Back injuries are one of the most common reasons Illinois workers end up missing time from work. One serious spine condition that can cause ongoing pain and limit a person’s ability to do their job is spondylolisthesis. When this condition is caused or made worse by work, injured employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
It is a term that most people have never heard of before a doctor says it to them and very hard to pronounce. But if you are injured on the job in Illinois and have it, it is really important to understand what it is and also have an attorney in your corner who has handled many similar cases.
Link to Overview Of Spondylolistheis Overview Of Spondylolistheis
Spondylolisthesis happens when one vertebra in the spine slips forward over the vertebra below it. This usually occurs in the lower back. When that slippage happens, it can press on nearby nerves and cause lower back pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, or pain that travels into the legs. For some workers, the pain can make standing, walking, or even sitting for long periods very difficult.
Spondylolisthesis can develop after a workplace accident or from repeated stress on the spine over time. Falls at work, slipping on wet floors, lifting something heavy the wrong way, or being hit by equipment can all damage the spine and lead to vertebrae slipping out of place. In other cases, the condition builds up slowly after years of physical labor.
Link to How Spondylolisthesis Happens At Work In Illinois How Spondylolisthesis Happens At Work In Illinois
Jobs that require a lot of bending, twisting, lifting, or carrying can wear down the spine over time. Even if there was not one specific accident, Illinois workers’ compensation law still allows benefits if work duties caused the condition or made it worse.
Workers in physically demanding jobs are more likely to develop spondylolisthesis. This includes construction workers, warehouse and delivery workers, factory and manufacturing employees, healthcare workers who regularly lift patients, maintenance workers, and other labor-intensive positions.
The reality though is that just about any job can cause this type of back problem. If you job contributed to it occurring, even if other factors were involved, you likely have a workers comp case.
Link to Medical Care For Spondylolisthesis Medical Care For Spondylolisthesis
Treatment depends on how bad the condition is and how much pain the worker is in. Many people start with conservative treatment, such as work restrictions, physical therapy, pain medication, or injections to reduce inflammation. These treatments are meant to control pain and improve movement.
If symptoms do not improve, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is usually done to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on nerves. Recovery can take months, and some workers are not able to return to the same type of job afterward.
Link to Work Comp And Spondylolisthesis Work Comp And Spondylolisthesis
Insurance companies often deny or dispute spondylolisthesis claims. Employers may claim the condition was not caused by work or that it existed before the worker was injured. These are usually BS denials, but still needs to be dealt with by an attorney who know what they are doing.
An experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney knows how to fight back against the insurance companies and protect you. A reputable lawyer can show how your work duties or a work accident caused or worsened the condition. They can also help you pursue benefits like medical care, wages while you are off work, disability benefits, and help with job retraining if you can’t return to your old job.
It never costs you anything to have a case reviewed or to hire an Illinois work comp attorney. If you would like a free consultation, anywhere in Illinois, call us to speak with a lawyer at 312-346-5578.