Back and neck injuries are some of the most common work injuries. Unfortunately, they can also be some of the most disabling injuries. Insurance companies frequently minimize the severity of neck and back injuries, most often accepting liability for something minor, like a sprain or strain. However, many injured workers’ experience lumbar or cervical disc herniations – not just muscle strains.

A disc herniation can occur from a variety of injury mechanisms, such as with heavy lifting, a fall or partial fall or with any kind of movement that places strain on the spine.  Herniations can also lead to symptoms that radiate, like numbness in the arms/hands (in the case of a cervical herniated disc) or numbness in the legs and feet (in the case of a lumbar disc herniation).

 An MRI is necessary to diagnose a disc herniation; whereas an EMG can help identify neurologic involvement. But even with these tests, insurance companies will often downplay the severity of the injury or argue that the herniation is “pre-existing” or “age-related.” For this reason, it is wise to consult with an experienced attorney who can ensure that the insurance company recognizes the full extent of your injury.  

Shoulder injuries are among the most common work injuries. It doesn’t really matter what type of job you have – office worker, construction worker, auto mechanic – you to use your arms and your shoulders. Activities include like reaching overhead or carrying heavy items put stress on the shoulder. The more your job requires you to use your arms and shoulder, the more likely it is that you will experience a shoulder injury of some kind.

Shoulder injuries vary. Common shoulder injuries include rotator cuff tears, impingement and SLAP tears. An MRI is usually necessary to diagnose the precise issue. Treatment also varies. A doctor will usually try conservative measures (medication, rest, therapy) before recommending surgery. Depending upon the severity of the problem, a shoulder replacement could be indicated. 

Shoulder injuries can result of a specific event, or they can occur from repetitive work, or both. Insurance carriers frequently deny shoulder injuries by claiming that the condition is a pre-existing condition. What the insurance carrier does not tell you is that an aggravation of pre-existing condition is still a compensable injury under the Act.

The knee is the largest joint in the body. Daily activities like walking, kneeling, lifting and squatting all put stress on the knee and can lead to injury. These injuries range from minor (sprain and strain) to severe (torn meniscus or injury to a ligament). In some cases, surgery can be required; and in severe cases, a total knee replacement may be necessary. For those who perform physical labor, a knee injury can make it impossible to ever resume the same type of work. 

Industries with the highest probability of workplace knee injuries are:

• Construction (Laborers and Freighters)
• Manufacturing (Stock and Material Movers)
• Trade and Transportation (Retail and Truck Drivers)
• Health Care (Nursing and Ambulatory Staff)

When people think of workplace injuries, they often think of sudden and catastrophic incidents like a fall or a machinery accident. However, other work-related injuries like those involving repetitive stress or motion are much more common. 

Repetitive use injuries develop over time, so it can be difficult to get fair compensation if you try to pursue a claim on your own. Your employer or their insurance company might argue that your job didn’t cause your injury, that your injury isn’t bad or that you should be able to continue working despite your injury.

Head trauma can lead to a constellation of symptoms. Memory loss, headaches, balance issues, difficulty with concentration and blurred vision are common symptoms of a concussion or head trauma. Brain injuries are difficult to prove and sometimes hard to treat. This type of injury is often not verifiable by any objective tests because you cannot actually “see” the concussion. For this reason, insurance companies often deny or try to limit concussion injuries.

In recent years, medical experts have emphasized how detrimental brain trauma can be and how much of an impact they can have on your long-term health if you don’t receive treatment right away. It is important to seek care from a physician who commonly treats concussions to document your history and signs in addition to getting the treatment needed to improve.

Fortunately, concussions and brain trauma are covered by Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation law. We can help you get medical bills paid and get compensation for any lost time from work. In some cases, we can also get ancillary benefits like transportation or vehicle and home modifications if needed depending on the severity of your injury.

Although we take all injuries seriously, there is nothing more catastrophic than death. If your loved one was killed in a work-related accident, you have many challenges ahead, including grieving your loss and dealing with financial matters. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act does provide death benefits for eligible dependents. These benefits include funeral and burial costs, payment of medical bills and ongoing wage loss payments to the surviving spouse, child and/or a dependent parent or sibling.

In Pennsylvania, the following individuals have the right to seek death benefits:

• The decedent’s spouse
• Minor children
• Children under the age of 18
• Children under the age of 23 who are enrolled in school full-time
• A disabled child of any age
• Parents of the decedent who were totally or partially dependent on him or her for financial support at the time of death
• Siblings under the age of 18 who are unable to support themselves due to a disability and either were fully or partially dependent on the worker for financial support at the time of death

Specific loss benefits cover the amputation or loss of use of a certain body parts, such as a finger, hand, arm, toe or foot. An employee does not have to be totally disabled to qualify for these benefits.  These benefits are payable regardless of your work status. However, it must be proven that there was either an amputation or that the employee has suffered a 50% to 100% loss of use for all practical intents and purposes.