Experienced Workers Compensation Doctor in Houston

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When you’re injured at work, you may be eligible for workers compensation benefits that cover the cost of medical care, lost wages, and other expenses related to the injury. K. Mathew Warnock, MD, is an experienced workers compensation doctor who can provide a thorough evaluation after you have seen a designated work physician and subsequently documented by your employer.

Am I Entitled to Workers Compensation Benefits?

Workers compensation benefits are designed for those who are injured at work or while performing job-related duties. Even if you were traveling or working from home, the injury could still be covered if you were working when it occurred. Companies that have at least one employee are required to carry workers compensation insurance to cover the costs of these types of injuries. However, if you are classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee, you are not eligible to receive benefits.

Fault is not a consideration in workers compensation cases. Even if you had some responsibility in the injury, you may still be eligible for workers compensation if you are a full-time, part-time, or seasonal employee. However, this does not apply if you were under the influence of drugs and alcohol or if the injury or illness was otherwise directly caused by your negligence.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers Compensation?

As long as the injury or illness occurred at work or while you were performing assigned duties for your job, it falls under workers compensation. Examples include sickness caused by exposure to chemicals or fumes, an auto accident during a delivery, or carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive stressful actions such as typing. Some of the most common work-related injuries include shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff repair, ACL tear, and meniscus tear. These orthopedic injuries can be caused by repetitive stress, falls, overexertion, motor vehicle accidents, falling objects, or even violence in the workplace.

What Are My Treatment Options?

These common workplace injuries may require medication, surgery, and/or physical therapy. Some common injuries and their treatment options are as follows:

  • Rotator cuff injury: This issue is frequently caused by trauma or overuse and is characterized by stiffness and weakness in the shoulder that can lead to chronic pain if left untreated. Minimally invasive rotator cuff surgery can repair tears in this area and restore function to the arm and shoulder.
  • ACL tear: The ACL is one of the ligaments that stabilizes and supports the knee joint. Surgery for a torn ACL involves replacing or repairing the affected ligament with grafted tissue.
  • Meniscus tear: Another common knee injury, a meniscus tear affects the shock-absorbing cartilage that protects the joint. While this injury may heal on its own with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary for severe tears.
  • Shoulder dislocation: This common issue can be related to an underlying injury to the muscle or tendon. Shoulder dislocation surgery may be required to help treat the affected area.

If you’ve been injured at work and have been screened and approved by your workplace physician, then call K. Mathew Warnock, MD at 281-807-4380 or contact us online to schedule your free workers compensation consultation.