San Diego Neck Injury Attorney

neck injury lawyer

When you suffer a neck injury on the job, a neck injury workers compensation attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical treatments and lost time at work. In a perfect world, all employers would make this process as easy as possible for their injured employees, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. That is where our experienced San Diego neck injury lawyers come in.

Our workers compensation law firm will advocate on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve. Perhaps your employer covered your medical expenses but is not paying you for your time off work while you recover. We can fight for you to get what you are owed. Here’s what you’ll get when you work with us.

Caring, Compassionate Service

When you are in pain, every minor setback can feel like a major problem. We recognize that this is a delicate situation and will do everything in our power to make the process as easy and stress-free for you as possible. We’ll handle all of the details, so all you need to do is sit back and have confidence that we are doing everything we can to win your case, whether we need to go to court or not. In many cases, our work comp lawyers are able to settle out of court, saving you both time and money.

A San Diego Neck Injury Lawyer Who Cares

Because we are a small, intimate law firm, we are able to provide personalized services to each and every client who walks through our doors. The San Diego neck injury lawyer who takes on your case will be the same one who handles your case for the duration of the process. Our primary work injury lawyers work with our clients personally, so you’ll never be passed off to a paralegal or junior attorney when it matters most. Our attorneys take a personal interest in each client, so you can rest assured that your case is getting the attention it deserves.

Exploring the Workers’ Comp Benefits from Filing a Neck Injury Claim

Here at The House of Workers’ Compensation, we’ll break down the potential benefits you may be entitled to after a work-related neck injury:

Medical Benefits:

Complete Coverage: Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatment for your neck injury, including doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs), and even surgery if required. There are no out-of-pocket costs for authorized medical care.

Medical Provider Choice: In most cases, you can choose a qualified physician within the workers’ compensation medical provider network (MPN). This network consists of doctors who specialize in work-related injuries and understand the complexities of the workers’ compensation system.

Change of Doctor: If you’re unhappy with your assigned MPN doctor, you can request a change with proper justification. Our San Diego neck injury lawyers can guide you through this process.

Temporary Disability Benefits:

Wage Replacement: If your neck injury prevents you from working your regular job while recovering, temporary disability benefits can help replace some of your lost wages. The benefit amount is calculated based on pre-injury earnings, typically around two-thirds of your average weekly salary.

Partial vs. Full Disability: The benefit amount may vary depending on whether you’re experiencing partial or total disability. Partial disability benefits are provided when you can perform some light-duty work, while total disability benefits are provided when you cannot work at all.

Permanent Disability Benefits:

Long-Term Impact: If your neck injury results in a permanent impairment that affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. A doctor will assess the extent of your disability and assign a rating. Your disability rating and your pre-injury wages determine the benefit amount.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Workers’ compensation may also offer vocational rehabilitation services to help you return to work or transition to a new career if your injury prevents you from performing your previous job duties.

Risk-Free Representation

When you aren’t being appropriately compensated for your neck injury, every extra expense becomes a significant imposition. That is why we make our worker’s compensation legal services risk-free for you.

When you work with us, you’ll only be responsible for paying legal fees if we win your case. In some cases, we may even get your employer to cover your legal costs, depending on the size and structure of your settlement.

Of course, we cannot promise that we will get you the exact results you desire, but we can guarantee that we will do everything possible to resolve your case favorably.

Available Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Neck and Back Injuries

Vocational Rehabilitation: Workers’ compensation may offer vocational rehabilitation services to help you return to work or transition to a new career if your injury prevents you from performing your previous job duties.

Mileage Reimbursement: You may be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred for authorized medical treatment related to your work injury.

Death Benefits: Tragically, if a work-related neck or back injury results in death, surviving spouses and dependents may be entitled to death benefits.

What are the Employee’s Responsibilities?

Report the Injury Promptly: Notify your employer of your injury in writing as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days. Delaying this report can jeopardize your claim.

Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical attention for your injury and inform your doctor it was work-related. This establishes a clear record of the injury and its cause.

Cooperate with Treatment: Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments. This demonstrates your commitment to recovery.

Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of your injury, medical care, lost wages, and any communication with your employer regarding the claim.

Seek Legal Advice: Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex. Consulting with a San Diego neck and back injury lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the maximum benefits you deserve.

Call Today for Expert Worker’s Compensation Legal Services in San Diego

If you are unsure whether you have a legitimate claim, we will be happy to review the details of your case in a free consultation. We’ll go over your options with you and help you choose the most appropriate course of action. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about worker’s compensation and the legal process. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment for your initial consultation with one of our neck injury worker’s compensation attorneys.

Are You Suffering From a Neck Injury, Let Us Help You Out Today!

Some Information on Neck Injuries and Other Helpful Information

Steps to Take Immediately After a Workplace Neck Injury

A workplace neck injury can be scary. Here’s what to do right away:

See a Doctor: Get medical attention immediately, even if the pain seems mild. Tell the doctor it happened at work.
Tell Your Employer: Report the injury in writing within 30 days. Follow their injury reporting process.
Gather Evidence: Write down the accident details, take pictures, and get witness info. Keep medical bills and communication with your employer.
Know Your Rights: Workers’ comp may cover your injury. Research your rights as an injured employee.
Consider a Lawyer: Workers’ comp can be complex. A San Diego neck injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and fight for fair compensation.

Types of Neck Injuries

A workplace accident can cause a variety of neck injuries, some more serious than others. Here’s a quick rundown of some common types:

Soft tissue injuries:

This includes sprains, strains, and whiplash, often caused by sudden impacts, falls, or repetitive motions.

Disc injuries:

The discs between your vertebrae can herniate or bulge due to pressure, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.

Nerve pinch injury:

Compressed nerves in your neck can lead to pain, tingling, and radiating discomfort in your arms or shoulders.

Vertebral fracture:

A broken bone in your neck is a serious injury requiring immediate medical attention.

Spinal cord damage:

The most severe neck injury and spinal cord damage can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other life-altering consequences.

If you experience neck pain or discomfort after a workplace accident, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal healing and a smooth workers’ compensation claim process.

Common Causes of Neck Injuries at the Workplace

The workplace can harbor unseen dangers, and your neck is particularly vulnerable. Here’s a breakdown of common causes:

Construction Accidents
Sudden Impacts
Auto accidents: Work-related car accidents can cause whiplash, sprains, or fractures.
Falls: Slips, trips, or falls from heights can significantly injure your neck.
Falling objects: Getting struck by falling objects at work is a risk for neck injuries.
Scaffold collapse: Construction workers face a high risk of neck injuries from collapsing scaffolds.

Overexertion:

Lifting heavy objects: Improper lifting techniques or excessive weight can strain neck muscles and discs.

Repetitive motions: Jobs requiring constant overhead reaching, bending, or twisting can lead to repetitive stress injuries.

Other Causes:

Defective equipment: Faulty tools or machinery can increase the risk of accidents and neck injuries.

Explosions: These can cause blunt force trauma to the neck, resulting in serious injuries.

Repetitive Stress Neck Injuries

While we’ve covered common causes of neck injuries, it’s vital to highlight repetitive stress injuries (RSI).

These injuries develop gradually from prolonged awkward postures or repetitive motions that strain the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Back And Neck Injuries?

An accurate diagnosis is crucial for receiving proper treatment and maximizing your workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s what to expect during a doctor’s visit for a neck injury:

Medical history
Physical examination
Imaging tests
Nerve tests

Common Treatments for Neck Injuries

While specific treatment plans vary depending on the injury, here’s a general overview of common approaches:

Rest and Immobilization:

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend rest and temporary immobilization (using a cervical collar) to allow initial healing and reduce inflammation.

Pain Management:

Medication, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants, can help manage pain and discomfort.

Physical Therapy:

This plays a crucial role in strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring range of motion in the neck.

Steroid Injections:

Cortisone injections may reduce inflammation around irritated nerves in the neck.

Surgery:

In severe cases, such as spinal cord compression or a fractured vertebra, surgery may be necessary.

Changes To California Workers’ Comp Laws

California strives to improve its workers’ compensation system continuously. Here at The House of Workers’ Compensation, we want to keep you informed about recent legal developments:

Expansion of Presumptive Coverage:

California has been expanding the list of conditions and professions that qualify for presumptive coverage.

This means that it’s presumed that the injury or illness is work-related for certain work-related illnesses and specific jobs, making it easier for those workers to receive benefits.

Utilization Review and IMR Modifications:

Changes have been made to the processes used by insurance companies to review and potentially deny medical treatment recommendations.

Additionally, the Independent Medical Review (IMR) process, which allows you to challenge a denied treatment, has been enhanced to ensure fair assessments.

Telemedicine Integration:

Telemedicine for consultations and treatment is now more widely accepted within the workers’ compensation system, offering greater flexibility and convenience for injured workers.

If an Employer Disputes Your Back or Neck Injury Claim

Call Today for Expert Worker’s Compensation Legal Services in San Diego

If you are unsure whether you have a legitimate claim, we will be happy to review the details of your case in a free consultation. We’ll review your options and help you choose the most appropriate action.

We’ll also answer questions about worker’s compensation and the legal process.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your initial consultation with one of our neck injury worker’s compensation attorneys.