Neurological Disorders & Job-Related Illnesses
Workers’ compensation in California covers a wide range of work-related injuries and illnesses. Neurological disorders are frequently among conditions covered by workers’ compensation. Even a moderate neurological disorder can make it difficult to perform job tasks, and serious conditions may cause permanent disabilities.
A “neurological disorder” is any condition that affects the functioning of your brain, spinal cord, or any of the nerves throughout your body. Neurological disorders may be caused by a physical accident or injury, or by chemical exposure or poisoning. Some common neurological conditions that are caused by workplace accidents include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, repetitive stress injuries, and chemical reactions.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury is any injury to the brain tissue. Concussions are a well-recognized form of traumatic brain injury that result from a blow to the head. An object that pierces the skull can also cause a traumatic brain injury.
Brain injuries can cause permanent impairment. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, a person with a traumatic brain injury may lose muscle coordination or control or have problems with communication, memory, and/or mood. Severe traumatic brain injuries can be fatal.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries include any damage to the spinal cord, which connects the nerves in all parts of the body to the brain. If the spinal cord is severed, paralysis below the injury area usually results. If the spinal cord is damaged but not severed, the patient may suffer partial paralysis; lost or impaired motor coordination; and pain, tingling, or numbness in the body areas affected. Life-sustaining organ functions like breathing or heart rhythm may also be affected.
Spinal cord injuries are among the most expensive neurological injuries to treat, since they often require intensive hospital care and extended rehabilitation periods. They are also frequently disabling.
Repetitive Stress Injury
Repetitive stress injuries can frequently cause neurological disorders that come with pain, tingling, numbness, and limited movement. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one type of neurological disorder caused by using the hands in the same repeated small motions over many months or years, such as typing or using hand tools. Often, neurological disorders related to repetitive stress injuries require surgery or other invasive treatments, and they cannot always be cured. Some disability may remain even after surgery or treatment, affecting the injured person’s ability to work.
Chemical Reactions
Many types of chemical exposure can cause neurological disorders, and many chemicals commonly used in manufacturing, construction, or other industrial settings may cause severe neurological injury. Lead poisoning, for instance, can cause severe neurological symptoms including headaches, numbness, tingling, organ dysfunctions, and mental disorders. Lead, like many chemicals, is used in a wide variety of occupations. Chemical reactions or poisonings can cause severe injury or even death, whether the chemicals are breathed in, ingested, or contact the skin.
Putting Your Best Interests First
Neurological injuries suffered on the job are often covered by California workers’ compensation, whether the injury is the result of a one-time event or due to repeated exposure over time. Dedicated Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney Kenton Koszdin can help you get the compensation you need if you’ve suffered a neurological disorder due to work. Call the Law Offices of Kenton Koszdin today for a free and confidential consultation.
Not sure if you need a workers’ comp attorney in Southern California? Call (818) 901-9999 for a free, confidential consultation regarding neurological disorder case
