, and the prognosis for recovery. Severe neck injuries that result in long-term disability, extensive medical treatment, and significant wage loss may result in higher settlements. On the other hand, minor neck strains with relatively quick recovery times usually result in smaller settlements.
The presence of a strong legal advocate can also affect the settlement amount. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney understands what benefits you’re entitled to under the law and can fight for your right to all the money you deserve.
Talk to an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney in Georgia
Seeking legal assistance after a job-related neck injury is crucial. Insurance companies often try to avoid payouts by arguing that neck injuries are due to pre-existing conditions like degenerative disc disease or an old injury. Get the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. on your side. Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys will stand up for you and fight for the full benefits you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free case review.
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