If you have a pinched nerve, you are suffering from unbearable pain. Your ability to perform your daily activities is also going to be impacted. If your pinched nerve is a result of your work duties, you are most likely wondering how you are going to prove that this condition happened on the job. A pinched nerve is usually the result of a nerve becoming compressed or constricted by bone, cartilage, or a tendon. There are several things that can lead to a pinched nerve, including poor posture or overuse, which can happen while at work. Examples of How You Could Get A Pinched Nerve at Work There are several ways one could get a pinched nerve from work duties. As an example, if you work construction, you could get a pinched nerve from the repetitive motions of applying stucco or plaster. You could also suffer a pinched nerve if you have a job that requires frequent bending and lifting, such as in a factory or warehouse setting. Pinched nerves and other musculoskeletal conditions make up about 30% of all workplace injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 1.8 million people are affected by these injuries and conditions from their work duties annually. Workers’ Compensation If you have suffered a pinched nerve because of your work duties, you are eligible to pursue a claim for workers’ compensation. Most employers must maintain workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits and covers a portion of lost wages. The claims process is very detailed and varies from one state to another as each state sets its own laws. You should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney if you have been diagnosed with a pinched nerve because of your work duties. What Workers’ Compensation Can Do If you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, you will have medical benefits coverage, which will cover the costs of your medical care. You will most likely be required to choose a physician from a pre-approved list that your employer is to provide you. You will also be paid a portion of your lost wages while you are recovering. If your condition is ongoing and does not appear to heal completely, you might be provided with vocational retraining, so you can adapt to your condition and perform some other kind of work. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have suffered a pinched nerve that you believe was caused by your work duties, you will need to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Your lawyer will investigate your condition and review your work environment, establishing a case on your behalf that shows how your condition resulted from your on-the-job duties. With a lawyer on your side, your odds of a successful workers’ compensation claim increase significantly. There are specific documents that must be filed with various entities and complicated timelines that must be met. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
