If you have suffered nerve damage, you have a long road to recovery ahead of you. There are different kinds of workplace injuries that could lead to nerve damage. Nerve damage leads to chronic pain and can limit your ability to perform your daily activities. Just like any other injury that takes place while performing job duties, nerve damage is covered by workers’ compensation. However, these are complicated claims that require the attention of a workers’ compensation attorney who is knowledgeable about such situations and will ensure the claims process is handled efficiently and effectively. What Kinds of Accidents Cause Nerve Damage? There are several kinds of accidents that might result in nerve damage. Here are a few examples of workplace accidents that can cause these debilitating injuries: Slip and fall Motor vehicle accidents Electrocution Falling from a high distance Machinery and equipment accidents Repetitive motion Cuts and Lacerations Broken bones Accidents that cause crushing injuries Fractures Overexertion Exposure to toxic fumes or substances, such as arsenic and mercury Any of these can lead to serious nerve damage. You can have multiple injuries, including a fracture or deep cut as well as nerve damage. Both injuries will require specific medical attention. Filing a Claim The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim varies from one state to another. However, in order to ensure the claim is fairly reviewed, you must make sure you follow proper protocol, complete the required paperwork, and see an approved physician. Not all workers’ compensation claims are approved. Claims can be denied because of a lack of documentation, the proper procedures are not followed, injured workers see a doctor that it is not approved, or because the employer believes the condition was pre-existing or the injury did not take place at work. Be sure to inform your supervisor of your injury and the accident as soon as possible, because there is a strict timeframe in which this must be done. Make sure an accident report is properly completed, and ask about the process of filing a claim. Workers’ Compensation Benefits While workers’ compensation laws are set by each state, most employers in the United States are required to maintain the coverage. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits and covers a portion of the worker’s lost wages. Sometimes additional benefits might be required, depending on the situation and the circumstances. Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have been in a workplace accident that led to nerve damage, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer will be familiar with the claims process and will make sure all the paperwork is filed in a timely fashion. Also, an attorney knows how to effectively and efficiently pursue such a claim, and your odds of being approved for benefits increase significantly. Schedule your free case evaluation today, so you can make sure your claim gets on the right track and you can access the benefits that you need and deserve.
