Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorneys Blog

Illinois workers may suffer concussions if they receive a traumatic blow to the head. After the concussion, they may also experience post-concussion syndrome. When dealing with the effects of a concussion or post-concussion syndrome, it is important to understand the condition. Moreover, if the injury occurred at work, you should know your rights under Illinois workers' compensation law.

There are a range of physical symptoms that can indicate a possible concussion including headache, vomiting, nausea, and lack of motor coordination. Concussions can also cause difficulty balancing, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to lights, and blurred or double vision. There are also "mental" symptoms such as confusion and disorientation, as well as difficulty paying attention. A key indicator of a concussion is an inability to remember the events leading up to the injury. Typically, treatment consists of rest and monitoring, and most symptoms of a concussion will go away within a few weeks after the injury.

However, with post-concussion syndrome the symptoms of the concussion may linger for weeks, months, or even up to a year or more. Generally the symptoms that persist may be headaches, difficulty concentrating, or even irritability. Similar to concussions, there is no way to actively treat the actual condition, although physical therapy and medication may be used to treat the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.

If you have suffered a head injury at work and your doctor believe your symptoms indicate a concussion or that you are experiencing post-concussion syndrome, a workers' compensation attorney can fight to make sure that you are afforded whatever time off and care your doctor believes is necessary. You are entitled by law to receive all reasonable and necessary medical care for your injury, as well as compensation for any time you are forced to miss while recovering. An Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorney will be on your side to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.

Many workers in Illinois suffer from back pain caused by a herniated disc. It is important to understand your condition and whether it may be compensable under Illinois workers' compensation law.

In between each of the vertebrae in your spine, there is spongy material called a disc. Discs cushion the bones in the spine and act as shock absorbers for everyday wear and tear. In the event of an injury to the spine, a disc may rupture or bulge out of place, causing the disc to become herniated. This type of injury may occur suddenly, such as with a fall or other accident, or it may be the result of repetitive straining of the spine.

If a disc bulges out from between two vertebrae, it can press on the nerves in the spine, causing pain. This pain may travel, or "radiate" down your arms (if the herniated disc is in your neck), or down your legs (if the injury is in your lower back). Other symptoms of a herniated disc include numbness and tingling, muscle weakness, and perhaps bladder and bowel problems. If your symptoms are severe, it is important to seek medical treatment right away.

A herniated disc is typically diagnosed through physical examination by a doctor or with the use of an MRI or CT scan. Once it is determined that a herniated disc exists, your doctor will help you come up with a treatment plan. Many times, a herniated disc will resolve on its own within a few weeks or months. Your doctor may also recommend home exercise and physical therapy. Unfortunately, medication will not "cure" a herniated disc, although it may help to reduce pain and swelling. If conservative treatment options do not work to alleviate symptoms, surgery might be necessary to remove or repair the broken disc.

A herniated disc can cause serious or permanent disability and affect your ability to work. If you believe that your herniated disc is the result of an injury at work, report the injury to your employer and consult an Illinois work injury attorney today.