Numerous employees in New Jersey and elsewhere experience back injuries while working. Some individuals may only require rest, pain medication and rehabilitation in order to recover, while others may require more extensive treatments or life-long care. When injuries to the spinal cord occur on the job, employees may apply for workers’ compensation benefits in order to help cover the cost of their recoveries or disabilities — if applicable.
A spinal cord injury is usually the result of a sudden blow to the back. This can cause damage to the vertebrae, discs and nerves. For many individuals, the result of such an incident will result in pain, but for others the damage may be more severe, possibly causing partial or full paralysis.
Depending on the severity of a spinal cord injury, there are a number of treatments that may be utilized to care for the injured. These include medications, surgery, electrical stimulation and skill-building physical therapy — among others. Along with treating the physical aspects of such an injury, counseling for emotional support is also often implemented.
A spinal cord injury can have temporary or permanent consequences that can affect one’s life both personally and professionally. However, employees in New Jersey who have suffered spinal injuries while on the job may find it difficult to obtain full compensation for their losses. With the assistance of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, injured workers can take the necessary steps in fighting insurance companies for the benefits to which they are entitled. If applicable, further compensation may be sought by filing third-party claims against those believed responsible for one’s injuries.
Source: ninds.nih.gov, “Spinal Cord Injury Information Page”, Accessed on Nov. 13, 2016