Some workers know their jobs carry a high degree of risk. Soldiers, athletes, construction workers, and others who labor in highly physical fields go to their jobs knowing that they could be injured that day. However, many people never consider the dangers they may face in the workplace. At our Indianapolis practice, clients often come to us with a neck injury, and, as our attorneys can tell you, many of these people have routine jobs that do not typically involve much risk. Whether you work in a dangerous field or you have a more sedentary job, if you have suffered a neck injury as a result of a workplace or construction accident, our attorneys will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Neck Injuries

Your neck is made up of seven cervical vertebrae, separated by soft cushioning discs. The vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord, which houses the nerves that send signals from your brain to the rest of your body. These seven fairly delicate vertebrae hold up the weight of your head (typically between 10 and 13 pounds), and they are responsible for a wide range of motion. When you have a neck injury, the pain can radiate across your shoulders, upper back, and down your arms. Neck injuries can also cause headaches. Some injuries can affect the muscles and tendons surrounding the vertebrae. These are typically less serious, unless they cause nerve compression, which can have lasting consequences. Other neck injuries can involve damage to the discs or the vertebrae themselves. The most serious injuries are broken necks, which can cause immediate paralysis or even death.

Reasons for Workplace Neck Injuries

Just as there are many types of neck injuries, there are also many reasons why they might occur. Age, stress, and overuse are all common reasons for cervical damage. However, neck injuries may also stem from preventable workplace accidents, including:

• Construction accidents
• Car crashes
• Slip and falls
• Strain

Who Is Responsible for Workplace Neck Injuries

If you come to us with a neck injury sustained at work, it may be difficult to determine who is responsible for the accident. In some cases, there may be more than one negligent party. For example, if you are a delivery driver injured in a car wreck, your employer may be held partially responsible if he or she provided you with an unsafe or ill-maintained vehicle. Additionally, if a reckless driver was also involved in the accident, we may ultimately determine that two parties are responsible for your injury.

Alternatively, no one may be at fault for your accident. For example, if you strained your neck performing a routine task and you were given proper training, your employer typically cannot be held responsible. However, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation, and our attorneys will help you with all necessary paperwork.

In construction accidents, it may be a bit easier to prove employer negligence. Building sites are subject to a number of safety requirements. Failure to comply with these rules can result in serious worker injuries and equally grave legal repercussions for those in charge. If you have sustained a neck injury on a building site, our construction accident attorneys will determine whether all safety standards were in place.If they discover negligence or recklessness on the part of your employer, they will fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve.

Suffering from Neck Pain?

If you have sustained a neck injury, your life has already been severely compromised. You deserve aggressive yet compassionate legal representation. Contact Golitko & Daly today to learn whether you are entitled to financial compensation.