Workman's Compensation and Cervical Spine Injury

A cervical spine injury, such as a cervical dislocation sustained with functioning in the scope of your employment duties would be eligible for benefits and medical care reimbursement under a State Workman’s Compensation insurance program. The worker must immediately seek appropriate medical care and treatment and report the injury to his employer as soon as possible. Spinal cord injuries happen when some kind of direct force damages the spinal cord tissue, or the disks of the spinal column causing bruising, tearing or crushing of the spinal cord tissue. A cervical spine injury is often stabilized with a rigid collar to prevent further injury to the area. (See also Cervical Fracture Injury Claim).

Workman’s Comp Temporary Injury Benefits

If the cervical spine injury is of a temporary or short term impairment benefits will be made available to the injured worker by his employer’s coverage in a State based Workman’s Compensation insurance program. The injured worker will reimbursed, on a tax exempt basis, for approximately two thirds of the pay he was earning each week and the costs of receiving medical care and treatment of the cervical spine injury will be covered completely. Medical costs associated with doctors, nurses, physical therapy, dentists, chiropractors and prosthetic devices are covered so long as the claim is not denied.

Workman’s Comp Permanent Injury Benefits

If an employee finds that he has suffered a permanent cervical spinal cord injury, he may pursue his rights under a Workman’s Compensation insurance claim, he may file a personal injury lawsuit for damages against a negligent employer or he may seek to access benefits for a permanent disability condition under the Social Security Disability Insurance program and/or the Supplemental Security Income program. This may be the juncture to consult with an attorney to determine the best course of action to take, which may include pursuing one or all of the above possible solutions. Sometime where there is a permanent disability situation there may be an offer of a lump sum payment and that kind of offer should be reviewed by a qualified attorney to assure the injured worker is being fairly compensated for his injury.

Getting Legal Help

If you or a member of your family has suffered a cervical spine injury while acting in the scope of his employment it may be important to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the circumstances of the injury and the injury in order to gain access to experienced guidance on handling a Workman’s Compensation claim especially if the claim has been denied for any reason. An attorney can take the steps necessary to appeal a claim denial and protect an injured employee’s right to be provided with fair compensation for his losses.

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