For workers suffering from degenerative disc disease, navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation settlements can be daunting. This condition, which involves the gradual deterioration of spinal discs, presents unique challenges when it comes to proving work-related injuries and securing adequate compensation.
Here are four key aspects you should be aware of when dealing with workers’ compensation for degenerative disc disease. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 if you require help from an employment law attorney.
Proving Work-Related Degenerative Disc Disease
Establishing that degenerative disc disease is related to your workplace activities is often challenging. This condition develops gradually, often as a part of the natural aging process, but can be exacerbated by physically demanding work.
For instance, a minor workplace incident leading to significant pain due to pre-existing degenerative disc disease might be dismissed as unrelated by employers or insurance companies. This is because they might view it as a preexisting condition, not caused by workplace activities, thus complicating your workers’ compensation claim.
Sudden Injuries Can Aggravate the Condition
Degenerative disc disease can be dormant until a sudden, even minor, workplace injury triggers severe symptoms. This sudden onset can lead to skepticism from employers and insurers, who may argue that the injury is not as severe as claimed or that it’s unrelated to work activities. These challenges underscore the need for a thorough medical evaluation and expert legal guidance from PLBH to establish the connection between the workplace injury and the aggravated condition.
The Debilitating Nature of the Disease
While often asymptomatic, degenerative disc disease can become extremely debilitating, especially after an aggravating injury. Symptoms can range from intense spinal pain to stiffness and nerve-related issues like tingling or numbness. In severe cases, the disease can render a person unable to continue working, significantly impacting their life and livelihood.
Variability in Settlement Amounts
Workers’ compensation settlements for degenerative disc disease can vary widely, reflecting the diverse range of symptoms and degrees of disability it can cause. Some cases may result in substantial settlements, particularly when the disease leads to long-term or permanent disability. Conversely, others may settle for lower amounts, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the ability to link them to workplace activities.
Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease involves the gradual wear and tear of the spinal discs, which is a normal part of aging. However, certain jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive twisting and turning can accelerate this process. Even sedentary jobs can contribute to the disease’s progression, as lack of regular physical activity can weaken back muscles, making them more susceptible to injury.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease
In the realm of workers’ compensation, you’re entitled to disability benefits that cover a portion of lost wages and medical care. This includes reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses and compensation for wages lost during recovery. Once you reach maximum medical improvement, your permanent disability benefits are calculated based on a disability rating.
Settling Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation cases usually settle after reaching maximum medical improvement. These settlements can take the form of a compromise and release, offering a lump sum covering future medical care and disability benefits, or as a stipulation and award, agreeing to ongoing payments for medical bills and disability.
How PLBH Can Help
If you’re struggling with a workers’ compensation claim related to degenerative disc disease, establishing a relationship with an experienced attorney from PLBH is crucial. A skilled lawyer can help navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for guidance and representation in securing your workers’ compensation benefits.