Michigan workers’ comp lawyer discusses permanent restrictions after spinal fusion and how to get a lump sum cash settlement.
Getting hurt on-the-job can turn a person’s life upside down. This is especially true when it results in permanent work restrictions and lifetime medical bills. Many employees lose their jobs and must be retrained for a new career or apply for Social Security disability benefits. Some of the most difficult claims involve trauma to the lumbar or cervical spine. Here is some information that everyone should know about permanent restrictions after spinal fusion surgery.
Damaged vertebrae in the spine due to a work-related injury
Discs between individual vertebrae in the spine can be damaged from trauma. This is sometimes called a herniated disc, slipped disc, disc protrusion, or ruptured disk. These injuries often result in symptoms of pain, weakness, and numbness. Nerves can be irritated or pinched resulting in symptoms down a leg or arm. This is called radiculopathy. If conservative treatment like physical therapy or injections fail, a doctor might recommend surgery. Typical procedures include laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion. It is not uncommon to have permanent restrictions after spinal fusion.
What is a spinal fusion?
A spinal fusion is when two or more vertebrae are permanently connected. Metal plates, screws, and rods may be used to hold vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit. This often limits mobility and results in permanent work restrictions. It also places additional stress on the vertebrae below and above the spinal fusion speeding up the degenerative process. Lifetime medical treatment and monitoring is typically required.
A spinal fusion can be a life changing event that necessitates a change of job. The transition to sedentary or light work can be extremely difficult. However, most people are not disabled for life simply because they are given permanent work restrictions.
Does workers’ comp cover a spinal fusion?
In Michigan, workers’ comp does cover a spinal fusion including medical bills benefits without any copayments or deductibles being owed and it also pays wage loss benefits when an employee cannot perform their job including if the disabled employee is put on permanent restrictions. The amount paid is based upon average weekly wage. Differential is paid when a lower paying job is available. Disabled employees can also get vocational rehabilitation to help transition to a new career.
Settlement option
Many of our clients want to settle their workers’ comp claims when they get permanent restrictions after spinal fusion. This allows them to trade workers’ comp benefits for a lump sum cash payment. Money can be used for any purpose including additional medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, starting a business, paying off debt, or retirement. It can soften the blow when an individual must find a new job that pays less money over their lifetime.
Insurance companies give low-ball settlement offers to disabled employees which can lead to financial distress. It is critical to understand legal rights and future medical needs before settlement negotiation begins. Watch out for insurance companies who refuse to pay even after they covered the initial spinal fusion surgery. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help get the most amount of money possible for permanent restrictions after spinal fusion.
Have questions about your workers’ comp claim after being put on permanent restrictions after a spinal fusion? Contact attorneys now for a free consultation!
If you were put on permanent restrictions after a spinal fusion due to an on the job injury in Michigan and you have questions about your workers’ comp claim or employer is not complying with your work restrictions, call now 855-221-2667 to speak with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer, 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 workers’ 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 Workman’s Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled employees exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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