Waldorf, Maryland Workplace Neck Injury Attorneys

Lawyers for Neck Injuries in the Workplace in Waldorf

Neck injuries that occur while people are working can range from strain to the tissues in the neck to catastrophic damage to the cervical spinal cord. The consequences that injured workers may experience after neck injuries can include pain, lost income during time away from work, and disruption to their financial stability and personal life. The workers' compensation system can provide benefits for injured workers, ensuring that they will receive medical care and addressing the income they have lost.

Workers' compensation claims related to neck injuries can be complex, and they may lead to disputes that can affect the benefits a person may receive. The lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer can help workers who have suffered neck injuries on the job, making sure their rights will be protected as they file claims and helping them obtain benefits that will meet their needs.

Types of Workplace Accidents That Can Cause Neck Injuries

Accidents at work can cause serious damage to a person's neck and other parts of their body. These accidents may include:

Falls

A construction worker who falls from scaffolding, a warehouse employee who falls from a loading dock, or a maintenance worker who falls from a ladder may suffer serious injuries affecting their neck. While falls from significant heights will be more likely to lead to catastrophic neck injuries, falls that take place at floor level can also lead to issues such as fractures, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries.

Being Struck by Falling Objects

Workers on construction sites, in warehouses, or in factories may be struck on the head or neck by falling tools, materials, or equipment. An object that is dropped may cause damage to the neck in an impact, or it may force a person's head into a position that can injure tissues in the neck.

Vehicle and Equipment Accidents

Workers who operate vehicles or heavy equipment, such as truck drivers, forklift operators, or construction equipment operators, may suffer neck injuries in collisions or other types of accidents. The impact of a collision can cause whiplash or tear the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

A neck injury may develop over time when a person works in an awkward position, makes repetitive motions in their neck or upper body, or is exposed to vibrations while operating equipment. Assembly line workers may suffer neck injuries when looking down at a work surface for hours at a time, or office workers may be injured while bending forward to look at computer monitors.

Types of Neck Injuries Affecting Workers

The neck can be injured in multiple ways, including:

Cervical Sprains and Strains

Cervical sprains can occur when the ligaments in the neck are injured, while strains may affect muscles and tendons. These injuries can lead to neck pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and other issues that may affect a person's ability to work. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Whiplash can also lead to damage to the soft tissues in the neck. It can result in symptoms that may include neck pain, headaches, difficulties moving the shoulders and arms, and fatigue. The effects of whiplash may last for months, or they may continue to affect a person indefinitely.

Herniated Discs in the Cervical Spine

The soft discs that provide cushions between the vertebrae in the neck may rupture due to injuries. These ruptures can compress nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. These issues can affect a worker's ability to perform tasks that require grip strength, overhead lifting, or other types of work.

Cervical Fractures

The bones in the neck may be broken in a workplace accident such as a fall, a motor vehicle collision, or being struck by a heavy object. In some cases, fractures may heal after a person's head and neck are immobilized, but in others, surgery may be needed to repair damage and protect the spinal cord. Even if a person is able to heal, they may experience stiffness, pain, and limits on their range of motion, which can affect their ability to perform certain jobs.

Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

When a neck injury results in damage to the spinal cord, a person may experience severe and permanent disabilities. This type of spinal cord injury may result in tetraplegia in which all four limbs are paralyzed, or a person's ability to breathe on their own may be affected. A cervical spinal cord injury may cause a person to be totally and permanently disabled.

How Neck Injuries Can Affect a Worker's Ability to Work

The consequences of a neck injury may include limitations on the types of work a person can perform. If a person had work in a position that required overhead reaching, arm strength, and the ability to lift and carry items, a neck injury that reduces their range of motion, causes pain in the arms and shoulders, or limits the loads they can carry may prevent them from returning to work. Construction workers, warehouse workers, and factory employees may find that a herniated disc or spine fracture will limit their employment options.

Even if a person worked in a job that did not require intense physical activities, issues such as chronic neck pain and discomfort when using the arms and shoulders may affect their ability to continue working. When a neck injury prevents a worker from returning to work, they may qualify for temporary disability benefits during their recovery. If ongoing health issues related to a neck injury may affect a person's employment, permanent disability benefits may be available, including permanent total disability benefits in cases involving paralysis.

Contact Our Waldorf, MD Workplace Neck Injury Lawyers

A work-related neck injury could completely change your life and your career. At Farmer & Klopfer, we can help you get the workers' compensation benefits you need to address the effects of a neck injury and prevent your family from experiencing financial difficulties. Contact our Waldorf work-related neck injury attorneys at 301-843-3890 to schedule a free consultation.