Sanborn Workers Compensation Attorneys

The legal obstacles following a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation attorneys are here to assist. With unwavering dedication and specialized expertise, our team fights for injured workers' rights. We work diligently to secure fair treatment and proper compensation, letting you concentrate on recovery.

Filing a Worker’s Comp Claim for Work-Related Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is a progressive and painful disorder of the spine, primarily degenerative, but work-related duties can exacerbate the condition, leading to increased pain and disability. Understanding the condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for those affected, especially if they believe their condition is work-related and seek to file a workers' compensation claim.

What is Facet Syndrome?

Facet joints are small joints that connect two adjacent vertebrae, providing spinal stability while allowing movement. Over time, the cartilage on these joints can weaken and break down, leading to facet joint syndrome, or facet disease. This deterioration causes significant back pain and discomfort.

Causes of Facet Disease

While aging is a primary factor in facet syndrome, other causes include repetitive trauma, overuse injuries (e.g., delivery personnel repeatedly bending and lifting, assembly line workers performing tasks with lumbar spine flexed), traumatic work accidents, obesity, and other spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome can be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms often mimic other spinal disorders. Common symptoms include:

- Radiating pain
- Headaches
- Weakness or numbness in extremities
- Tenderness and sensitivity in one area of the spine
- Stiffness and reduced flexibility
- Difficulty bending, standing straight, or walking

These symptoms can make everyday activities such as walking, running, bending, sitting, and twisting painful.

Types of Available Treatments

Treatment for facet joint syndrome varies based on severity. For serious cases, fusion surgery or facet rhizotomy might be recommended. Non-surgical options include:

- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain medication
- Hot or cold packs
- Back-specific exercises
- Physical therapy
- Cervical traction
- Back braces
- Strength training
- Posture corrections
- Avoiding movements that worsen symptoms

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent recurring back problems. If you suspect your condition is work-related, report it to your supervisor and document your care and treatments to support a workers' comp claim.

The Consequences of Failing to Receive Treatment

Untreated facet joint problems can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, bone spurs, and complications that severely impact daily activities like working, exercising, and basic movements. Symptoms to watch for include pain and stiffness in the neck or back, pain worsening with movement, stiffness after staying in one position, and headaches or shoulder pain in cervical facet syndrome cases.

The Difficulties Proving a Claim

Proving a work-related facet syndrome claim can be challenging. Employers or their insurance companies might argue the condition is degenerative and not work-related. Because the syndrome can resemble other health issues, having comprehensive medical records, job task documentation, and legal counsel is crucial to substantiate your claim.

Pars Defect & Workers’ Comp: Proving Job-Related and Collecting Benefits

Back pain can result from various injuries, including less common conditions like pars defect or pars fracture. If work-related tasks cause or worsen these conditions, workers' compensation benefits may be available.

What is Pars Defect?

Pars defect involves a stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of the lumbar spine, possibly leading to spondylolisthesis if both sides are affected. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and sometimes pins and needles in a leg, which may cause weakness or numbness. Symptoms typically worsen with activity and improve with rest.

Treatment and Workers’ Comp Claim

Initial treatment is usually conservative, involving rest, back braces, and physical therapy. Severe cases might require surgery, such as a laminectomy or posterior lumbar fusion. To file a workers' compensation claim, the injury must be proven to arise from employment tasks. Medical records and job task documentation are vital to establish this connection. Approved claims cover medical costs and partial wages for disability based on injury severity.

Calcaneus Fracture Work Injury & Workers’ Compensation

A calcaneus fracture, or heel bone fracture, can be a disabling work injury often accompanied by other injuries like hip or spine fractures. High-impact collisions, such as car accidents or falls from heights, are common causes.

Causes and Symptoms of a Calcaneus Fracture

Typical symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, a deformed heel, and difficulty bearing weight or walking. The severity ranges from stable fractures, which may heal with immobilization, to more severe displaced, open, or comminuted fractures requiring surgery.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment varies with severity. Minor fractures might heal with a brace, while severe fractures may need surgical intervention with screws and metal plates. Rehabilitation focuses on muscle strengthening and improving range of motion. Complications can include infection, tendon irritation, joint stiffness, chronic pain, and altered gait.

Collecting Workers' Compensation Benefits

To qualify for workers' compensation, the injury must occur within the scope of employment. Benefits include coverage for medical costs and partial wages during recovery. Permanent disability benefits might be available for lasting impairments.

Getting Legal Assistance In Sanborn

Navigating the complexities of Iowa workers' compensation laws can be daunting, especially during the recovery process from a workplace injury. Seeking guidance from a seasoned Sanborn Workers' Comp attorney is invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal professionals play a pivotal role in gathering evidence, preparing documentation, and advocating for your interests throughout the claims process. Don't risk missing out on the compensation you deserve – enlist the support of a qualified attorney to navigate the complexities with confidence.

The Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your work injury claim from the get-go. That's why we provide this FREE book; Iowa Workers' Compensation - An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa work injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation - 641-792-3595.