Herniated discs are among the most common spinal injuries that Georgia employees suffer. Disc injuries can cause excruciating pain, require costly medical treatment, and force you to take time off work. These factors combined can lead to financial, physical, and emotional upheaval.
If you sustained a herniated disc injury on the job, you may be entitled to Georgia workers’ compensation benefits. The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. can help you understand your rights and pursue the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about workers’ compensation for herniated disc injuries.
Workers’ Compensation for Herniated Disc Injuries in Georgia
If you suffered a herniated disc injury at work, receiving workers’ compensation benefits can provide essential financial support while you recover. However, applying for and being approved for benefits is not always simple, so working with a workers’ compensation lawyer is essential.
To be eligible for workers’ comp in Georgia, you must meet several criteria:
- Your employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance.
- You must be an employee, not an independent contractor.
- Your injury must have occurred during the course of your employment.
- You must not have caused your injury deliberately.
- Your injury must not be the result of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even if you fail a drug or alcohol test following a work injury, you may be able to rebut the presumption that drugs or alcohol caused your injury.
Proving that your herniated disc injury is work-related can sometimes be challenging, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. You will need to demonstrate that your work activities either caused the herniated disc or aggravated a pre-existing disc injury. This is where the experience of a workers’ compensation attorney can be most helpful.
Your claim will be reviewed by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Because disc injuries can occur with natural wear and tear on the body, insurers tend to resist paying out on claims by arguing the injury is not work-related. A workers’ compensation attorney can assist in gathering the documentation necessary to support your claim.
You can also help to protect your claim. Report your injury in writing to your employer immediately. In Georgia, you generally have 30 days to report a workplace injury, but you help your case by doing it right away.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia include some of the following:
- Medical benefits for reasonable treatment of your injuries
- Partial wage replacement
- Disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation in certain circumstances
Consulting a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand the benefits you may be eligible to receive.
What Are Herniated Disc Injuries?
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through an opening in its tougher exterior casing. This can irritate nearby spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. Herniated discs can result from the natural processes of aging or sudden strains or injuries. Sometimes, a herniated disc is called a slipped disc or bulging disc.
Common causes of herniated disc injuries in the workplace include:
- Heavy lifting – Improper lifting techniques or lifting objects that are too heavy can strain the spine.
- Repetitive motions – Regular bending, twisting, or reaching can gradually wear down spinal discs.
- Slip and falls – Sudden impacts from falls can damage discs.
- Prolonged sitting – Poor posture and extended periods of sitting can stress the lower back.
- Transportation accidents – Vehicle collisions and operating heavy machinery like forklifts can damage spinal discs.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Herniated Disc Injury
Recognizing herniated disc symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Pain radiating down an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling in affected areas
- Muscle weakness
- Burning sensation in the affected area
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms after a workplace incident.
A doctor typically diagnoses a herniated disc through a combination of methods. First, they conduct a physical examination, checking your muscle strength, reflexes, and ability to feel sensations. They may also ask you to perform specific movements to pinpoint the source of your pain.
If your doctor suspects a herniated disc, they may order imaging tests. These can include X-rays to rule out other causes of back pain, MRI scans to visualize soft tissues like discs, or CT scans for a detailed view of the spinal bones.
In some cases, your doctor might recommend electromyography (EMG) to test the electrical impulses of the nerves and muscles. This can help determine whether a herniated disc is compressing any nerves.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia
To file a workers’ compensation claim for a herniated disc injury in Georgia, follow these steps:
- Report your injury to your employer immediately.
- Seek medical attention from an approved provider.
- File a WC-14 form with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
- Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Keep detailed records of your injury, treatment, and expenses.
While receiving workers’ comp benefits is your right, the process can be confusing, and mistakes can set back your claim. A workers’ compensation attorney for herniated disc injuries can guide you through each step, maximizing your chances of success.
Benefits of Hiring a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You are not required to hire a lawyer for your workers’ compensation claim. However, retaining an attorney can take the pressure off during this stressful time. Filing for workers’ comp is a document-heavy process that can be overwhelming on a good day and much harder if you have a painful back injury.
A skilled lawyer can:
- Gather and present evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Advocate for you to receive appropriate medical care
- Appeal denied claims or insufficient benefits
- Represent you at hearings if disputes arise
Put simply, a workers’ compensation attorney is your ally throughout the process, fighting to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
How the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. Can Help
At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., we bring extensive experience in workers’ compensation cases to your herniated disc injury claim. Our team understands the nuances of Georgia workers’ compensation law and how it applies to spinal injuries like herniated discs.
We offer:
- Thorough experience in workers’ compensation cases – Our firm has successfully represented numerous clients with herniated disc injuries, giving us insight into the challenges these cases present.
- Personalized and compassionate legal support – We recognize the physical and emotional toll a workplace injury takes. Our team provides empathetic, individualized attention to each client, ensuring you feel supported throughout the legal process.
- Free initial consultations – We are available to discuss your case and explain your options at no charge and with no strings attached.
Dealing with a herniated disc injury can be trying, but you do not have to navigate the workers’ comp system alone. The Georgia workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Contact us today for a free case review.
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