What is a herniated disc and will workers’ comp in Florida cover this injury?
University Park, FL—The spine is made up of several vertebrae, or bones that are “cushioned by discs,” according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). These discs are similar to that of a “small pillow” and contain a nucleus. When a “fragment of the disc nucleus is pushed out” of the outer layer of the disc,” this is referred to as a herniated disc.
When the disc presses on the spinal nerves, it can result in a person experiencing varying degrees of pain, according to the AANS.
What causes a person to suffer a herniated disc?
Herniated discs are caused by a few different things. For instance, a person might suffer a herniated disc if they strain themselves or suffer an injury at work. If an individual were to fall at work, there is the potential that they could suffer a herniated disc.
In addition to strains and injuries, herniated discs can also happen as a result of aging. The AANS says that “disc material degenerates naturally as one ages, and the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken.” As time goes on and the degeneration continues, a disc could rupture from even a minor strain or an odd movement.
What are some of the symptoms a person might experience if they suffer a herniated disc?
While the AANS says that some individuals might not experience any pain or discomfort as a result of suffering a herniated disc, others may feel mild or severe pain. Numbness and weakness are also symptoms of a herniated disc.
Does workers’ comp cover claims for herniated discs?
If an individual suffered a herniated disc from working or after engaging in a work accident, then yes, their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company should cover their claim. When a person has a valid workers’ compensation claim, they can generally collect medical and indemnity benefits. Medical benefits will pay for the care an injured party needs to get better or until they reach a point of Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Indemnity benefits, also known as wage replacement benefits, will pay an injured worker a portion of the salary they were earning prior to their work accident. Wage replacement benefits are usually paid to workers whose injuries prevent them from working for more than seven days and are generally paid out on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Need help filing a workers’ compensation claim?
If an employee’s job duties caused them to suffer a herniated disc or they sustained the injury as a result of a work accident, the University Park, FL workers’ compensation attorneys at Mario Trespalacios P.A. can determine what benefits they are entitled to receive and help them get their claim filed.
If an injured worker already filed a claim but believes they aren’t receiving the benefits they are due, a University Park workers’ comp lawyer would be happy to look into the matter and see if there is an issue that requires their help.
Mario Trespalacios P.A. can be contacted at:
9495 SW 72 Street, Suite B-275
Miami, FL 33173
Phone: 305-261-5800
Website: www.mtpalegal.com
