Workers’ comp lawyer discusses neck injuries and information on a cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation settlement.
Getting hurt at work can be a life changing event. This is especially true when a person develops cervical radiculopathy after hurting their neck on-the-job. It can result in chronic pain symptoms that restrict work and life activities. Many of our clients who develop this injury at work seek a cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation settlement.
Injuries to the neck are very common under workers’ comp. These claims are frequently disputed because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the pain symptoms and how they initially developed. Insurance companies will say that neck pain is just part of the aging process and fight the claim.
Below is some information that disabled employees need to know about these types of settlements. Make sure to speak with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer if a claim for benefits has been disputed.
What is cervical radiculopathy and how does it develop from working?
Rubbery cushions (discs) are located between individual bones (vertebrae) and make up the cervical spine. Sometimes these discs bulge out (herniation) and compress a spinal nerve root. This can result in symptoms of pain, weakness, and numbness. Many of our clients describe these symptoms as traveling down their arms. This is known as cervical radiculopathy. Watch out for burning or shooting pain. Treatment consists of physical therapy, steroid injections, prescription medications, and surgery. Common procedures include discectomy, laminectomy, and fusion.
Employees can develop neck problems from various work activities. We have seen employees develop cervical radiculopathy from tripping and falling, constantly looking down, repetitive movements, being struck by an object, lifting items, and motor vehicle accidents.
Why are cervical radiculopathy claims disputed under workers’ comp?
Insurance companies understand the potential for lifetime workers’ comp benefits that are involved with a cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation settlement, and they do not want to accept the cost.
Many disabled employees are told they have degenerative disc disease or arthritis, and it will not be covered. Insurance companies use the independent medical examination (IME) to dispute causation. We recommend speaking with a treating doctor about cervical radiculopathy to see if it was indeed caused by work activities. Disabled employees can file an Application for Mediation or Hearing to challenge biased reports from insurance company doctors.
How much can a disabled employee expect for a cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation settlement?
State law guarantees both medical and wage loss benefits under workers’ comp. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment should be covered in a cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation settlement. Disabled employees are also entitled to receive 80% of their after-tax average weekly wage if unable to work.
Disabled employees can trade potential workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. The amount will depend upon future medical needs and the extent of disability. It is a good idea to speak with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer to maximize the value of any settlement.
What is the average cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation settlement?
In Michigan, there isn’t a specified average amount for a cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation settlement. The statistics published by the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency shows the average payout amount in Michigan for 2022 was just $62,315.56. Many people receive more than average when evidence shows permanent restrictions and lifetime medical care.
In short, insurance companies will look at age, medical costs, extent of disability, how much the employee earned at their job along with transferable skills to calculate the amount they will pay you for your settlement.
Having an experienced attorney on your side can result in a larger amount awarded. They can help you get more than than the average settlement amount by helping gather the proper medical and vocational evidence. Insurance companies only take disabled employees seriously when they know their legal rights.
Injured on the job? Call our attorneys now!
If you suffered a cervical radiculopathy workers’ compensation injury on the job and have questions about your settlement options, call now to speak with an experienced attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand work comp laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
How To File A Workers’ Comp Claim in Michigan: What You Need To Know
