What Should You Do If You Have Suffered a Neck Injury at Work?
If you have suffered a neck injury at work in Houston, you should seek medical attention from a qualified professional. After you have received appropriate care, you should notify your employer.
And it might be necessary to contact an attorney experienced in a work injury like this. A good attorney like Richard Paxton, are knowledgeable about this type of personal injury. Your attorney can help you either file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
What Are Common Symptoms of a Work-Related Neck Injury?
Neck injuries have a wide range of symptoms. Some common symptoms of work-related neck injuries include:
• Stiffness,
• Decreased range of motion,
• Swelling,
• Pain,
• Headaches and dizziness, and
• Tingling and numbness.
Unfortunately minor pains may be signs of a more serious situation and can grow into severe injuries. So if you are experiencing any symptoms, it is important to seek medical care. This is not the time to “suck it up.” Early diagnosis is critical to getting the proper treatment and establishing your legal claim. You may need long term rehabilitation or may have chronic and permanent neck pain.
What Are the Most Common Neck Injuries in Houston?
Variety of different neck injuries that range in severity. Some common work-related neck injuries in Houston include:
• Fractures – A neck fracture is a break in a cervical bone. Neck fractures are often severe and can be fatal or result in paralysis.
• Larynx/Trachea Injuries – Larynx/trachea injuries occur when you injure the front of your neck and harm your voice box or windpipe.
• Pinched Nerves – A pinched nerve occurs when tiny bone fragments enter your neck.
• Whiplash – Whiplash is when a rapid force moves the head back and forth, injuring the soft tissues of the neck. Symptoms from whiplash usually do not start until 24 to 48 hours after the accident. This is the most common neck injury.
• Strains and Sprains – Strains and sprains are injuries to the muscles and ligaments. They can be caused by trauma or overuse.
• Herniated Disc – A herniated disc occurs when the fluid inside the discs is pushed out, damaging nearby nerves.
• Cervical Dislocation – Cervical dislocation occurs when the bones in the neck move out of position and make the spine unstable.
Can You Sue Your Employer if You Suffered a Neck Injury at Work?
If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you will almost always be limited to collecting workers’ compensation. This applies to most Houston employees. However, unlike some states, Texas law does not require employers to have workers’ compensation. These employers are referred to as non-subscribers. If your employer does not have workers’ comp, you can file a personal injury lawsuit for negligence-based damages. If you are unsure whether your employer has workers’ compensation, you can reach out to an attorney or call the Texas Department of Insurance-Workers’ Compensation.
There are some limited exceptions where you can sue your employer even if they carry workers’ compensation insurance. For example, if you were injured by asbestos exposure or have a third-party claim. A third-party lawsuit is when persons or companies other than the employer (or co-workers) caused your accident or injury.
What Compensation Are You Entitled to If You Suffered a Work-Related Neck Injury?
The compensation you receive will depend on whether you are limited to workers’ compensation or can file a personal injury claim. The type and severity of your injury also play a significant role in the damages you will receive.
If you file a workers’ compensation, you can receive medical benefits and income benefits. Medical benefits cover all past and current reasonable and necessary medical expenses. Income benefits replace a portion of your lost wages.
If you file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer or third party, you may be entitled to a much broader range of damages, including:
• Medical expenses – You can receive compensation for past and future medical costs, including surgery, steroid injections, medication, assistive reproduction devices, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages – Your injury may cause you to miss work. You are entitled to receive compensation for wages that you missed.
• Reduced earning capacity – Some neck injuries may be so severe that you are prevented from returning from work either temporarily or permanently. You can be compensated for the loss or reduction in the ability to earn future income.
• Physical pain and suffering – Damages for pain and suffering compensate the plaintiff for the pain of the physical injury.
• Emotional distress and mental anguish – If your injury caused severe mental pain, you may be able to recover damages from emotional distress.
Your Houston Work Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered a neck injury at work, call the Paxton Law Firm. Let us review your case and advise you of your rights. Richard Paxton understands that you may not be in the best place to deal with your case while you are injured. His goal is to turn a negative situation into the best possible outcome allowable.
We offer free consultations and you do not pay any legal fees until we recover for you. Call (281) 978-2244 and let us help.
