Even in what seems to be minor auto accidents, people can injure their neck and back. The force generated by an accident forces the spine forward and backward or side-to-side. This can tear and stretch muscle resulting in painful injuries. The soft disks that are between the vertebrate can also tear, a more serious injury. According to health agencies neck and back injuries are the most common reasons for missed work. They are also a common complaint made to doctors. Physical therapy is often an option for treatment. Surgery should always be the last possible resort to correct the damage. For more information consult a qualified personal injury attorney.
Neck and back injuries can generally be classified into four types. Those involving direct injury to the spinal cord, those involving broken bones, those involving disk injury and those involving soft tissue injury. The most severe are those involving injury to the spinal cord, as they often involve paralysis or death. Disk injuries are more typically associated with damaged and nerve roots that run off of the spinal cord and produce pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities. Soft tissue injuries are the most common and can be as minor a simple sprain which clears up in a day or two. If you injure your back or neck at work report it to your employer as soon as possible. You should be eligible for worker's compensation benefits. Worker's compensation pays for any injuries or illnesses that happen while you are working. The amount of the payment depends on the type of injury and whether you are totally disable or partially disabled. You have a limited amount of time to file a worker's compensation claim. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms. Then if your employer does not dispute you benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits from the insurance company. IF there is a dispute, your case will have to go to a hearing and at this stage you may want to contact an attorney who has experience with worker's compensation cases.
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