Shenandoah Workers Compensation Attorneys

Facing legal obstacles following a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Our workers' compensation lawyers are here to help. With relentless dedication and specialized skills, our team fights for the rights of injured workers. We work diligently to secure fair treatment and the compensation you deserve, letting you focus on recovery.

Workers’ Compensation for Work-Related Injuries: Understanding Your Rights and Options

Spondylolysis and Workers’ Compensation

Spondylolysis is a defect of the pars interarticularis, often leading to slippage of a vertebra in the spine, known as spondylolisthesis. It is a common cause of low back pain and can arise from genetics, sudden trauma, or repetitive motions. If the injury is work-related, an Iowa work comp lawyer can assist in filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits.

Facts About Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis can affect individuals of any age and impact about four to six percent of the U.S. population, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Spondylolisthesis typically involves the forward slipping of a lumbar vertebra, most often the fifth (L5), potentially placing pressure on the spinal cord and causing significant low back pain.

There are two primary forms of spondylolisthesis:
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: This form is caused by the general wear and tear associated with aging, where intervertebral discs weaken and fail to keep the vertebrae in place, leading to slippage.
- Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis: This form results from a fracture in the pars interarticularis, allowing the vertebra to slip out of place, often due to repetitive motions, stress, or sudden trauma.

Work-Related Spondylolysis

Certain occupations pose a higher risk for developing spondylolysis due to regular stress on the lower back, including construction workers, gardeners, roofers, and painters. Symptoms may include chronic pain and soreness in the lower back, pain worsening when bending backward, leg weakness, slowed reflexes, and tingling sensations.

Workers experiencing these symptoms should consult their family doctor. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans can determine the position of the vertebra and whether it is pressing on nerves or the spinal cord.

Treatment and Workers’ Compensation

Treatment for spondylolysis varies depending on the severity and whether nerves or the spinal cord are affected. Non-surgical options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, back braces, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. These treatments can be costly, especially if time off work is required or ongoing physical therapy is needed. Workers who sustain such injuries on the job may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, with the assistance of an Iowa work comp lawyer.

Workers’ Compensation for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can severely limit one's ability to perform job-related tasks. Workers' compensation insurance typically covers these injuries, including necessary surgeries, if they are caused by work-related activities.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff comprises muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint, which can suffer tears or stretches, leading to pain, loss of mobility, and arm weakness. These injuries often develop over time due to repetitive overhead motions or lifting heavy materials, making warehouse and construction workers particularly susceptible.

Coverage and Benefits

Workers' compensation in Iowa covers all work-related injuries, including rotator cuff injuries. Benefits include full medical expense coverage and disability benefits to compensate for lost wages due to missed work. Medically necessary surgeries, as recommended by a doctor, are also covered under workers' comp.

Importance of Following Medical Advice

It's crucial for injured workers to follow their doctor's instructions closely. This includes undergoing recommended surgeries, adhering to post-surgery care, and not returning to work until medically cleared. Ignoring medical advice or attempting to return to work prematurely can jeopardize both health and compensation benefits.

Employer's Role and Returning to Work Post-Surgery

An employer cannot force an employee to return to work if the treating surgeon states they are not ready. Workers should provide their employer with a copy of their work restrictions and express their willingness to work within those limits. If an employer offers suitable work, the worker should attempt to perform it; refusal can lead to loss of workers' compensation benefits, job termination, and denial of unemployment benefits.

If no suitable work is available, the worker or their attorney should contact the insurance company to ensure they receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits.

Getting Legal Assistance In Shenandoah

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 Shenandoah 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.