Nerve damage can be debilitating, impacting your ability to do your job and enjoy a normal quality of life. If you sustained this kind of injury at work, it is important to be aware of your rights and the available options for seeking workers’ comp in Georgia.
Under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, most employees are entitled to fair compensation for all types of work-related injuries, including nerve damage. However, the insurance company may look for an excuse to decrease your payout or deny your claim.
With the help of an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer, you have a better chance of recovering the benefits you deserve. An experienced attorney will work to prove your injury happened on the job and ensure your paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
Will Workers’ Compensation Pay for My Injury-Related Expenses?
Fortunately, workers’ compensation can provide important benefits to support your recovery from nerve damage sustained on the job.
Workers’ compensation typically covers costs, including:
- Medical expenses
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy
- Mileage to and from appointments
- Vocational training if your injury prevents you from doing the same job
You may also receive partial wage replacement checks to offset lost income during your recovery. Fortunately, Georgia workers’ compensation payments are not taxable.
For those facing permanent disability or long-term effects from their injuries, additional compensation may be available. If a workplace accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family members may pursue benefits as well.
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What Causes Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage is a common occurrence in workplace accidents involving trauma such as falls or back injuries. The more severe the trauma, the more extensive the resulting nerve damage tends to be.
Nerves contain fiber bundles called axons that are responsible for transmitting crucial signals between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. When these nerve fibers sustain damage, it disrupts the transmission of these signals.
For example, slip-and-fall accidents can cause broken bones that may pinch or completely sever nerves. This frequently leads to severe pain, numbness, and loss of function in the affected limb or body part. Back injuries from things like heavy lifting strains, awkward movements, or blunt force trauma can inflict damage on the delicate nerves of the spinal cord.
What Kind of Nerve Damage Can Happen on the Job?
Work-related nerve damage is unfortunately common and often has debilitating effects on employees. While it is not necessary to establish negligence in a workers’ compensation case, nerve damage often results from negligent or hazardous working conditions.
Common types of occupational nerve damage include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from excessive computer use
- Muscle strain from overexertion
- Repetitive stress injuries from repeated motions
- Herniated discs from heavy lifting
- Sciatica from awkward positions
- Nerve entrapment due to sustained pressure
- Tendonitis from inflammation
Preventing workplace nerve damage is key. However, if you experience any of these injuries on the job, you should seek immediate medical treatment and legal support to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. With proper care and financial assistance, the impacts of occupational nerve damage can be minimized.
What are the Signs of Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage occurs when nerves become disrupted, resulting in sensory signal disruption. This leads to various symptoms depending on the injury’s location and the nerves affected.
Common signs include numbness, tingling, burning, or even paralysis in the damaged area. Those affected may also experience pain, usually starting in the hands, feet, or legs. Muscle weakness and coordination problems are other indicators. Severe nerve injuries can lead to complete paralysis of affected body parts. They can also lead to chronic pain and depression.
If you notice any nerve damage symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment is crucial to minimize further harm, especially with serious injuries.
How Do Insurance Companies Fight Workers’ Comp Claims?
Dealing with your employer’s insurance company after a workplace injury can be challenging. These companies aim to minimize payouts, so they are likely to dispute or downplay your injuries.
For instance, with nerve damage claims, insurers might allege that your nerve damage is a pre-existing condition and not aggravated by your work injury. They may also refer you to biased doctors who will benefit the insurance company more than you.
Insurers have even hired private investigators to surveil injured workers secretly. They hope to catch a violation of a doctor’s orders on film so they can deny benefits. Our attorneys know how to counter common insurance tactics to fight for the maximum benefits you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Attorney Today
Workplace nerve injuries can be life-altering, and you have rights to workers’ comp benefits to help you recover. With an experienced attorney on your side, you can fight to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
Don’t face the insurance company alone. A Georgia workers’ comp attorney from John Foy & Associates can handle negotiations and protect your rights while you focus on getting better.
Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
