Practice Areas Workers’ Compensation Common Work Injuries Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation for a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can cause severe back or neck pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. These injuries often make it painful to lift, bend, sit, stand, or return to work safely. In serious cases, a herniated disc may require surgery, ongoing treatment, and extended time away from work.

At Stern & Cohen, we help injured Pennsylvania workers pursue workers’ compensation benefits for herniated disc injuries caused by workplace accidents and repetitive job duties. If you are seeking herniated disc workers’ comp benefits in Pennsylvania, our attorneys are ready to help.

Common Causes of Work-Related Herniated Discs

Herniated discs can develop suddenly after a workplace accident or gradually over time due to repetitive strain. These injuries are especially common in physically demanding jobs that place stress on the spine.

Common causes of workplace herniated discs include:

Workers in construction, healthcare, transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and delivery industries are especially vulnerable to spinal disc injuries.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes outward and places pressure on nearby nerves. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, symptoms can range from mild discomfort to debilitating nerve pain.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Sciatica or radiating leg pain
  • Pain traveling into the shoulders or arms
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Burning nerve pain
  • Difficulty bending, lifting, or walking
  • Limited range of motion

These symptoms can interfere with a worker’s ability to safely perform physical job duties or return to work.

Herniated Disc Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing a herniated disc often requires imaging studies such as MRIs or CT scans to evaluate spinal damage and nerve compression. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the worker’s symptoms.

Treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Pain management injections
  • Prescription medication
  • Chiropractic care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Surgical treatment in severe cases

Some workers recover with conservative treatment, while others experience chronic pain or long-term physical restrictions.

Herniated Disc Surgery and Workers’ Compensation

Serious herniated disc injuries sometimes require surgery, including spinal fusion, decompression procedures, or disc replacement surgery. Recovery can involve extensive rehabilitation, physical therapy, and time away from work.

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits may cover:

  • Surgical treatment
  • Hospital bills
  • Physical therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Wage-loss benefits during recovery

Insurance companies may dispute whether surgery is necessary or attempt to argue that the injury was pre-existing. Our attorneys are experienced in handling contested workers’ compensation claims involving spinal injuries and herniated discs.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Settlements for Herniated Discs

If you suffered a work-related herniated disc in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and lost wages during recovery. Benefits may also include compensation for permanent impairment where applicable.

Some herniated disc workers’ comp claims resolve through settlements based on factors such as the severity of the injury, ongoing medical treatment, surgery, permanent work restrictions, and lost earning capacity. Workers’ compensation may apply whether the injury resulted from a single accident or repetitive job duties.

Let Stern & Cohen Help With Your Herniated Disc Claim

At Stern & Cohen, we understand how painful and disruptive a herniated disc injury can be. Whether your injury affects your back, neck, or spinal nerves, our experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve.

If you suffered a herniated disc at work, contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation.

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Common Work Injuries

$190,000

FedEx Employee with Work-Related Neck Injury

We secured a $190,000 settlement for a FedEx employee who suffered a serious neck injury on the job. She required ongoing treatment, including injections, and was kept out of work while receiving total disability benefits.

$210,000

Carpenter/Foreman with Rotator Cuff Tear

We recovered $210,000 for a carpenter/foreman who stepped off a ladder, landed on equipment, and fell at work. He suffered a full tear of his dominant right rotator cuff.

$230,000

Union Carpenter – Scaffold Fall & CRPS

We recovered $230,000 for a union carpenter who fell from a six-foot scaffold while installing sheet rock and metal framing. He landed on his left hand and wrist and later developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

$230,000

Electrician with Knee, Hand, Wrist, and Back Injuries

We secured $230,000 for an electrician who tripped over a pipe at a Pennsylvania job site, injuring both knees, hands, wrists, and his back. His employer failed to properly document the incident, and the insurance company initially accepted only part of his injuries.