Car collisions, slip-and-falls and other accidents can lead to serious spinal injuries. When you suffer a spinal injury, you may need physical therapy, surgery, medication or other treatments to restore mobility and reduce pain. Some spinal injuries result in permanent damage or long-term care needs. It’s expensive—and your insurance may not cover all the treatment you need.
Spinal fusion is a common surgery for people with spinal injuries. If your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, or an on-the-job injury, a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim can help you recover compensation for your surgery and related treatment.
What is spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion permanently fuses two or more vertebrae in your spine. It’s typically performed to correct deformities like scoliosis, after herniated discs are removed or to restore spinal stability (including after an accident).
When the vertebrae are fused, they no longer move. The surgery itself mimics the healing process when you break a bone: your surgeon will place a bone (or bonelike material) between the vertebrae. They may hold it in place with metal screws, rods or plates.
The surgery usually requires a hospital stay of two to three days, and the recovery period can take several months. You may need to wear a brace or use another assistive device as you are healing.
Spinal fusion and personal injury or workers’ compensation claims
If your accident happened on the job, you are likely entitled to medical and wage benefits for your injuries. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be your top priority. Even if the accident was your fault, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) will still cover medical expenses like spinal fusion surgery, and lost wages while you’re recovering. However, there are strict time limits and approved providers to navigate.
If the accident happened as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Because spinal injuries can have far-reaching consequences, filing a personal injury claim can help you recover money for past and future expenses.
In rare cases, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation and personal injury claim. This typically happens when a third party was responsible for your on-the-job injury, such as a subcontractor on a construction site. It’s crucial you retain an experienced attorney from the Law Offices of Tim Misny to pursue all the available damages.
Consult an Ohio workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your spinal injury claim, especially if it involves spinal fusion surgery. If you suffered a spinal injury on the job or as a result or someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
