Degenerative Disc/Joint Disease & Workers' Compensation in Portland

Were you diagnosed with degenerative disc or joint disease? If so, you might be wondering if your occupation has something to do with your diagnosis.

Many people who work in the construction industry and other fields that require them to lift heavy equipment frequently are at greater risk of developing degenerative disc and joint disease because of their work duties. Even if your work duties didn’t cause your condition, they could have made it worse and sped up the development of the disease.

If you were injured on the job, you could be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits. However, claiming workers’ comp for degenerative disc or degenerative joint disease can be challenging without the help of experienced legal representation. The Portland workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., is committed to helping people who suffer from this debilitating ailment get the benefits they deserve.

What Are Degenerative Joint Disease and Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease develops over time as the soft discs between the spine’s vertebrae deteriorate. As the discs wear down, they lose the ability to absorb shock. Degenerative disc disease can also cause surrounding nerves to become pinched, resulting in chronic pain.

If left untreated, this medical condition can cause limited mobility, slipped discs, annular tears, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and other conditions – many of which can be corrected only through surgery or rehabilitative care.

Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, develops over time as the cartilage that separates joints begins to deteriorate, resulting in chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and a loss of range of motion. Degenerative joint disease regularly occurs in the knees, hips, spine, and hands.

Can Degenerative Disc Disease Be Work-Related?

Yes, degenerative disc and joint disease can be work-related. However, your employer or its insurance company might argue that your condition developed as a natural result of the aging process or due to non-job-related factors.

But the truth is that certain working conditions can exacerbate degenerative disc and joint disease. Even if work-related tasks are not the initial catalyst for the disease, they can worsen the condition and speed its advance. For instance, repetitive motion is a common factor in the development of the disease.

Does Workers’ Comp Cover Degenerative Disc Disease in Portland?

Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to cover workers injured on the job, regardless of whether they or their employers are at fault for the injury. While workers’ compensation does not cover aging-related injuries, it does cover any aging-related injuries or conditions that occupational duties aggravated.

If you had a prior condition like degenerative disc disease that job-related activities exacerbated, then you could be entitled to workers’ compensation. However, your employer may still resist, arguing that your injury is not adequately work-related. The best thing you can do is consult with an experienced Portland workers’ compensation attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation to which you’re entitled.

Workplace Injuries That Cause Degenerative Disc Disease

Many occupations require workers to do physical labor that can worsen or accelerate the development of degenerative disc or joint disease. Workers who are required to perform repetitive motions for hours on end, frequently lift heavy objects, or travel long distances by foot as part of their job may exacerbate pre-existing disc and joint conditions.

Some of the most common workplace injuries that can cause or contribute to degenerative disc or joint disease include:

Overexertion injuries – Overexertion occurs when a worker repeatedly lifts, pulls, pushes, or carries objects on the job. For instance, cargo loaders must regularly twist and turn their bodies while picking up and setting down heavy loads. Continual overexertion can contribute to the development of disc and joint deterioration.
Slips and falls – Some work environments, including construction sites, are more likely to have hazards like debris and slippery surfaces that may make a slip and fall more likely. A fall from a height, such as scaffolding, can also cause serious injuries that aggravate pre-existing conditions.
Being struck by falling objects – People who work in construction and other related fields are at greater risk of being struck by falling debris and objects. Being hit by a heavy object can worsen degenerative disc or joint disease.
Sitting-related injuries – Some workers are required to remain sedentary for many hours each day as part of their regular job duties, such as truck drivers. Sitting for long periods without moving can aggravate pre-existing disc and joint problems.

If you sustained a workplace injury that contributed to your degenerative disc or joint condition, you should speak with our Portland workplace injury attorney about your right to collect workers’ compensation.

Types of Work That Can Aggravate Degenerative Disc Disease

Certain vocations are more likely to worsen a pre-existing case of degenerative disc disease or speed up its development. Workers who must regularly twist and turn their bodies, lift heavy objects, or remain stationary for many hours each day as part of their job duties are more susceptible to aggravating this condition.

Some common occupations that involve this kind of physical labor include:

Construction workers
Long-haul truck drivers
Factory assembly line workers
Heavy equipment operators
Nurses and other health care professionals
Warehouse workers

How to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Degenerative Disc Disease in Portland

To collect workers’ compensation benefits, you’ll need to demonstrate that your job duties have worsened or accelerated the development of your pre-existing condition. Your employer’s insurance provider will most likely require you to submit medical evidence to back up your claim, so you should be prepared to provide it.

A doctor might need to verify that the disease has worsened over time as a direct result of your work duties. To do this, a physician could order imaging tests and scans to determine the damage your occupational activities have caused.

To file a claim, you must fill out Form 801 and report the injury to your employer. When you visit the doctor, you will need to make sure they understand that your injury is work-related. They will fill out Form 827 and submit it to the insurer. The insurance company has 60 days from the date you report the injury to your employer to accept or deny your claim.

Contact Our Experienced Portland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If your work duties exacerbated a pre-existing degenerative disc or joint disease, you deserve workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs of your medical care and part of your lost wages. However, pursuing a case can be difficult, especially without the help of an experienced lawyer.

Our Portland workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., has the knowledge and resources to guide you through the claims process and fight for your right to benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation.