A worker who suffers work-related degenerative disc disease may lose out on workers’ compensation benefits.
Degenerative disc and joint disease are usually associated with aging. However, with the kind of stressful lives we lead today, work-related pressures can cause physical stress or injuries in the workplace. These types of injuries are often neglected, causing permanent damage or disabilities to workers at a younger age, leaving them unable to earn a living.
FREE CONSULTATION

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
OVER $100 MILLION COLLECTED
ONLY WORK COMP
This is the lawyer you want to hire! Just read the reviews. It is all true. Incredible! He will get you every dollar of lost wages, get you every ounce of medical treatment, and get you the highest possible award from the Division of Workers Compensation.
These reviews are correct. This attorney is incredible. He knows workmans compensation, fights for denied treatment and wages, and gets your on the job injury rated by the best doctors. I will be using him from here on our great experience.
The Law Office of James M Hoffmann was referred to me from a previous client, that was extremely impressed, with his service and outcome.
I met with Jim Hoffmann to discuss a car accident. Three cars were involved, my car was totaled, and I was seriously injured. After meeting with Jim the very first time, I immediately felt comfortable, and knew that he would have my back, and would fight for me.
Throughout my journey, I dealt with a lot of pain and several issues that lasted for years. During this time I had to contact Jim and Jamie (Jim’s wonderful assistant) many times. Every time I sent an email with questions, I received feedback extremely quickly!
I feel Jim negotiated a great settlement for me!
The Law Office of James Hoffman will be the first place I contact if I ever need his help again!
Suzanne Charles
Compensation? Get this lawyer. Simply better than all the rest.
Workers who suffer from work-related degenerative disc disease may lose out on workers’ compensation benefits because they are unable to prove that the condition is work-related. Workers who are susceptible to work-related degenerative disc disease need to have the correct information regarding the condition.
What is Degenerative Disc and Joint Disease?
Degenerative disc disease involves the slow degeneration of the soft, compressed discs separating the vertebrae and causing the surrounding nerves to compress. This leads to pain, nerve roots or spinal cord disturbances, instability, or a combination of these problems. Degenerated disc disease affects people who do heavy physical labor, suffer a sudden fall, or are injured by a falling object. It most commonly affects the lower back lumbar region or the cervical region. If left untreated, it can lead to serious chronic conditions, such as arthritis, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis (where the spinal canal, or the open space in the spine that holds the spinal cord, narrows). These conditions can be treated with surgery and physical therapy.
Workplace Injuries That Cause Degenerative Disc Disease
Certain occupations can predispose an individual to develop degenerative disc disease. Jobs that require heavy lifting, long-distance walking, or squatting (for example – plumbing) put a worker at a higher risk. The Liberty Mutual Insurance Workplace Safety Index has listed the top five workplace injuries that can cause degenerative disc disease.
- overexertion caused by continuous lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, or throwing
- injuries caused by falls on the same level
- injuries caused by falls to a lower level
- injuries caused by bending, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, slipping, or tripping
- being injured by a tool or falling material
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Degenerative disc and joint diseases are extremely common and are naturally occurring disorders that occur over a long period. This can make it difficult for a worker to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Most often, the claim may be denied as a naturally occurring condition.
You may need help proving the relationship between your work-related injury and degenerative disc disease. Contact a St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer from The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Call us at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.