Cervical Fusion and Missouri Workers’ Compensation

For more than 20 years, the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann has been helping injured workers get the medical attention and financial compensation that they need.

If you sustain a neck injury while on the job in Missouri, cervical fusion could be one of the treatment options offered. This procedure involves fusing bones in the neck to provide added support after a debilitating injury. If your physician recommends this surgery after an accident at work has injured your neck, your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits should cover the costs.

This type of treatment is typically recommended only after all other methods for relieving pain and restoring mobility have been exhausted. In some cases, your physician may claim that you have reached maximum medical improvement without offering cervical fusion as an option. If you believe that you are a good candidate for the surgery, you have the right to request a second opinion. Ask James M. Hoffmann how he can help get you the complete medical treatment and compensation you deserve.

What Types of Injuries Is Cervical Fusion Used For?

Common Causes of Neck Bone Injuries:

• Repetitive motion injuries or overuse.
• Accidents, such as:
  • Work-related car accidents leading to whiplash.
  • Slip-and-fall accidents that cause trauma to cervical bones.

Purpose of Cervical Fusion:

• Stabilizes the neck after severe injury.
• Prevents bone fractures from damaging the spinal cord, which could lead to paralysis.

Cervical Fusion Procedure Details:

• Bone used in the fusion can be taken from other body parts.
• Forms a bridge between adjacent vertebrae to stimulate new bone growth.
• Metal plates may be used to keep vertebrae stable during the bone growth process.

Recovery Expectations:

• Significant recovery time is required.
• Keeping the neck stable is critical for successful healing.

When Should You See a Doctor if You Injure Your Neck at Work?

When a neck injury is caused by an accident at your job, you should immediately file an incident report with your supervisor. Not all neck injuries present themselves immediately, and you will want to ensure that if one does at a later date, it can be traced back to your job. Whiplash is a perfect example of this, as many people will not experience any symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. To protect your workers’ compensation benefits, be sure that you follow the procedure and inform your employer of an accident on the job immediately.

Suppose you are experiencing neck pain without having been involved in an accident. In that case, you should bring it to your supervisor’s attention to recommend one of the physicians in their worker’s compensation network. If your doctor diagnoses you and suggests that the injury is related to your job, ask them for a written letter that you can then show your employer. They will then send you to one of their physicians to be treated. It is essential for workers’ compensation that you follow the correct procedures for reporting an injury. If not, you are putting your rightful benefits at risk. If a procedural error is causing your claim for cervical fusion to be denied by your employer, schedule a consultation with James M. Hoffmann to see how he can help.

What Expenses Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

If your physician finds you to be a good candidate for cervical fusion to treat a work-related neck injury, your employer is obligated to cover all of the costs associated with the procedure. This includes the surgery and any medications for pain and post-operative visits. In addition, your employer should compensate you for any wages lost while you are undergoing medical treatment. If your physician restricts your work activities, they must either offer you a comparable substitute position or pay a portion of your wages.

Work Related Injuries