Did your workplace slip and fall accident cause a nerve injury?

Workplace slip and fall accidents are some of the most common causes of nerve inuries. These injuries can cause chronic pain and significantly affect your ability to work or do simple daily life activities. Moreover, nerve injuries can result in a permanent disability requiring prolonged medical treatment and rehabilitation. 

What is a nerve injury?

Your nerves play a vital role in your body. They send signals between the brain and several parts of your body. Unfortunately, nerves are sensitive to trauma from high-impact falls caused by slips and trips.

The abrupt pressure from a slip and fall can damage the nerves by stretching or cutting. When the nerve fibers sustain trauma, their ends get damaged and may eventually die. 

Types of nerve injuries from a slip and fall accident

You can suffer several nerve injuries due to a slip and fall injury. For instance:

• Spinal cord injury
• Paralysis
• Radial nerve injury
• Rotator cuff injury
• Lower back nerve damage

Signs of nerve damage

When your nerves are not functioning correctly, you are more likely to experience uncomfortable or painful sensations. This happens because the nerve fibers cannot relay the right signals from your brain to your body parts.

Some of the signs to look out for are:

• Muscle atrophy
• Sensory problems (smell, taste, and sight)
• Burning sensation
• Tingling and numbing of limbs
• Brain trauma or concussion
• Incontinence or constipation
• Lightheadedness
• Paralysis

Treatment for nerve injuries

You will need pain medication if your nerves sustain trauma from a slip and fall. You might be given cortisone injections to help manage the inflammation and pain. However, these drugs have side effects, and it is better to get physical therapy to prevent muscle stiffness and boost your mobility and functionality. 

In case of a severe injury, you might be required to undergo surgery to reconnect healthy nerves.

Workers’ compensation can cover your workplace injuries

Nerve damage usually requires extensive treatment that can be expensive, especially if you spend some time away from work. However, you can claim workers’ compensation benefits to cover the medical bills and your lost salary.