$179,000 Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Slip and Fall on Wet Leaves
Settlement for a Worker Injured After Slipping on a Wet Curb
While performing his job duties, this client slipped on a curb that was covered with wet leaves. He fell backward and landed on his neck and back, suffering a serious injury that required extensive medical treatment. Because the injury happened during the course of his employment, a claim was filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC secured a $179,000 settlement for this injured worker.
Workplace Slip and Fall Injuries
A slip or trip at work can cause much more than temporary soreness. Wet leaves, water, ice, uneven pavement, curbs, stairs, loading areas, and poorly maintained walking surfaces can create dangerous conditions for employees. When a worker falls onto the back, neck, shoulders, or head, the injury may affect mobility, sleep, work duties, and daily life.
If the fall occurs while the person is performing job-related duties, the case may qualify as a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on the facts, a fall may also involve a separate slip and fall accident claim if a property owner, contractor, maintenance company, or other third party contributed to the unsafe condition.
Diagnostic Testing for Back and Neck Injuries
After a fall involving the back or neck, prompt medical evaluation is important. A person may first seek care at an emergency room, urgent care facility, occupational medicine clinic, or primary care office. In some cases, a doctor can begin treatment after a physical examination. In other cases, diagnostic imaging may be needed to better understand the injury.
MedlinePlus explains that back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp pain, and that pain lasting more than three months may be considered chronic. When symptoms suggest a fracture, disc injury, nerve involvement, or other serious condition, doctors may order imaging tests to look below the surface.
Radiography or X-Rays
X-rays may be used when a doctor suspects a fracture, dislocation, abnormal alignment, or other bone-related injury. X-rays are commonly used because they are widely available, relatively fast, and often helpful for evaluating bones after a fall.
For a worker who fell onto the back or neck, an X-ray may help doctors determine whether there is a broken bone, displaced vertebra, or other visible skeletal injury. However, X-rays may not show every soft-tissue injury, disc problem, or nerve-related condition.
CT Scan
A CT scan of the spine may be used when doctors need more detailed images than a standard X-ray can provide. CT imaging may help evaluate spinal fractures, structural injuries, or other internal damage after a serious fall.
Some CT scans require contrast material, and some require preparation before the test. The details depend on the body area being examined, the suspected injury, and the medical provider’s instructions.
MRI
An MRI of the spine uses a magnetic field and computer technology to create detailed images of the spinal column and surrounding tissues. In a back or neck injury case, an MRI may help doctors evaluate discs, ligaments, nerves, the spinal cord, inflammation, compression, or other soft-tissue conditions.
MRI imaging may be especially useful when a patient continues to have pain, numbness, weakness, radiating symptoms, or other signs that the injury may involve more than a simple strain.
Legal Help After a Work-Related Fall
Workers’ compensation cases involving back and neck injuries can involve medical treatment, lost time from work, permanent restrictions, disability ratings, settlement negotiations, and disputes with the insurance carrier. It is important to understand the available benefits before accepting a final settlement.
Since 1990, Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC has represented injured workers in Chicago and throughout Illinois. If you were injured in a work-related slip, trip, or fall, call 312-243-9922 or contact us for a free case evaluation.
