Workplace Neck and Back Injury Attorneys Serving Omaha

Neck and back injuries are among the most common and debilitating types of workplace injuries. Whether you work in a physically demanding job like construction or nursing or spend your days sitting at a desk, your spine is vulnerable to damage from accidents, overuse, and repetitive motions. When these injuries occur on the job, they can often result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and even permanent disability.

If you’ve experienced a work-related neck or back injury in Omaha, you might qualify for workers’ compensation to cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other related losses. However, securing these crucial benefits requires effort. Employers and insurance companies frequently challenge the severity and cause of spine injuries, leaving injured workers to battle for the care and assistance they require.

The seasoned Omaha workplace neck and back injury attorneys of Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling can help if you’ve been injured on the job. Call us today at 402-999-9000 or contact us online to learn how we can get the benefits you need.

Common Causes of Work-Related Neck and Back Injuries

The neck and back play critical roles in supporting the head, shoulders, and torso. They comprise a complex network of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that cooperate to provide strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Damage to any of these components can result in serious pain and dysfunction.

Some of the most common causes of neck and back injuries in the workplace include:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents. Slip and falls account for a significant portion of work-related injuries.
• Motor vehicle accidents. Many jobs entail driving or riding in vehicles for extended periods. If you get into a crash while performing work duties, the sudden jolt and impact can cause whiplash, herniated discs, and other neck and back injuries.
• Lifting and carrying heavy objects. Jobs that involve manual labor put significant strain on the spine. Improperly lifting boxes, tools, or patients can cause sprains, strains, and other soft tissue damage.
• Repetitive motions. Even seemingly harmless tasks like typing, scanning items, or working on an assembly line can lead to neck and back injuries over time. Repeating the same motions over and over can lead to conditions like herniated discs, nerve compression, and chronic pain.
• Poor posture. Sitting hunched over a desk or workstation for long hours can put tremendous pressure on the neck and back. Over time, this can cause the spine to become misaligned, leading to pain, headaches, and other symptoms.

No matter what caused your neck or back injury at work, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial. Early diagnosis and treatment can enhance your likelihood of achieving a full recovery and bolster your workers’ compensation claim.

Diagnosing and Treating Neck and Back Injuries

Diagnosing neck and back injuries can be challenging because many conditions share similar symptoms. Some of the most common types of work-related spine injuries include:

• Whiplash: Soft tissue damage to the neck caused by rapid back-and-forth movement, often in car accidents
• Sprains and strains: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles and ligaments in the neck and back
• Herniated or bulging discs: Damage to the shock-absorbing cushions between the vertebrae that can compress nerves
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the nerves that run through the spinal canal, potentially leading to paralysis
• Fractured vertebrae: Broken bones in the spine that can cause severe pain and instability
• Pinched nerves: Compression of the nerves that exit the spinal column, causing radiating pain, numbness, and weakness

To diagnose your condition, your doctor may use physical exams, imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, nerve conduction studies, and other assessments. Treatment options will depend on the specific nature and severity of your injury but may include:

• Rest and ice/heat therapy
• Pain medications and anti-inflammatories
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Chiropractic care or massage
• Epidural steroid injections
• Surgery to repair damaged discs or vertebrae

Your workers’ compensation benefits should encompass all essential medical treatment associated with your work injury. However, insurance companies frequently attempt to restrict the care you receive or push you to return to work before you’ve completely recovered. An experienced Omaha workplace injury lawyer can assist you in advocating for the treatment necessary for your recovery.

Your Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Nebraska law mandates that most employers must maintain workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees who were injured on the job. This no-fault system ensures benefits regardless of fault for your neck or back injury.

Potential benefits include:

• Coverage of all medical expenses related to your injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment
• Temporary total disability payments if you are unable to work while recovering
• Temporary partial disability payments if you can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than your pre-injury wages
• Permanent partial or total disability benefits if you suffer a lasting impairment that affects your earning capacity
• Permanent total disability benefits if your injury results in complete inability to return to work
• Vocational rehabilitation services if you need training or education to return to suitable employment

To protect your right to benefits, you must:

• Report your injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible
• Follow your treatment plan and attend all medical appointments
• Keep detailed records of your communications with your employer and their insurer
• Consult an Omaha workers’ compensation attorney

Do not let the insurance company bully you into accepting less than you deserve for your work-related neck or back injury. Get an attorney on your side who can fight for your rights.

Contact Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling

At Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, we have been fighting for the rights of injured workers in Omaha and throughout Nebraska for years. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face after a work-related neck or back injury, and we are here to provide the personalized attention and aggressive advocacy you need.

If you suffered a neck or back injury at work, do not wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling today at 402-999-9000 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Omaha workplace neck and back injury lawyer. We are ready to put our knowledge, resources, and dedication to work for you.