What Benefits Might I Receive After a Neck Injury That Occurred on the Job?

If you experience a neck injury on the job, it can affect about every aspect of your life. For example, you may spend most of your days in pain, be out of work, and be struggling to make ends meet.

However, the good news is that you may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover your medical bills and replace some of your lost income. During this time, you should have the ability to focus on healing and recovering. These benefits can offer you some peace of mind.

What types of neck injuries do employees typically suffer at work?

The National Safety Council (NSC) states that around 30,990 neck injuries were reported among private sector workers between 2021 and 2022, resulting in days from work, job restrictions, or job transfers. Some of the most common types of neck injuries that employees typically suffer at work include:

• Neck strains and sprains: Neck strains and sprains are one of the most common types of neck injuries that workers suffer. These injuries usually occur when the muscles or ligaments in the neck become overworked or overstretched. For example, if you spend most of your shift doing a task that requires your neck to be bent unusually or abnormally, you are likely to experience a neck sprain or strain.
• Cervical fracture: A cervical fracture, also commonly called a broken neck, is a very serious injury. Your neck comprises seven small bones, which are delicate and flimsy compared to other bones in your body. Therefore, when one of these bones breaks, you may have a difficult time keeping your head up or in position, requiring you to seek medical attention right away. Cervical fractures typically happen when an employee falls or experiences extreme force or impact on the neck.
• Herniated cervical disk: A herniated cervical disk occurs when one of your upper spinal disks ruptures or moves out of place. These types of injuries are usually caused by doing repetitive tasks that result in wear and tear in the spinal disks. However, a slip and fall can also cause them, an overhead item falling and striking the neck or back, or from incorrectly lifting items.
• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck moves back and forth quickly and forcefully. These injuries may emerge when an employee falls or experiences a collision while operating a company-owned vehicle, forklift, or other machine.

What factors could affect my workers’ compensation neck injury settlement?

Since every accident victim’s situation and circumstances are unique, the amount you receive for your workers’ compensation neck injury settlement could differ from another employee with the same type of injury. This is because your settlement is based on various factors, such as:

• The type of neck injury you have
• How severe your neck injury is
• The type of medical treatment you are receiving and will need in the future
• How much income you make
• How long you are expected to be out of work
• How long your neck injury will take to heal
• How much your medical expenses are
• Whether you will ever be able to return to work or hold the same type of position again

How long can I receive workers’ compensation benefits for my neck injury?

If an individual is approved for workers’ compensation, all medical treatment that is deemed necessary to treat the work injury will be paid for by Workers’ Compensation. Injured workers may also receive temporary disability benefits until they reach maximum medical improvement or return to work full duty, whichever is earlier. Upon reaching maximum medical improvement, some injured workers receive impairment ratings that entitle them to additional compensation. This additional compensation depends on the value of the impairment rating and the injured worker’s ability to return to work with any employer.

What does workers’ compensation cover?

When you are approved for workers’ compensation, you will begin receiving payments to cover the following:

• Emergency room visits
• Doctor’s office visits
• Neck surgeries
• Medical equipment, such as neck braces, cervical collars, halo vests, etc.
• Prescriptions
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• 67 percent of your average weekly wages

How do I file for workers’ compensation benefits in Nashville?

You must take certain steps to successfully file for workers’ compensation benefits. These steps include:

• Report your accident and neck injury in writing to your supervisor, manager, or employer. You have 15 days from the date of injury to write this report, but it is strongly recommended that you do it before then.
• Request medical treatment as quickly as possible. Your employer is obligated to provide you with a panel of three physicians upon providing notice of a work-related injury so that initial treatment can be sought.
• Keep an eye on the status of Form C-20. It is your employer’s responsibility to fill out and submit this form within one business day of knowledge of the injury. If you notice that the form has not been submitted, you may need to reach out and ask your employer about it.
• Be patient, and continue to check your mail every day. You will receive a letter in the mail within 15 days of completing Form C-20. This letter will let you know whether your claim has been accepted or denied.
• If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal.

The Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm have spent years assisting victims who have become hurt at work. With this experience, our team has obtained the necessary skills and knowledge to stand up to big and small businesses and demand the fair compensation that injured employees deserve. When you work with us, you can rest assured knowing that you have an attorney in your corner who knows how severe neck injuries are and the permanent hardships and disabilities that they cause. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case review and learn how we will fight for your rights today. Our firm has offices in Nashville, East Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro for your convenience.