Herniated disc injuries can easily prevent an employee from going to work and obtaining their normal paycheck. FedEx, of course, is one of North America’s largest freight companies. Many employees who work for FedEx routinely handle heavy parcels that can cause herniated discs over a long period of time. Fortunately, FedEx provides workers’ compensation for all employees who are genuinely injured at work, including those who suffer herniated disc injuries because of prolonged heavy and awkward lifting. By filing a workers’ compensation claim, an injured FedEx employee can obtain compensation for the medical costs of treating their injury as well as a percentage of wages that they might have gained if they could have remained at work. How Herniated Disc Injuries can Occur at Work Herniated disc injuries are particularly painful. They occur when the slim discs of cartilage that are located at the joints between each of the vertebrae are forced out of place. As small sections of disc protrude from their normal position, they press on nearby nerves and cause a lot of pain. The only way to relieve the pain and allow a return to normal work is to let the discs eventually slip back into place. Recovery may be quite fast, or take several weeks. Painkillers, some physical therapy and massage all help, with surgery generally not necessary except for some. The lifting of heavy parcels, bending the lower back without effective technology and approved lifting methods can all lead to a herniated disc injury. Many FedEx employees are exposed to the possibility of a herniated disc because of the physically arduous nature of their work. Filing a WC Claim for a Herniated Disc Against FedEx If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc and need rest and treatment away from work, you should let your FedEx supervisor know and tell your employer that you will be filing a claim for workers’ compensation. The injury must be officially recorded by your employer to allow a claim to be processed by the company’s insurer as well as satisfy the requirements of some state workers’ compensation boards. Generally, you have 2 to 3 years from the date your injury was diagnosed to file your claim, but there is no sense in delaying it for that length of time. You may need to check with your employer to find out whether they require you to use a preferred physician or medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes this is tied into an employer’s agreement with a particular insurance provider. A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You With Your Claim Not all workers’ comp. claims are accepted by an employer’s insurer. There are several reasons for this. Partly, it is because no insurer particularly likes having to pay compensation if it can get away with not doing so. A denied claim may be because of a poorly documented claim or because there is doubt whether the injury actually happened at work. To avoid any delays in paying compensation, or to obtain legal help if appealing a denied claim, it is advisable to use a workers’ compensation attorney. Additional Resources Do I Need an Attorney If I Suffered a Herniated Disc at Work? Herniated Discs and Workers' Comp *Disclaimer The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against FedEx, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
