Marshalltown Workers Compensation Attorneys

Suffering a serious injury on the job in Marshalltown can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. When a work accident results in a neck or spine injury, the road to recovery can be long and complicated, involving surgeries, pain management procedures, and multiple medical evaluations. At the same time, injured workers often find themselves navigating a complex workers' compensation system while dealing with physical pain and lost wages. Understanding the medical side of your claim, including treatments like neck fusion surgery and epidural nerve block procedures, as well as knowing what to expect from an Independent Medical Examination (IME), can make a real difference in the outcome of your case. The Marshalltown workers' compensation attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair are here to help injured workers in Marshall County and throughout Iowa protect their rights every step of the way.

Neck and Spine Injuries After a Marshalltown Work Accident

Work-related neck and spine injuries can happen in many ways. A fall from height, a collision with a piece of heavy equipment, or any other type of serious work accident can leave a victim dealing with a painful and potentially life-altering neck injury. Industries common in central Iowa, including manufacturing, construction, and delivery and logistics work, carry real risks for these types of accidents. Seeking immediate medical attention after being hurt on the job is critical, particularly following a neck injury, because early diagnosis and treatment can affect both your health outcomes and your workers' compensation claim.

When the bones in the spine are broken or weakened, or when vertebrae become misaligned, doctors may recommend a variety of treatment paths. Two of the most significant treatment options injured workers need to understand are neck fusion surgery and epidural nerve block injections. Workers may also need to undergo an Independent Medical Examination, which plays a direct role in how their claim is evaluated by the insurance carrier.

What Is Neck Fusion Surgery and When Is It Needed?

A neck fusion, also referred to as a spinal or cervical fusion, is a surgery that may be performed for individuals who suffer a spinal or neck injury at work. The procedure connects bones in the spine or neck together that have been broken or weakened. Neck fusion surgery can be carried out in a couple of different ways. In one approach, a bone graft or a piece of bone from another part of the body or from a donor is used to fuse adjacent vertebrae together, encouraging them to grow back naturally. In another approach, a foreign object such as a metal plate, screw, or plastic piece is implanted to hold vertebrae together until the bone heals or to strengthen weak vertebrae.

After surgery, the injured worker may need to stay in the hospital for a short period, wear a neck brace, attend follow-up visits with a doctor, and may even need physical therapy to strengthen muscles in the neck and shoulders.

Work Injuries That May Lead to Neck Fusion Surgery

Not every neck injury requires surgery, but certain types of injuries are more likely to result in a recommendation for neck fusion. If one or more vertebrae are broken, neck fusion may be necessary. Fractures are most commonly seen in automobile accidents and falls, and some work environments like construction sites or delivery jobs may put workers at particular risk for these accidents. Accidents may also lead to misalignment of the vertebrae, which can cause ongoing pain and could lead to further complications if not addressed.

Fusion surgery may also be performed in conjunction with a discectomy, which involves the removal of a damaged or herniated disc. The fusion procedure stabilizes the vertebrae following removal of the disc. Additionally, the procedure may be performed if a vertebra slips forward, a condition known as spondylolisthesis. Workers dealing with these injuries may be unable to work while recovering or may need to take lower-paying jobs until they have healed sufficiently to return to their previous duties. Beyond medical expenses, a workers' compensation attorney in Iowa can also help pursue disability benefits while the worker is out of work or working in a reduced capacity.

Understanding Cervical Radicular Pain After a Work Accident

Another serious consequence of neck and spine injuries sustained at work is cervical radicular pain, also called radiculopathy. This condition occurs when the nerves stop working properly due to disease or trauma, causing a malfunction in the root of a nerve. Cervical radicular pain can result in pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty with motor control. Even though the problem originates in the spinal area, the pain is often felt in other parts of the body, such as the arms, shoulders, or hands.

In many cases, a herniated disc, usually the result of trauma such as a workplace accident, fall, or collision, is the cause of cervical radicular pain. The material from the ruptured disc can put pressure on the nerve root, compressing it and causing significant discomfort. Radicular pain can also result from arthritis or degenerative bone disease that is aggravated by a work injury.

Traditional Treatments for Cervical Radicular Pain

Many patients suffering from cervical radicular pain first attempt conservative therapies. These can include corticosteroids and pain medications with varying degrees of effectiveness. Treatment may involve injectable treatments or oral medications, and patients should speak with their doctors about which approach suits their specific situation. Physical therapy is also a standard component of a treatment plan, and may include cervical traction performed either mechanically or manually. When conservative treatment fails and the pain becomes intolerable, surgery is often considered the next step. However, there is another treatment option called the epidural nerve block procedure that may offer meaningful pain relief before surgery becomes necessary.

The Epidural Nerve Block Procedure Explained

The epidural nerve block procedure involves the injection of a corticosteroid into the epidural space of the spine. The physician uses a fluoroscope, a tool that provides real-time X-ray imaging, to guide the placement of the needle. A contrast medium allows the doctor to confirm the needle is correctly positioned before the medication is injected. The injection typically includes a local anesthetic such as lidocaine along with a corticosteroid. Pain relief is then monitored for a set period of time to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure.

This procedure is minimally invasive and may be an excellent alternative to surgery for some patients. Complications are generally minor and can include a risk of infection, slight bleeding, and minor pain at the injection site. Patients should discuss the full range of possible side effects with their doctor before receiving any injection or undergoing treatment.

Living with cervical radicular pain is not easy. It can make it impossible for a patient to work, sleep, or enjoy daily activities. If a Marshalltown worker suffers from this condition because of a work accident, they may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits to cover medical bills for treatments like the epidural nerve block procedure, as well as compensation for lost wages and other damages.

What Marshalltown Workers Should Know About Independent Medical Examinations

At some point during a workers' compensation claim in Iowa, injured workers are often required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME). Most workers have never gone through this process before and may not know what to expect. Understanding the key elements of an IME can help injured workers be better prepared and avoid mistakes that could harm their claims.

The IME May Start Before You Even Arrive

Sometimes the examination process begins before you even enter the doctor's office. Prior to the IME, you may receive paperwork to fill out, including a medical history form providing the examiner with information about your injury, prior treatment, and any restrictions or impairments you have experienced. Be sure to check your mailbox to see if the doctor's office or your attorney has sent any additional paperwork. Some doctors' offices also provide a link on their website allowing patients to download, print, and bring in completed forms.

Providing the Doctor With an Accurate History

One of the primary elements of an IME is the history portion of the exam. It is critically important to be as accurate as possible. The doctor will ask about the history of the injury as well as your work history. This gives the examiner a clearer picture of what your job involves and how your injury fits into that context, helping them gauge whether you are ready to return to work and whether any tools or equipment were involved. Complete honesty is the best policy. If you do not know something, do not guess or make it up. Simply tell the doctor that you do not know or cannot remember.

The doctor will also ask about the treatment history for your injury. Be sure to describe what you have personally done to manage the injury, such as applying ice, as well as the names of doctors you have seen and what those doctors have recommended. You should also disclose your family medical history, including any diseases or conditions that run in the family.

The Physical Portion of the IME

There is also a physical part of the IME. The doctor may record your height, weight, age, and other physical attributes and will examine the injury to assess things like range of motion, flexion, adduction, and other movement-related observations. Depending on the type of injury, the doctor may order X-rays or check your blood pressure. The examining doctor will be rendering an independent opinion on your work injury, which can significantly influence what the workers' compensation insurer does with your claim.

Day-to-Day Activities and Your IME

Another important aspect of the IME is the discussion of your day-to-day activities. While this may seem routine, it matters because it allows the doctor to assess whether your daily activities are beneficial or potentially harmful to your recovery. It also helps the doctor evaluate your overall health. Even if you feel uncomfortable disclosing a particular daily activity, it is important to be forthcoming so the doctor can provide the most accurate assessment possible. You should also describe how your daily activities affect you in terms of pain and discomfort.

Do not hesitate to ask questions during the IME. This shows the doctor that you are engaged in your recovery. Most importantly, try to relax and treat the visit as you would any other doctor's appointment.

How a Marshalltown Workers' Compensation Attorney Can Help

Workers who suffer neck injuries, require surgery, need pain management procedures like epidural nerve blocks, or face an IME are dealing with an already stressful situation made more complicated by the workers' compensation process. Insurance companies often use IME results to limit or deny benefits. Having an experienced Marshalltown workers' compensation attorney in your corner can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive.

Workers who are unable to work while recovering from neck fusion surgery or who are managing ongoing cervical radicular pain deserve to have someone fighting for their full range of benefits, including medical cost coverage, disability benefits while out of work or in a lower-paying position, and more. The attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair have spent years representing injured Iowa workers and understand how to navigate these claims from start to finish.

Getting Legal Assistance In Marshalltown

Navigating the complexities of Iowa workers' compensation laws can be daunting, especially during the recovery process from a workplace injury. Seeking guidance from a seasoned Marshalltown Workers' Comp attorney is invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal professionals play a pivotal role in gathering evidence, preparing documentation, and advocating for your interests throughout the claims process. Don't risk missing out on the compensation you deserve – enlist the support of a qualified attorney to navigate the complexities with confidence.

The Iowa Workers' Compensation attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your work injury claim from the get-go. That's why we provide this FREE book; Iowa Workers' Compensation - An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa work injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation - 641-792-3595.

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