Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | July 28, 2017
Neck injuries are some of the most common injuries faced by employees, regardless of where they work. While some neck injuries are easily treatable, others can have permanent and debilitating effects that make it difficult if not impossible to sustain employment. Fortunately, these types of injuries are usually covered under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law even when the injury is an aggravation of a pre-existing condition. To ensure that your own claim is filed correctly, you should speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Atlanta who can advise you.
Types of Neck Injuries
The spine is comprised of a series of small bones known as vertebrae that run from the skull to the tailbone. The neck is specifically made up of vertebrae that begin in the upper torso and end at the base of the skull, an area which is referred to as the cervical spine. These vertebrae, surrounding ligaments, and muscles provide stability to the spine, allowing for support, motion, and flexibility. However, because the neck is less protected than the rest of the spine, it is especially vulnerable to injury.
For most workers who struggle with neck pain, the injury is the result of overuse or overexertion over a long period of time. Some neck injuries, however, are the result of a single traumatic accident, such as a car accident. Whiplash, which is a soft tissue injury that is often referred to as a neck sprain, is a common injury suffered by car accident victims. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, numbness, and weakness in the limbs. Other common neck injuries suffered by workers include:
- Repetitive strains, which occur over a period of time and are usually due to poor posture or maintaining an awkward position while working at a desk;
- Neck sprains, which are caused by the muscles in the neck becoming overly stretched or torn and can lead to neck pain that is only aggravated by activity;
- Herniated or bulging discs, which are usually caused by heavy lifting and result in the swelling or rupturing of the discs between the vertebrae, which in turn damages the nerves; and
- Vertebral fractures, which occur when a sudden blow or impact causes the vertebrae to fracture and can result in paralysis if the spinal cord is damaged.
- Fortunately, the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act covers all of these injuries, regardless of whether they were the result of a one-time accident or from repetitive motion. As long as the injury occurred on the job and the injured party was not intoxicated or breaking a law at the time of the accident, the injured worker should be able to receive medical benefits and wage replacement.
Call Today to Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Atlanta at Hasner Law PC
Neck injuries can take an extremely physical, emotional, and financial toll on injured employees, so if you suffered a neck injury while on the job, please contact the Atlanta workers’ compensation law firm of Hasner Law PC at the location nearest you to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
