Workers’ compensation is a state mandated insurance scheme that protects injured workers from financial disadvantage when they are either injured or become sick because of their job. Each state has different rules and mechanisms for workers’ compensation. Not all employers are compelled to insure themselves for workplace injuries, but the majority will take out cover as it protects them from being sued by their employees. A bulging disc injury is a common workplace injury which can be painful and may require lengthy treatment before an employee can return to work. Workers’ compensation should pay for medical treatment and a percentage of lost earnings, amongst other potential benefits. An injured worker may find it useful to consult a workers’ comp. attorney to ensure a claim is properly completed. How Bulging Disc Injuries Can Happen at Work A bulging disc injury is one that affects the discs of cartilage located between the individual vertebrae of the spine. This cartilage normally helps to reduce friction when the back is bent. When these ‘discs’ are dislodged, they can stick out, or ‘bulge’ out, from the spaces they normally occupy. Bulging disc and herniated disc injuries are similar injuries, only varying in degree (bulging discs protrude more than herniated discs). Bulging disc injuries are sometimes called ‘slipped discs’. Because they no longer perform their lubrication function as well as usual, they can cause a lot of pain and stiffness. Bulging disc injuries are commonly caused by unnecessary amounts of bending, awkward or heavy lifting. They occur most frequently in occupations where heavy loads are commonly shifted around such as warehouses. Employers can reduce the incidence of these types of injuries by providing mechanized lifting and carrying equipment. Making a Claim for a Workplace Related Bulging Disc Injury The main proviso involved in making any type of workers’ compensation claim is that the injury happened while at work. It is also important to stick to the regulations that govern how claims are processed. These include letting your supervision or employer know about the injury as promptly as possible and having the injury recorded in the official accident register. Each state imposes time limits on when a claim should be submitted by. You may need to file the claim directly with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider or with another body like a state workers compensation agency. It is important that the employer also informs the relevant body of the injury. You may need to seek medical attention from a provider determined by your employer or choose your own doctor or hospital. You should make sure that you get a doctor’s report on your injury and keep any invoices or other documentation that relate to your injury and payment for treatment. Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer In some straightforward cases you should be able to receive the correct amount of compensation without having to use an attorney. Unfortunately, many insurers are reluctant to pay compensation without a lot of persuasion and may challenge your claim. If you think that you are going to have to struggle to get your compensation payment made, or your claim is denied or challenged, talk to a workers’ compensation attorney to see how they can help you with legal representation. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation on this page to be connected with a lawyer who may be able to help your claim! Additional Resources Do I Need an Attorney If I Suffered a Herniated Disc at Work? How Much Does It Cost To Receive Workers' Comp?
