An interesting work injury problem is when it isn’t clear if a worker has a neck injury or a shoulder/arm injury. Injuries to these two body parts often result in very similar symptoms, and it can take time for doctors to sort things out.
Here is a quick recap of a recent Illinois slip and fall case with this issue:
- Eddie Lesure was working for Wal-Mart Associates.
- On December 26, 2009, he was retrieving cars from outside and bringing them inside the facility. As he was going to retrieve a car, he slipped and fell in a snowy parking lot, landing on his left shoulder and head.
- His left arm went numb, and in the beginning, doctors focused on only his arm.
- Finally, he was referred to a spine surgeon, who found two damaged discs in Mr. Lesure’s neck.
- Even though he never had left arm or neck problems prior to the accident, the workers’ comp insurance company attorneys followed the usual path: They sent him to an “independent” medical exam doctor, who provided an opinion they wanted to help deny and fight the claim.
This case took years of work in court by his attorney, but in the end, he won the case!
The case was filed on April 29, 2010, but it took until November 8, 2016, for the injured worker to finally win the case.
This shows how important it is to at least seek free advice from an attorney for any possible work injury case. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
If you have a workers’ comp or personal injury case or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Peter D. Corti Law Group. We can give you a free consultation and answers to your questions.
Cervical Work Injury, Independent Medical Exam (IME), Slip and Fall
