Jackson Workplace Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Workplace spinal cord injuries make up just two percent of all back-related trauma suffered by employees in Mississippi, but additional statistics put the dangers into perspective. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (SCISC), the first year costs for a victim may run from $380,000 up to $1.16 million. For the most severe forms of spinal trauma, a 25-year-old worker could be facing almost $5.2 million in lifetime care expenses. Plus, just 18 percent of individuals who suffer spinal cord injuries are able to work within one year after an accident.
Mississippi workers’ compensation laws pay monetary benefits to eligible employees who sustain on-the-job injuries, including trauma to the spinal cord. The legal process can be complicated, so it is wise to rely on our team at Keith B. French Law for help. Please contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation with a Jackson workplace spinal cord injury lawyer, and take time to review some basics.
Workers’ Comp Laws Protect Injured Employees
Mississippi laws create a no-fault system for benefits, wherein workers do not need to prove that their employer was negligent or otherwise responsible for causing an accident. You do need to establish that you are a covered worker and that you were performing job-related tasks when you suffered spinal cord injuries. These medical conditions are often the result of an accident, but they can also be caused by strain or repetitive motion. Common types of work-related spinal cord injuries include:
- Muscle atrophy;
- Herniated and bulging discs, the gel-like cushions that protect the vertebrae and spinal cord;
- Spinal cord compression;
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries, which limit bodily movement and function below the location of the trauma; and
- Complete spinal cord injuries that paralyze the body below the affected section of the spine, often leading to paraplegia, quadriplegia, or tetraplegia.
Challenges in Obtaining Workers’ Comp Benefits
Even if you qualify, seek proper medical care, and notify your employer about your medical condition, you could encounter obstacles when dealing with the workers’ comp insurance company. With the exception of the most serious trauma, some spinal cord conditions are soft tissue injuries that can be difficult to prove despite chronic pain and limited movement. Insurers are also quick to blame spinal cord injuries on pre-existing conditions unrelated to the workplace.
Our Jackson workplace spinal cord injury lawyer at Keith B. French Law is skilled in discussions with insurers, so we develop strategies for overcoming these hurdles. We are ready to take next steps to ensure you receive full benefits for medical costs, lost wages, permanent and temporary disability, and others.
Trust Your Claim to Our Jackson Workplace Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
As you can see, numerous challenges in the workers’ comp process can stand in the way of receiving your rightful benefits. Our Keith B. French Law team is prepared to tackle the obstacles, so please contact us to discuss strategy. You can set up a complimentary case review at our Jackson offices by calling 601-983-2667 or visiting our website.
