Neck injuries at work can be hard to explain to people who haven’t experienced them. The pain radiates into your shoulders and arms, making it hard to sleep and interfering with your ability to concentrate or perform physical tasks. For workers across Queens, neck injuries are a real and underreported occupational problem. At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we work with Queens workers who’ve suffered neck injuries on the job and need help dealing with insurance companies, employers, and the workers’ comp system.
How Neck Injuries Happen at Work in Queens
Neck injuries on the job can happen from sudden trauma or from sustained postures that strain the cervical spine over time. In Queens workplaces, common causes include:
- Whiplash from a vehicle accident while driving as part of your job duties
- Slip and fall incidents that cause sudden, forceful jerking of the neck
- Prolonged computer or desk work with the head tilted or fixed in one position
- Overhead construction work that places repetitive strain on the cervical spine
- Being struck by an object or equipment on the head or upper body
Common Neck Injuries Seen in Workers’ Comp Cases
Neck injuries vary widely in severity and type. Workers in Queens commonly suffer:
- Cervical disc herniations with nerve pain radiating into the arms
- Cervical strain from sudden impact or sustained poor posture
- Cervical spinal stenosis aggravated by work activity
- Whiplash-associated disorders after a work vehicle collision
- Facet joint injuries that cause chronic stiffness and persistent pain
Symptoms You Should Never Brush Off
Neck pain that starts at work and seems minor can signal something more serious underneath. Seek medical attention right away if you notice:
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness running into your arm or hand
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain that worsens with certain head positions
- Difficulty turning your head fully from side to side
- A sensation like an electric shock when bending your neck forward
These symptoms may indicate nerve involvement and should be evaluated by a doctor promptly.
Coverage for Neck Injuries Under New York Workers’ Comp Law
Lost wages during recovery are addressed under NY WCL § 15. If your neck injury leads to lasting disability, additional permanent disability benefits may be available as well.
Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance may cover all necessary medical treatment for a work-related neck injury. If you require imaging, specialist visits, injections, or surgery, those costs must be covered. Insurers sometimes push back on treatment recommendations for neck injuries, particularly when surgery is involved. If your doctor has recommended a specific procedure and the insurer is dragging its feet or outright refusing to authorize it, our firm can address this directly on your behalf.
Standing Up for Queens Workers with Neck Injuries
Insurance companies often downplay neck injuries, labeling them “soft tissue” cases and pushing for minimal payouts. Our firm works with Queens workers to document the actual impact of neck injuries, including how they affect your sleep, your ability to work, and your daily life.
To learn more about a workers’ comp claim for neck injuries, call our Queens workers’ compensation lawyers at 718-446-4400 or contact us online.
