Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Spine Surgery After a Job-Related Accident

Suffering a spine injury at work can be a life-altering experience, often requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and, in severe cases, surgery. Workers in North Carolina who sustain job-related spine injuries are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Understanding how these benefits apply to spine surgery is critical for injured workers navigating the recovery process. Here, our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. explain.

Common Workplace Causes of Spine Injuries in North Carolina

Spine injuries can occur in nearly any North Carolina workplace environment but are particularly common in physically demanding jobs.

Common causes include, but are not limited to:

• Lifting Heavy Objects: Lifting or carrying heavy loads can strain the spine, leading to injuries like herniated discs.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Falls from heights or on slippery surfaces can result in severe spinal damage.
• Vehicle Accidents: Workers who drive as part of their job, such as truck drivers, are at risk of spine injuries in crashes.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Spine Surgeries

Workers’ compensation benefits ensure injured employees receive the care they need when a spine injury occurs at work.

For injuries requiring spine surgery, benefits typically include:

• Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation covers the cost of necessary medical treatments, including diagnostic tests, consultations with specialists, surgical procedures, hospitalization, and post-operative care. This also includes physical therapy and rehabilitation services required for recovery.
• Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working during your recovery, you are entitled to TTD benefits. These benefits provide two-thirds of your average weekly wages up to the state’s maximum limit.
• Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD): If the surgery results in a permanent impairment, you may be eligible for PPD benefits. These are calculated based on the impairment rating assigned by your physician and the affected body part.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If your spine injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers’ compensation may cover the cost of vocational training to help you transition to a new line of work.

Challenges in North Carolina Spine Surgery Workers’ Compensation Claims & How We Can Help

Navigating workers’ compensation claims for spine surgery can be complex.

Common challenges include:

• Employer or Insurer Denials: Employers or their insurers may dispute the severity of your injury or the necessity of surgery.
• Delays in Approval: Getting approval for surgery and related treatments can be time-consuming, potentially delaying your recovery.
• Inadequate Benefits: Insurers may attempt to offer settlements that fail to cover the full scope of your medical and financial needs.

At Ramsay Law Firm, P.A., our Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a spine injury can take on your life. We are committed to ensuring that injured workers receive the full benefits they are entitled to under North Carolina law.

Our team will:

• Assist with filing your workers’ compensation claim.
• Advocate for the approval of necessary medical treatments, including surgery.
• Challenge any denials or delays from insurers.
• Pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spine injury at work and requires surgery, don’t navigate the workers’ compensation process alone. Contact our Mecklenburg County workers’ compensation attorneys at 704-376-1616 or online for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you secure the benefits you need to recover and move forward with your life. A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.