Disc Herniation from Work Injury

Tim Kennedy is certified as a specialist in the practice of Workers' Compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Section on Workers' Compensation Law as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court

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Lumbar disc herniation and cervical disc herniation injuries are among the most common very serious work injuries we see in our Pennsylvania workers' compensation law practice. A disc herniation, sometimes referred to in doctors' notes as "herniated nucleous pulposis" or "hnp", can occur with a variety of injury mechanisms, such as with heavy lifting, a fall or partial fall, or with any kind of movement or event that places strain on a workers' spine. Most commonly, such injuries are marked by radiating symptoms into the nerves of the arms and hands (in the case of a cervical herniated disc) or into the legs and feet (in the case of a lumbar disc herniation). This radiation of symptoms into the extremities may be referred to as radiculopathy, radiculitis or sciatica. Thoracic disc herniations are less common but may also occur from a trauma at work.

Insurance company referred doctors and employer panel doctors work hard to avoid recognizing such injuries when they are present. They may delay ordering an MRI even when an injured worker has clear clinical signs of radiating pain, numbness or tingling into the arms or legs or other symptoms suggesting a symptomatic disc herniation. Even claimants who may have an MRI showing a disc herniation will most often see the company doctors continue to describe their injury officially as only a sprain and strain. The insurance company's experts may try to downplay the disc herniation by calling it a disc "protrusion" or only mentioning supposed "degenerative changes" on an MRI that is positive for disc herniation. Note that many insurer-referred radiologists play the same game in describing what they see on an injured workers' MRI films.

If a disc herniation is seen on diagnostic testing such as an MRI, suggested by clinical findings or indicated by a abnormal EMG suggesting nerve root compression, the insurance company and employer may push their doctors to adopt the argument that the disc herniation was somehow present even before the work injury. This is an insurance company's preferred argument, even for an injured worker who was fully able to do his or her job, without symptoms or limitations, before suffering a disabling work-related neck or back injury. The advice and guidance of an experienced workers' compensation specialist can help you overcome these kinds of games, which can hugely impact your rights.

Of course, not all back injuries involve disc herniation. Even a "bulging disc" may suggest a very serious work injury, and one that may be very difficult for an injured worker to overcome. In fact, back injuries can create very severe symptomatology that may have a lasting or permanent effect on an injured worker's ability to perform his job duties, even without triggering any "discogenic pathology."

The larger point is that insurance companies, and the doctors they fund, will consistently work to downplay the most serious and most well-documented back injuries, even including injuries that result in a symptomatic herniated disc.

For this reason, it is wise to consult as soon as possible with an experienced attorney who is a specialist in workers' compensation law. We can give you the advice and insight you need to prevent the insurance company and employer from controlling the medical evidence in your claim. We can stop them from trampling your rights. We can help you get the testing and treatment you need, from sources you can trust, to properly identify the full scope of your injury and to advance and secure your rights to all appropriate compensation benefits. We can put your claim on the right path to ensure your rights and ultimately to press for a proper lump sum settlement when you suffer a disc herniation or other serious injury to your lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine while at work.

Call Tim Kennedy today to discuss your work injury, the treatment you have received to date, and options for improving your position in dealing with the insurance carrier and its representatives to greatly advance your workers compensation rights and your entitlement to quality medical treatment for your work-related injury. We can be reached at any of the numbers published on this page. Call us right now on our main office line at (484) 483-8144.

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Philadelphia PA 19103
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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS:

I had a serious work related injury. I hired Tim after speaking with him and feeling completely at ease with his professionalism and demeanor. My case became complicated over time. Throughout the process I always felt that Tim had my best interest in mind. With every phone call or email, Tim was very informative and proactive, always explaining things in a way I could understand. He worked hard for me in his dealings with my employers insurance company. He did this so much so, the insurance company actually fired their own attorneys in the middle of litigation. In the end, Tim was able to negotiate a substantial settlement, including taking the burden off of me of an excessive amount of unpaid medical bills. I would highly recommend Tim.
                - B (Workers Compensation client)

"I" truly, Love / Respect and Appreciate - "Attorney: Timothy James Kennedy" for, his (highly, professional / unselfish {going, above and beyond} / highly, dedicated) approach in working with, me / my, un-fortunate circumstance(s) and my (unfortunate), legal dilemma... and, will (with; every, opportunity) be highly, recommending his legal services to (all) family / friends and strangers found in-need of such, ser-vices!!!
"Attorney: Timothy James Kennedy" is (not, only) a, true professional -He is a, loving / caring / sharing human being who (not, only) cares about his, cases and reputation; but, cares (also) for the lives and the families of those he so-caringly and so-humbly, represents!!!
He will (always) be appreciated and will never - ever - be, forgotten. "I" (on, behalf of myself and my, family) appreciates the fact that, He was willing to stop-by and become, "The Good Samaritan" in our, lives!!!
                - Michael (Workers Compensation Client)

Timothy is a really great lawyer. He knows what to do, and how to handle really sticky situations. When I first came to him, I had very little to back me up, but we mainly him lol pulled through and got the job done with GREAT results. If I could back in time I would still pick him as a lawyer 1000 times more. He took his time, talk to me like I was a person and not a dollor sign, and made lawyer jargon understandable english for me. I truely felt comfortable with him handling my case, and I never doubted him since the very first meeting. I also like that he gives his personal direct number to get in contact with him whenever you may need him, and he always responds if not that same day, the very next. The only bad thing I would have to say is its a shame I would have legal trouble to work with him again lol.
                -Trina (Workers Compensation Client)

Highly knowledgable in the law with excellent people skills..I highly recommend Mr. Kennedy.
                - Current Workers Compensation Client

As these testimonials reflect, we work very hard to satisfy our clients and to ensure the best results in handling their claims. Call us now to let us explain how we can help you advance your rights and interests, so that you too can become a satisfied client.
                -Tim Kennedy
                (484) 453-8144

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