Nerve Damage

Damage to the nerves in the arms and legs can impair a person’s ability to perform routine tasks and can cause a significant reduction in mobility. Nerve damage often results from repetitive workplace activities and traumatic injuries caused by workplace accidents, and if it does, it may be grounds for pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. Establishing that nerve damage is work-related can be complicated, though, and it is crucial for anyone with nerve damage to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. If you are experiencing symptoms of nerve damage, the experienced Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. can advise you of your options and aid you in seeking the benefits you deserve for your harm.

Nerve damage can occur as a result of repetitive motions, heavy lifting, prolonged postures, or workplace injuries. Ulnar neuropathy, for example, is commonly seen in workers who frequently bend their elbows, rest their arms on hard surfaces, or engage in tasks that strain the upper limbs. Other types of nerve damage may result from accidents that involve crushing injuries, fractures, or lacerations that impact nerves in the arms, legs, or back.

The effects of nerve damage can range from mild to severe and may include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. For individuals with conditions like ulnar neuropathy, tasks that require gripping, lifting, or fine motor skills can become challenging or impossible. In some cases, nerve damage can lead to long-term or permanent impairment, preventing employees from performing their job duties. Treatment options for nerve damage often include physical therapy, medications, injections, or surgical intervention, all of which can be costly and time-consuming. Without appropriate care, the damage can worsen, resulting in more severe disabilities.

Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Act allows employees who suffer from work-related nerve damage to seek compensation for their medical care and lost wages. To qualify, employees must demonstrate that their nerve damage arose out of and in the course of their employment. For example, a worker diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy after performing repetitive motions, lifting heavy items, or maintaining extended postures on the job may have a valid claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

Medical benefits cover treatments necessary to diagnose and manage nerve damage, including doctor’s visits, physical therapy, nerve conduction studies, surgical interventions, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.

Wage replacement benefits are provided to workers who cannot perform their usual job duties due to nerve damage. Temporary total disability benefits are paid when the employee is completely unable to work during their recovery period. These benefits amount to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage prior to the injury, up to a statutory cap set by Maryland law. Workers who can return to work in a limited capacity may receive temporary partial disability benefits, which provide compensation for two-thirds of the difference between their pre-injury earnings and reduced wages.

For permanent nerve damage that results in partial impairment, workers may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits. The compensation is determined based on the severity of the impairment, the affected body part, and Maryland’s statutory schedule for permanent injuries. For example, permanent nerve damage to a hand or arm is assigned a specific number of weeks of compensation multiplied by the percentage of impairment and the worker’s compensation rate. If the damage results in permanent total disability, where the worker can no longer engage in gainful employment, benefits are paid at two-thirds of the average weekly wage for the worker’s lifetime.

Nerve damage can have a lasting impact on your ability to work, perform daily tasks, and enjoy life to the fullest. If you sustained nerve damage due to a workplace activity or incident, you should talk to an attorney about your potential workers’ compensation claim. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our seasoned Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys possess the knowledge and resources needed to help you seek the maximum benefits recoverable, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly on your behalf. Our office is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we help people with workers’ compensation claims in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, La Plata, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, and as all counties in the State of Maryland. You can contact us online or call (301) 441-2022 to set up a free and confidential meeting.