Missouri Workers’ Compensation: Spine and Head Injuries

Compensation for spine and head injuries are not easy to negotiate.

It is essential to get medical and legal assistance if you sustain a work-related spine or head injury. Although getting medical treatment should be a priority to prevent aggravation of the injury, you may also consider consulting with an experienced Missouri workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after the accident.

Immediately Consult an Attorney

It is advisable to consult a Missouri workers’ compensation attorney knowledgeable about spine and head injuries. The attorney should have a suitable knowledge about rehabilitation and medical care. The attorney should also understand how the injuries may affect your day to day life. Many attorneys handle these cases on a contingent fee basis. In this situation, the attorney will not receive legal fees unless a settlement is made or the case is won.

You have only a limited period of time to file a workers’ compensation claim, so the moment you are injured, you should report it to your employer. In case the employer or the insurance company tries to deny or limit the compensation, contact a Missouri workers’ compensation attorney to understand your legal options. Spine injuries can be extremely debilitating, and may require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation. Here is some insight into spine and head injuries.

Spine Injuries

The spine is a group of nerves running through the back from the head. It brings nerve impulses coming from the different body parts into the brain. The spine is composed of four sections: the sacral, thoracic, cervical, and lumbar sections. The severity of a spine injury increases as it goes higher on the spinal cord. The kind of injury ascertains the section of the spine where the injury is located. It also indicates the next possible treatment needed to deal with the condition following the injury. Although automobile accidents are the typical causes of spine injuries, it can also happen at workplaces.

Head Injuries

Brain injuries include the following:

• Ripping of fragile tissues of the brain due to unexpected collisions.
• Contusions due to a blow on the skull.
• Oxygen deprivation or anoxic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injuries can result in the following:

• Coma.
• Paralysis.
• Focus and memory issues.
• Changes in personality and behavior.
• Loss of sensation.
• Despair and apprehension.
• Vision and speech impairment.
• Convulsions.

Workers’ compensation covers health-related expenses due to work-related injuries. A lawsuit may also be filed against a third-party if the work-related injury was caused by defective equipment. If you have been the victim of a work-related spine or head injury, call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.

Work Related Injuries

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