A worker suffering from nerve damage often takes a very long time to recover.
Nerve damage is a debilitating outcome of a workplace accident. It can cause chronic pain and seriously limit a person’s ability to work or even perform daily activities. In this article, we will discuss the various work-related cases of nerve damage, the common types of nerve damage, and the treatment options available.
Work-Related Causes of Nerve Damage
Nerves play the critical function of relaying signals between the brain and the different parts of the body. So, a workplace nerve-related injury can be debilitating. Some of the common workplace accidents that can cause nerve damage are:
- Electrocution
- Slip and fall accidents
- Fall from a height
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Crushing injury accidents
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Workplace violence and assault
- Repetitive Motions
- Exposure to toxic substances such as mercury and arsenic
- Overexertion
Common Types of Work-Related Nerve Damage
Workplace accidents can cause various types of nerve damage disorders including:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Rotator cuff injury and shoulder injury
- Sciatica, herniated disc, and other back injuries
Facial nerve damage including Bell’s Palsy - Carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, other hand, and wrist overuse injuries
- Peripheral nerve damage
Treatment for Work-Related Nerve Damage
Common symptoms of nerve damage include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain
- Burning sensation
- Atrophy
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
- Paralysis
A worker suffering from nerve damage often takes a very long time to recover. In many cases, complete recovery is not possible, and even when recovery is possible, it may take months or even years. Treatment depends on the type and extent of the damage.
If the worker is experiencing severe pain, he/she may need pain medication. The worker may be given cortisone injections to reduce pain and inflammation. However, steroids have their own side effects, so they cannot be given them frequently. Most workers who have suffered nerve damage are recommended physical therapy in order to prevent stiffness and to increase functionality and mobility. If the injured is rendered unfit to continue his/her current job, he/she may need occupational therapy to get another job.
In the case where the patient has suffered serious nerve damage wherein the nerve has been severed, he/she may need to undergo surgery to remove damaged sections of nerve or to reattach healthy nerves or perform a nerve graft.
Workers Compensation Benefits for Nerve Damage
Nerve damage often needs long term and extensive treatment, and the injured worker may need to remain off work for a specific period of time. The injured worker can claim workers compensation benefits that will cover the medical expenses and a part of wage loss. However, in some cases, it may not be easy to prove that injury is work-related. In such cases, it is advisable to seek help from an experienced St. Louis workers compensation lawyer.