Can I Seek Workers’ Compensation for a Bulging Disc?

Back injuries are unfortunately quite common in many different kinds of jobs in Maryland. Workers whose jobs require intense physical work, including construction workers, hospital workers, and warehousing employees, often suffer back injuries on the job. Yet other types of workers in various industries can also sustain back injuries, including workers at retail stores, food markets, and even in white collar professional positions. Herniated and bulging discs are back injuries that can impact many kinds of workers.

If you were recently diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc, you may be wondering if you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits. You certainly may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, and our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys can tell you more.

What Are Herniated and Bulging Disc Injuries?

A bulging disc injury is another name for a herniated disc injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A herniated disc “occurs when one of the discs in your spine,” that is, your backbone, “tears or leaks due to natural wear and tear or injury.” When this happens, the leaking “puts pressure on your spinal cord and irritates your spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness,” the Cleveland Clinic explains. Then, the discs between your spinal vertebrae that act as cushions or buffers between the bones start to displace. When discs are in place, you can bend and move easily. When they begin to displace or become displaced, the patient experiences pain and mobility limitations.

A displaced disc is a herniated disc. Other names for this type of injury include a bulging disc, a slipped disc, a ruptured disc, or a protruding disc. The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 3 million people are diagnosed with herniated disc injuries every year. They are a leading cause of pain in a person’s neck, back, and legs, and they are also a leading cause of missed workdays. These injuries occur most often in a person’s lower back or neck, but they can also occur elsewhere on the spine.

How to Seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Herniated Disc

If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc due to repetitive stress in your job or a traumatic injury in a workplace accident, you may be eligible to obtain Maryland workers’ compensation benefits. You may need physical therapy, spinal injections, and other treatment while you have days away from work to recover, and workers’ compensation benefits can cover your medical care if you are eligible. You may also be eligible to have any surgery needs covered. Workers’ compensation will also pay wage-replacement benefits during the time you cannot work.

To receive workers’ compensation, you will need to prove that your injury arose out of and occurred in the course of employment.

Contact a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today for Assistance

Do you need help seeking workers’ compensation benefits after being diagnosed with a herniated or bulging disc due to your work duties? Whether you need a shorter time away from work and physical therapy alone, or you need a substantial time away from work and spinal surgery, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. One of the experienced Maryland workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Steinhardt, Siskind and Lieberman, LLC can discuss your case with you today.

Source:

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk