Nerve damage or nerve injury caused by work can significantly affect your ability to earn income, perform daily tasks, and function in social environments. If you suffer nerve damage at work, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. This will ensure that you get a medical report that will play a crucial role in proving your claim. In addition, you must file your claim within the statute of limitations. In Iowa, you have up to two years from the date of your nerve damage or diagnosis to file a workers' compensation claim.
The effects of nerve damage can range from mild to severe and can include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. For people with conditions such as ulnar neuropathy, tasks that require grasping, lifting, or fine motor skills can be challenging or impossible. In some cases, nerve damage can result in long-term or permanent disability, preventing employees from performing their work duties. Treatment options for nerve damage usually include physical therapy, medications, injections, or surgery, all of which can be costly and time-consuming.
Without proper care, the damage can worsen and lead to more serious disabilities. Nerves, if injured, will regenerate all the time and at any age. They will grow again, but not immediately or with the same capacity they had before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the average health and life care costs, including home care and nursing care, for those who suffer catastrophic nerve damage could amount to several million dollars.
There is no average amount of compensation for nerve damage because each case is unique and the circumstances and facts are also unique. Nerve damage is often the result of repetitive activities in the workplace and traumatic injuries caused by work accidents and, if so, can be a reason to file a workers' compensation claim. Recovery is a slow process, and the most important thing you can do to regain nerve sensitivity and function is to move steadily. Medical benefits cover treatments needed to diagnose and control nerve damage, including doctor visits, physical therapy, nerve conduction studies, surgical interventions, and medications to control pain and inflammation. By participating in physical therapy, as well as in exercise and everyday movements, you force your nerves to fill in the gaps and complete tasks.
If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage due to the negligence of a medical provider following surgery or medical procedure, you may be able to receive compensation for damages, including medical expenses, batch income, permanent injuries, disabilities, and pain and suffering. Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing long-term nerve damage and can help patients get on the path to a possible recovery. Nerve damage in the arms and legs can affect a person's ability to perform routine tasks and can result in a significant reduction in mobility. For example, when a worker slips and falls on the job, they can fracture their bones and, in turn, cut their nerves and cause pain and numbness. The signs or symptoms of nerve damage may vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as the location of the injury and the nerves affected.
