Workers Compensation for Herniated & Bulging Discs
Long Beach Attorneys Discuss
Workers Compensation for a Bulging Disc–
Our Long Beach Worker’s Compensation attorneys have helped hundreds of individuals in Orange County obtain workers compensation for herniated and bulging discs. In fact, neck and back injuries are in fact among most common types of workplace injuries that our attorneys see.
Unfortunately, a bulging disc is a very common work-related injury. And although a bulging disc often causes severe pain and even disability, many people are unaware they even have a bulging disc.
A Bulging Disc occurs when one of the discs in your vertebrae pops out when a weak spot in the spine or neck develops. Initially there may be no pain or other symptoms until the bulging disc eventually presses on the surrounding tissues and nerves. Although 90%of bulging discs occur in the spine, they can occur in the neck as well. Symptoms of a bulging disc include pain, tingling, numbness, muscle spasms and even weakening of the arms and legs. Pressure on the sciatic nerve. You may also notice loss of bowel or bladder control.
Work Related Causes of Herniated & Bulging Discs
A work related bulging disc is generally caused by either bending or lifting improperly. A disc may herniate suddenly from a single incident, such as lifting a heavy object. But a disc may also “bulge” over time, as the result of repeated lifting or bending. Occupations where a person is consistently lift heavy objects (movers, construction workers, shelf stockers, freight workers) are at a higher risk of developing bulging discs as a result of work-related injury.
Denial of Workers Compensation for Herniated & Bulging Discs
In spite of the pain and work limitations imposed by a herniated disc, they can often be one of the hardest to workers compensation cases to “prove”. While x rays and other tests can clearly show that you have a bulging (herniated) disc, the insurance company may still try to deny your claim.
First they may contend that the injury to your back was not caused by or at your employment. They may claim that it is the result of other activities such as lifting things at home, or engaging in sports, weightlifting or other activities. In some instances the insurance company may deny your workers compensation by saying that the herniated disc was a “pre-existing condition” from previous employment at another place of work.
Secondly, your claim may be denied because the insurer believes that you are still able to work. As with any Workers Compensation Case – in order to be considered “disabled” you must be able to prove that the bulging disc is severe enough to keep you from working. Unfortunately, many Bulging Disc claims are denied, because the insurance company simply expects you to be able to work through the pain. And because pain is “subjective” – and doesn’t show up in a blood test or MRI – many examiners nay disregard the debilitating effect the back pain can have on a person’s ability to work or function.
Getting Workers Compensation for a Bulging or Herniated Disc
Individuals with back problems – including bulging discs – are among the most frequently rejected for Workers Compensation benefits, even when the pain may be very severe. In order to receive Workers Compensation Benefits for a Bulging Disc there are specific criteria that an individual must meet.
When seeking Workers Compensation for bulging disc, it is necessary to present X-rays, MRIs, doctor’s reports from physical examination, etc. to”prove” that your medical condition is “predominantly caused” by your work related activities. If you have back pain – including from a bulging disc – but cannot document a physical impairment that normally produces pain symptoms like yours, you’re unlikely to win disability benefits.
That is why it is important to consult with an experienced Workers Compensation attorney if you are denied Workers Compensation benefits for a bulging disc.
Our Workers Comp Attorneys Can Help Collect for a Bulging Disc
Our experienced Long Beach Workers Compensation attorneys are here to help you with all aspects of your California Workers Compensation Case for a herniated or bulging Disc. Our experienced attorneys would be happy to discuss your unique situation with you, to ensure that you receive the maximum workers compensation benefits for which you may qualify.
