A back injury is a serious matter and many times workers are hurt on the job and must rely on workers compensation in order to pay for living expenses, medical expenses and also prescription costs.

Many back injuries lead to spinal fusion surgery, which is where a portion of the damaged spine is removed and titanium plates are put in. The damaged or broken area is fused together by titanium brackets and bars to create a bond. Spinal fusions pose a serious risk to the patient as a temporary loss of feeling, infection and even permanent paralysis can occur.
Spinal fusions cost thousands of dollars to perform due to the specialty of the neurosurgeon as well as all of the tests and physical therapy involved in the recovery process. When workers compensation is denied, workers are responsible for paying for the costly surgeries and medical tests out of their own pocket. An attorney or lawyer can assist in handling your workers compensation case and fight for benefits that your employer may be denying. Even if your claim for workers compensation benefits has been initially denied, you may want to speak to an attorney or lawyer about your rights will assure you are treated properly and get the help you deserve.

A spinal fusion, even with positive results and a successful surgery can still take up to six months to a year to completely heal and recover from. Lifestyle changes need to be set in place before the patient comes home from the hospital after the spinal fusion.

A hospital bed may need to be utilized depending on the extent of the spinal fusion and how well the healing process has taken place. Recovery aids delivered from a durable medical equipment company such as a walker, sitz bath, Hoyer lift and even a wheelchair will help the patient and the family be prepared for care when the patient comes home.

The patient may or may not be able to ever return back to work performing the same job they have before; this is where many employers let the employee go. The value of your workers compensation claim is generally increased when you cannot return to work.

Life can be rough after spinal fusion surgery. This will affect the entire family. The patient will not be able to participate in all of the activities they once did such as certain sports or active hobbies. Relationships tend to take the most strain due to financial issues that have risen as well as not being able to keep up with the personal and physical needs in a relationship. Hiring an attorney or lawyer to assist you with your workers compensation claim may alleviate some of the stress of the situation, because the attorney will negotiate with the insurance company instead of you. If you have been injured on the job in the Nashville, Murfreesboro, or Middle Tennessee area, call today for your free initial consultation.