Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Neck Injury Settlements

Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, represent injured workers in Gastonia, NC, for workers’ compensation neck injury settlements. Our Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyers can assist you, so contact us to receive help now.

Understanding Neck Injury Workers’ Compensation Settlements in Gastonia, NC

A neck injury sustained at work can qualify you for a workers’ compensation settlement in Gastonia, NC. A settlement is an agreement that resolves your case, typically resulting in a lump sum payment.

Suffering a neck injury on the job can be life-changing. The benefits you receive may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and any long-term impairment. An attorney can assist you in building your case and negotiating your benefits. Our lawyers in Gastonia, NC, are accepting new cases.

Workplace Accidents That Commonly Cause Neck Injuries

Workplace accidents that commonly cause neck injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents can result in blunt force trauma or whiplash.
• Falling: A fall can cause blunt trauma to the neck or whiplash from high speeds.
• Machinery malfunction: Being caught in or struck by a machine can cause a variety of neck injuries.
• Equipment misuse: Inadequate maintenance, poor training, or intentional misuse of equipment can cause an accident.
• Falling object: An object falling from an elevated height can cause direct injury or a fall.
• Collapsing structure: The person may be standing on or underneath a structure when it collapses.
• Violence and intentional harm: Assault and battery, violence with a weapon, and firearm violence can result in neck injury.
• Poor ergonomics: Awkward working positions, such as crouching, bending, or repetitive strain, can gradually cause injury.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 8,900 workplace neck injuries that resulted in lost time from work in one year, including in private industry throughout the United States.

Neck Injuries That Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

An injury that occurs by accident in the scope and course of employment may qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits. These may include:

• Muscle strains: There are about 30 muscles in the neck. When muscles are stretched too far, they may tear.
• Ligament sprains: The strong tissue that connects the neck bones can stretch and tear.
• Spine fracture: A cervical spine fracture is a broken neck. A broken spine puts the spinal cord at risk.
• Herniated disc: Bulging of the spinal discs may result in nerve pain that may radiate in the back and legs.
• Pinched nerves: Radiculopathy is nerve compression, which may be caused by bone compression or a herniated disc.
• Dislocation: The vertebrae of the neck can shift out of place, causing instability, often occurring with torn ligaments.
• Whiplash: Soft tissue injury can result from sudden movement of the neck.
• Spinal cord trauma: Damage to the spinal cord can cause nerve pain, limited movement, and paralysis.
• Open wound, bruises: Trauma can break the skin or cause internal bruising.

BLS reports that 61% of neck injuries in the workplace are sprains, strains, and tears.

You may have complex trauma to the neck or multiple injuries. Determining the full extent of your injuries is an integral part of your workers’ compensation neck injury settlement.

How Neck Injury Settlement Amounts Are Determined in NC

Neck injury settlement amounts in Gastonia, NC, workers’ compensation depend on several factors:

• The person’s income before the injury occurred
• Medical care needed, including surgery and physical therapy
• Time away from work during recovery
• Permanent impairment

Neck injuries are discussed in the N.C. Industrial Commission Rating Guide may be evaluated as part of the cervical spine, trauma to the back, or other affected body parts. When severe injury to the spine results in paralysis, the injured worker may qualify for permanent and total disability compensation.

The settlement structure can significantly influence the amount of compensation you may receive. You may choose to continue medical care through the insurance company’s preferred provider. If medical expenses are factored into your settlement, the settlement may end your medical care through your employer’s selected provider, allowing you to continue self-directed care.

What’s right for you and the timing of your settlement depend on the circumstances. An attorney can provide legal advice and structure the agreement that’s right for you.

Impact of Herniated Discs and Chronic Pain on Compensation

A herniated disc can result in aching or radiating pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Several surgical options are available, including Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR), Posterior Cervical Discectomy (PCD), and endoscopic discectomy. There may also be non-surgical options.

If you disagree with the insurance company’s doctor about your diagnosis or treatment, you can challenge it with support from an attorney.

Treatment, Recovery, and Permanent Impairment Ratings

Medical care should cover what’s necessary to treat, cure, give relief, or reduce the period of disability for a neck injury. Treatment can continue until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). The time frame can vary significantly depending on the nature of the injury and the amount of intervention required.

The permanent impairment rating assigns a percentage of impairment to the person’s injury, with compensation being paid for a set number of weeks depending on the body part affected. Having the correct impairment rating is important to receiving correct compensation.

What To Do If Your Neck Injury Claim Is Disputed

If your neck injury claim is disputed, file Form 18 to protect your rights. Use Form 33 to request a hearing.

The insurance company must detail the contested issues if it denies your claim. Identify and address these issues with medical evidence, including experts. You may also rely on lay witnesses, employment records, and other evidence. You will have the opportunity to participate in medication before the hearing.

You have a limited amount of time to contest your case. You can have a lawyer to represent you.

How a Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Maximize Your Settlement

Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, help injured workers maximize their neck injury workers’ compensation settlements. We create a customized case plan and negotiate on your behalf.

If you’re ready for legal representation for your Gastonia workers’ compensation neck injury settlement, call or message us today.