Workplace Herniated Disc Injury Lawyer

Many workers in Greensboro must perform duties that include frequent bending and twisting, heavy lifting, and other strenuous movements that can lead to herniated disc injuries.

A worker who sustains a herniated disc injury on the job may find themselves in excruciating pain and with a physical impairment that leaves them unable to work. Fortunately, North Carolina workers’ compensation laws may entitle an injured employee to financial benefits that can help them as they recover from a debilitating workplace herniated disc injury.

If you have suffered an on-the-job herniated disc injury, reach out to Ward Black Law for a free initial case evaluation. Experienced legal counsel can advise you on the benefits you may be entitled to and can assist you with filing a benefits claim. We know that you are hurting, and we want to help.

Contact us today to discuss how a workplace herniated disc injury lawyer can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim to seek the financial resources you need for your recovery.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc refers to an injury to a spinal disc that sits between the vertebrae in the spine. Spinal discs are composed of a soft center containing a jelly-like substance called the nucleus, encased in a more rigid, rubber-like exterior called the annulus. A herniated disc, sometimes known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, occurs when the nucleus leaks out through a tear in the annulus.

According to the National Library of Medicine, 95% of herniated discs occur in the lumbar spine (lower back), although any part of the spine may be susceptible to a herniated disc. When the nucleus presses on the nerve bundles exiting the spinal column, it can cause pain, numbness, stinging, and weakness in the parts of the body connected to those nerves.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc Injury

The symptoms a herniated disc injury causes will depend on where the injury is on the spine and how the disc presses on nerves. Herniated disc injuries typically cause symptoms on only one side of the body.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Arm pain is usually caused by a herniated disc in the cervical spine (neck area).
• Leg pain is typically a symptom of a herniated disc in the lower back. This pain usually starts in the hip or buttocks and radiates down into the thigh, calf, and, occasionally, into the foot.
• Weakness in the affected limb can cause mobility and balance issues or impair the arm’s fine motor control and lifting strength.
• Numbness and tingling are frequent and bothersome side effects of herniated disc injuries.

Individuals and Industries Most at Risk for a Herniated Disc in Greensboro

According to a study cited in the BMJ peer-reviewed medical journal, people whose jobs involved extreme bending at the waist had more significant herniated disc injuries. Additionally, the study noted that those who had to work with clients and were under time pressures had more instances of disc herniation.

In Greensboro, workers who face higher risks for on-the-job herniated disc injuries include:

Treatment and Expenses Related to Herniated Discs

The treatment required for a herniated disc injury will usually depend on its severity and the symptoms it causes. Some herniated disc injuries can heal by themselves over time. In those cases, treatment will usually be limited to modifying activities to prevent the damage from worsening and taking pain medication to help improve quality of life as the injury heals.

Medications that may be prescribed for a herniated disc injury include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help with mild to moderate pain.
• Neuropathic drugs:  Lyrica, Cymbalta, or Effexor affect the transmission of nerve signals to help reduce pain.
• Opioids: Codeine or oxycodone may be prescribed for short-term use to treat extreme pain that does not respond to other medication. However, physicians today try to avoid opioid medication due to the risk of addiction.
• Cortisone injections: A corticosteroid is injected into the affected area of the spine to provide pain relief.
• Muscle relaxers: These drugs help treat uncomfortable muscle spasms.

When a severely herniated disc causes long-term pain and physical impairment, physicians may prescribe physical therapy to teach exercises that can help relieve pain and rebuild strength and coordination.

If more conservative treatment fails to result in healing or improve severe symptoms like uncontrolled pain, difficulty standing or walking, or bladder and bowel control issues, a physician may recommend surgery. Surgery may involve removing the herniated portion of the disc. In more extreme cases, surgeons may remove the entire disc, fuse the two adjoining vertebrae, or implant an artificial disc.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get for a Herniated Disc in Greensboro, NC?

When you have been diagnosed with a work-related herniated disc injury in Greensboro, NC, you may be entitled to submit a claim to your employer for workers’ compensation benefits. In North Carolina, benefits available under workers’ compensation law include:

• Payment for medical treatment and rehabilitation of your herniated disc injury, including pain medication or other pain relief treatment
• Temporary total disability benefits, which can partially make up for lost wages or income if you miss work.
• Permanent partial disability benefits, which provide financial payments when your herniated disc injury causes a permanent impairment
• Permanent total disability payments, which can provide financial payments to partially replace your lost income so long as you remain unable to do any form of gainful employment
• Temporary partial disability benefits which can provide reduced earnings during your recovery from your injury.

If you suffer long-term impairment or permanent disability from a herniated disc injury, you may be entitled to negotiate a settlement of your workers’ compensation claim. You should work with a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney before accepting any workers’ compensation settlement since you may be giving up your right to reimbursement for future medical treatment of your injury.