Can I get a workers’ compensation settlement for work-related sciatica?

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is insurance coverage for workers who suffer work-related injuries, illnesses or disabilities. Workers’ compensation provides employees with medical treatment and payment of lost wages while they are unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness. Our expert Suffolk County personal injury lawyers here at Winkler Kurtz, LLP can offer you some guidance. 

Typically, the injured worker must be employed in an industry that requires them to have a license from the state in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation. You should check with your employer or company’s human resources department to determine if you have sufficient eligibility requirements to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

In most states, before filing a lawsuit against an employer due to a job-related injury, illness or disability, the injured worker must file for workers’ compensation benefits with the appropriate state agency. Some states will allow you to “exchange” your right to sue in court for a specific payment amount if you are having trouble getting payment from the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

Can I get a settlement for work-related sciatica? 

Typically, yes. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to aid employees who have suffered a job-related injury or illness that prevents them from working. 

Sciatica is often accompanied by severe back pain, which qualifies as a disability according to workers’ compensation laws. The first step in pursuing a claim for sciatica caused by work would be to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

Injured workers who file for workers’ compensation typically receive an initial lump sum payment for a permanent total disability. The amount of the settlement varies depending on the severity of your injury and how long you are unable to work due to your sciatica. Under some circumstances, injured employees may be eligible for ongoing monthly payments for loss of income.

Work-related sciatica can cause long-term pain and disability, making it imperative that the injured worker receive appropriate medical treatment to ease symptoms while they are unable to work. It is important that you document all attempts to seek help for your symptoms before an insurance carrier will accept liability for your injury. This means you should keep a detailed medical and work diary of your symptoms, as well as contact with your employer or supervisor regarding your injury and attempts to seek treatment.

Contact Our Suffolk County Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have filed for workers’ compensation benefits and are having difficulty obtaining payment from the insurance carrier, an attorney may be able to help. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate your case and help determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit against your employer in exchange for the agreed upon payout amount. For a free consultation, please contact our Suffolk County Personal Injury Lawyers by visiting our appointments page here.