Immediate Actions and Legal Guidance for Workplace Spinal Cord Injuries in Washington State

Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality for many people. According to recently released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2,804,200 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in private industry workplaces in 2022, marking a 7.5 percent increase from 2021. While many employees eventually recover from their work-related injuries, some may suffer permanent damage that could alter their mobility and upend their lives in significant ways. Spinal cord injuries, in particular, can lead to paralysis or otherwise restrict limb function. Some spinal cord injury victims may need to use a wheelchair for the remainder of their lives, which has many lasting implications for the individual and their loved ones. Other work-related back injuries can cause painful symptoms and require intensive medical treatments and interventions as well. Spinal cord injuries and back injuries stemming from workplace accidents can have far-reaching consequences. In addition to the physical challenges, the emotional and financial burdens often require comprehensive legal guidance to address the full spectrum of the injured party’s needs.

If you need help obtaining compensation to assist you with the costs associated with your work-related injuries, consider enlisting the assistance of a highly qualified and experienced Seattle workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyer. Your attorney will assess the details of your case to identify the most strategic path forward that maximizes the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover for your injuries. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take after suffering a workplace spinal cord or back injury in the greater Seattle area.

Common Causes of a Spinal Cord Injury at Work

It’s helpful to understand what spinal cord injuries are and how they typically occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, “A spinal cord injury involves damage to any part of the spinal cord. It can also include damage to nerves at the end of the spinal cord, known as the cauda equina.” When the spinal cord is damaged, the patient may suffer permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury. For example, some spinal cord injuries cause permanent paralysis (i.e., tetraplegia or paraplegia), while others may experience what’s known as an “incomplete” spinal cord injury (which only impairs some feeling and control of movement below the affected area, instead of total loss). There are many different ways that a worker can suffer a spinal cord injury, such as falling from a considerable height, being struck by a heavy falling object, or becoming injured while operating or working near heavy machinery. No matter what factors contributed to your spinal cord injury at work, it’s worth discussing your legal options with a knowledgeable and qualified Seattle personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you can secure the compensation you deserve.

Other Types of Work-Related Back Injuries

Even if the workplace accident did not cause damage to your spinal cord, the back injury you suffered can also be severe and painful. Slipped discs from lifting heavy objects at work, torn or injured back muscles, and many other back injuries can trigger severe symptoms and require medical treatment. As soon as you develop symptoms of a workplace back injury, it’s best to schedule a doctor’s appointment right away to understand the nature and extent of the injury. What’s more, the medical records created by this visit can help to illustrate the costs associated with the workplace injury you suffered. When you and your attorney start to build your claim for a back injury at work, you can include the medical records and bills to quantify the toll the injury has taken on your well-being, finances, and earning capacity.

Steps to Take Following a Workplace Back Injury

The immediate aftermath of a workplace accident can be chaotic and disorienting. The first thing you should do is assess yourself for injuries. Any pain in your back should be treated seriously. Even if your symptoms are not immediately apparent, you should still visit a doctor within the next day or two for a comprehensive evaluation. Next, it’s important to notify your employer that you suffered an injury on the job. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), “Your employer may not discriminate or retaliate against you for filing a claim, saying that you plan to file a claim, or seeking workers’ compensation benefits.” If you encounter any challenges during this process, or if you simply want much-needed reassurance and support during this difficult time, consider enlisting the guidance of a highly qualified and caring Seattle attorney to help you move through each step of the claims process.

Compassionate Legal Advocacy When You Need It Most

Dealing with a spinal cord or back injury is often overwhelming and even life-altering. You may be grappling with an uncertain future or adjusting to permanent paralysis that requires substantial updates, modifications, and alterations to your home in order to accommodate your wheelchair. If you served as your family’s primary breadwinner, your injuries may have derailed your ability to work and support your loved ones. However, as intimidating and daunting as this time in your life may be, it’s essential to recognize that you do not have to move through it alone. When you work with a caring Seattle personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyer, you can trust that your best interests will remain in good and capable hands at all times. Your attorney will remain by your side to answer any questions you may have, such as how to seek compensation for a back injury at work or information about the average compensation for a back injury at work. Whatever your specific needs may be, it’s worth enlisting legal representation to ensure that you and your loved ones can recover the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related spinal cord or back injury, prompt action can make all the difference in securing you the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Call Scott & Scott, PLLC, today at (206) 622-2200 to discuss your options with a dedicated and experienced Seattle workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney.

Other Articles that May Interest You

10 Tips on What to Do Right Away When You Are in a Car Accident

Does Your Work Related Injury Qualify You for Provisional Time Loss?