Spinal Stenosis and Workers’ Compensation in Illinois

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Neck and back injuries are among the most debilitating conditions a worker can suffer. These injuries often interfere with daily activities, limit mobility, and make it difficult, or even impossible, to continue working. One spinal condition that frequently causes long-term pain and disability is spinal stenosis. When spinal stenosis is caused or aggravated by work activities, injured employees in Illinois may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

What Is Spinal Stenois?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves. This narrowing may affect the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), or lumbar spine (lower back). As nerves become compressed, a person may experience pain, numbness, weakness, tingling, stiffness or other symptoms that often worsen over time.

Many individuals with spinal stenosis also report difficulty standing or walking for extended periods, as well as problems with balance or coordination. In more severe cases, spinal stenosis can lead to serious neurological complications, including problems with bowel or bladder control.  Plainly stated, this can be a very significant injury and one that you should not ignore or it can get worse.

Treatment for spinal stenosis often begins with conservative care, including physical therapy, medication, activity restrictions, or spinal injections. When that type of treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be recommended to decompress the affected nerves or stabilize the spine. Spinal surgery can be complex and costly and may involve a lengthy recovery period and ongoing medical care.

Spinal Stenosis and Illinois Workers’ Compensation

Although spinal stenosis is commonly associated with aging and degenerative changes in the spine, work-related trauma, repetitive stress, or physically demanding job duties can cause the condition to develop earlier than expected or significantly worsen a previously mild condition.

Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, an injury does not need to be caused solely by work. If an employee’s job duties caused, aggravated, or accelerated spinal stenosis, workers’ compensation benefits may still be available, even when a pre-existing neck or back condition exists.  It is incredibly common for Illinois work comp attorneys to bring cases for clients who have spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis can also happen when it comes from a specific workplace incident, such as a slip, trip, or fall that causes trauma to the spine, or a vehicular accident that occurs while driving for work. In other cases, the condition may develop gradually due to repetitive or physically demanding job duties. Activities such as frequent heavy lifting, repeated bending or twisting, prolonged awkward postures, or continuous strain on the neck or back can all contribute to the development or worsening of spinal stenosis over time.

If spinal stenosis is determined to be work-related, Illinois workers’ compensation benefits will cover medical expenses (e.g., diagnostic testing, physician visits, therapy, injections, surgery, and future treatment). Injured workers would also be entitled to temporary total disability benefits while they are unable to work. And pretty much every case is entitled to a settlement. The exact amount of what is worth depends on the case facts. Some cases are worth a few thousand, others are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

Will I Win My Work Comp Case?

Spinal stenosis claims are frequently disputed by insurance companies, particularly when there is evidence of degeneration or a prior spinal condition. Employers and insurers often argue that the condition was not caused by work or that job duties played only a minimal role. An experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can review medical evidence, work with treating physicians, and make clear the connection between the employee’s job duties and their spinal condition.

Whether or not you win depends on the facts of your case. The best advice we can give is do not be surprised or stressed out if the insurance company denies your claim. That happens all the time and does not mean you do not have a case. Speak with a lawyer for a free case review and make an educated decision from there.

We can answer your questions, explain your options, and help connect you with the right attorney for your situation. Contact us today via chat, contact form or phone to learn more about workers’ compensation benefits for spinal stenosis in Illinois. We promise to give you the same guidance we would provide to a family member or friend.