Illinois Neck & Back Injury Lawyer
Stephen R. Martay, Attorney at Law has over 13 years of experience representing clients in workers’ compensation claims. He can help you navigate your claim and negotiate with your employer’s insurer to get the benefits you deserve. Stephen’s law firm in Chicago, IL represents clients throughout the state of Illinois.
As soon as you are injured at work, notify your employer and seek medical attention. Be sure to keep your medical records and to get it in writing if your doctor advises against returning to work immediately. Then, contact Stephen R. Martay, Attorney at Law. Stephen will offer you a free consultation and case review so that he can assess your situation and answer any questions you may have. If you need assistance or if there is a dispute between you and your employer’s insurer, Stephen R. Martay will represent your rights and fight for fair compensation. Call or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment.
Common Types of Neck & Back Injuries
There are many causes for work-related neck and back injuries. Some of the most common occur due to automobile accidents, falls, heavy lifting, and repetitive strain/overuse. These injuries can range from relatively minor to extremely severe and life-altering. Many workers who experience neck and back injuries are unable to return to their professions; they may have to change occupations and in some cases can’t work at all. Neck and back injuries can devastate victims physically, emotionally, and financially.
Herniated (Slipped) Disc
The soft material between your spinal bones (vertebrae) are called discs. A herniated (also called slipped or ruptured) disc occurs when a disc is broken down or displaced in a way that results in bones pressing against nerves/nerve roots. Slipped discs are often caused by heavy lifting and repetitive stress. Pain, loss of sensation, tingling, and muscle weakness are common symptoms of a herniated disc.
Whiplash
This type of neck (cervical spine) injury is often caused by vehicular accidents. When a collision occurs or a vehicle abruptly comes to a stop, a driver or passenger’s head and neck are suddenly thrust forward, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. A stiff neck and shoulders are the most common symptom, though victims can also experience fatigue, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and more.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The most severe type of back injury is an injury to the spinal cord. Spinal injuries often occur as the result of a traumatic blow, such as an impact in an auto accident. Spinal cord damage can result in extreme pain, muscle spasms, nerve damage, and in some cases partial or total paralysis. Because spine injuries are so serious and often require a lifetime of medical care to treat, you should work with an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer. Stephen R. Martay understands how physically and financially debilitating a spinal cord injury can be, and he will fight to obtain fair compensation for you.
Stephen R. Martay Will Represent You in Your Workers’ Compensation Claim to Ensure You Get the Fair Compensation You Deserve
Workers’ compensation is designed to help injured workers by covering their medical expenses and, in some cases, replace at least part of their income while they recover. There are strict deadlines to follow, so it is essential that you make your claim before you lose the right to. Your claim may be denied, or the insurance company may offer you a lowball settlement that you know won’t cover your losses. That’s when a neck and back injury lawyer can help you.
Stephen R. Martay can answer your questions and guide you throughout the intimidating and complex process of filing a claim. He will also represent you if a dispute arises over the validity of the claim or the benefit amount.
Medical Bills: Doctor’s office and emergency room visits, medications, physical therapy/rehabilitation programs, surgery, and equipment needed for recovery can all be covered by workers’ compensation.
Disability: Work-related disability falls into one of these 4 categories: Temporary Total Disability (worker is completely unable to work temporarily, but will return to the same job), Temporary Partial Disability (worker is able to continue working, but at a reduced capacity until they recover), Permanent Total Disability (worker is completely unable to return to previous role), Permanent Partial Disability (worker continues working, but will never have the same work capabilities that they had before the injury).
Vocational Rehabilitation: For injured workers who are no longer able to complete their normal job duties, workers’ compensation can cover vocational rehabilitation. These programs teach injured workers new skills so that they can return to work in a different role.
If you notified your employer on time but your claim was denied, call Stephen R. Martay today. A neck and back injury attorney can help you obtain a fair settlement or request a formal hearing on your behalf and provide you with representation.
If you have been injured and are in search of a knowledgeable neck/back/spinal cord injury lawyer, Stephen R. Martay is here to help. Stephen will thoroughly investigate your injury and the accident that caused it. He will then bring hard facts to negotiations with insurers to impress upon them your right to receive medical benefits, lost wages, and a fair settlement. If discussions are not productive, Stephen is fully prepared to have your case heard before an arbitrator. Workers’ comp claims are “no-fault”, which means there is no need to prove that the injury was caused by negligence; only that the injury arose out of and occurred in the course of work.
