As an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in California, Attorney James Koh understands that some workplace injuries are difficult to recover from without financial assistance. Luckily, James Koh can help you pursue the full range of benefits through a workers’ comp claim.
Workplace injuries occur in all forms, and while each type is deserving of compensation, some injuries are more devastating than others. Few on-the-job injuries are as serious — or as expensive to treat — as spinal cord injuries.
A spinal cord injury is damage done to the spinal cord. Encased in the vertebrae, the spinal cord is a bundle of nerve fibers that passes messages from the brain to the rest of the body. It is an essential component of the central nervous system, and when it’s damaged, the brain can lose the ability to communicate with the body, resulting in paralysis.
If you sustained a spinal cord injury in a workplace accident, you’re probably suffering serious losses. Unable to work, you may be unable to afford the necessities, and without income, the medical bills only grow. You may need expensive medical treatments, physical therapy, and in-home care. Fortunately, you may be able to get the financial support you deserve through a workers’ comp claim.
This article will explain the nature of workplace spinal cord injuries, common types and causes, and how a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer can help you maximize your benefits.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) vary according to two major factors: location and severity. In many cases, an SCI interrupts the outgoing and incoming nerve signals below the point of injury. Here are the main types of spinal cord injuries by location:
- Cervical spine, the neck section of the spine that runs from the base of the skull down to the shoulders
- Thoracic spine, the section of the spine stretching from the upper back down to the navel
- Lumbar spine, the section of the spine in the lower back, extending down to the top of where the buttocks meet
- Sacral spine, the lowest section of the spine that stretches from the buttocks to the tailbone
Spinal cord injuries are also classified by their seriousness. Here are the types of spinal cord injuries by severity:
- Incomplete SCI, an injury where some nerve communication remains below the injury, as well as some feeling and function
- Complete SCI, a total loss of nerve communication, muscle control, feeling, and function below the site of the injury
Although both types of spinal cord injuries are extremely serious, complete SCIs are the most devastating because they cause paralysis. It’s important to note that spinal cord injuries may become more serious in the hours and days that follow the initial injury, as swelling increases pressure around the spine.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
The symptoms of spinal cord injuries vary widely based on location and severity. Because the spinal cord plays a crucial role in the central nervous system, spinal cord damage can affect virtually anywhere in the body. Here are a few common symptoms of spinal cord injuries:
- Sharp pain, pressure, or discomfort in the head, neck, or back
- Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the hands and feet
- Unexplained weakness in any part of the body
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Difficulty with breathing, walking, or sexual function
- Unnatural changes in the spine or head position
- Paralysis, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, and tetraplegia
If you hurt your back, neck, or head in a workplace accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention — even if you don’t think your back injuries are serious. The extent of spinal cord injuries isn’t always immediately apparent, and early medical intervention can help prevent further damage.
Causes of Workplace Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries happen in various occupations and industries across California. They can result from any type of accident that places pressure on a worker’s spine. Although many different situations can cause a workplace spinal cord injury, they tend to happen for a few common reasons:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and elevated platforms, which are especially prevalent in construction and maintenance occupations
- Vehicle accidents, including commercial, delivery, and long-haul truck collisions
- Slips and trips caused by slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered workspaces
- Falling objects, such as machinery, equipment, merchandise, especially in warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing plants, etc.
- Repetitive stress caused by heavy lifting, repetitive motions, maintaining uncomfortable or awkward positions for extended periods
- Workplace violence, such as assault by a coworker or client
- Training activities that are physically strenuous, such as police, military, or athletic training exercises
Remember: Workplace spinal cord injuries can occur in many different occupations, and aren’t limited to physically strenuous jobs like construction work. Regardless of your profession, if you were injured at work while performing a job-related task, you deserve compensation.
What Compensation Is Available for Spinal Cord Injuries?
Workers’ compensation in California operates under a no-fault system, meaning that employees don’t need to prove fault to receive compensation benefits. The flip side is that workers typically can’t sue their employers for injuries, although there are exceptions. In most cases, the best way for an injured employee to secure compensation is through a workers’ comp claim.
Injured employees in California may be eligible for the following workers’ comp benefits:
- Medical care, which includes all medical costs, bills and expenses related to the work injury, such as the cost of emergency treatments, testing, hospitalization, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, etc.
- Temporary disability benefits, compensation for lost wages until the injured worker can return to their usual job activities
- Permanent disability benefits, compensation for workers whose injuries resulted in permanent impairment that affects their ability to earn a living
- Supplemental job displacement benefits, a voucher for retraining or skill enhancement that is given to workers who are unable to return to their former jobs and whose employers offer no alternative work options
- Death benefits, compensation paid to the family members and dependents of a loved one who died from a work-related injury or illness
It’s important to understand that while these are potential benefits available to injured workers, securing them isn’t always as easy as it should be. If you are struggling to complete your claim or your claim has been rejected by the workers’ comp insurance company, it’s a good idea to solicit legal advice from a dedicated workers’ comp lawyer.
Contact Attorney James Koh for Assistance with Your Claim
If you suffered a devastating spinal cord injury at work, workers’ compensation insurance should provide you benefits. However, spinal cord injury claims aren’t always straightforward, and getting the financial compensation you need to recover may require you to work with a workers’ comp attorney. Attorney James Koh can help navigate your workers’ compensation claim and fight for the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to.
Don’t let a work-related spinal cord injury leave you penniless — contact James Koh to explore your options for financial compensation.
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If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, please contact us to assist you with your workers’ compensation claims.
