Advanced Workers’ Compensation Law
Join us for the 23rd Annual Course on Advanced Workers’ Compensation Law, where we delve into critical topics that shape the future of injury claims. Discover the intricacies of record reviews that can make or break extent-of-injury claims, guided by expert insights from our Texas Bar CLE Course Director. This is an invaluable opportunity to enhance your understanding and skills in workers’ compensation law. Plus, celebrate the induction of our esteemed colleagues as Fellows of the National Workers’ Compensation College. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your practice and network with industry leaders!
Cervical Injuries in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Cervical injuries — injuries to the cervical spine, located in the upper portion of the spine just below the skull — are among the most serious injuries in Texas workers’ compensation. These injuries can affect mobility, strength, balance, and the ability to perform even basic daily tasks.
Despite their severity, cervical injuries are some of the most frequently disputed claims in the Texas workers’ comp system. Insurance companies routinely deny or minimize these injuries by blaming degenerative changes, aging, or pre‑existing conditions, even when the injury clearly occurred at work.
This guide explains how cervical injuries happen, how compensability works, and what injured workers must know to protect their benefits.
Frequent Falls and Social Security Disability Benefits
Frequent falls can make it difficult to work safely, live independently, drive, walk, stand, climb stairs, or perform basic daily activities. For some people, falling is a temporary problem after an injury. For others, frequent falls are caused by a serious medical condition involving balance, strength, coordination, sensation, dizziness, or neurological function.
While frequent falls alone do not automatically qualify someone for Social Security Disability benefits, the underlying medical condition causing the falls may qualify if it prevents the person from maintaining full-time employment.
Frequent falls are commonly involved in disability claims related to:
peripheral neuropathy
multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
stroke
traumatic brain injury
vestibular disorders
vertigo
POTS
syncope
seizure disorders
spinal stenosis
degenerative disc disease
muscle weakness
amputations
medication side effects
This guide explains how Social Security evaluates frequent falls, which conditions commonly cause fall risk, what evidence may support a claim, and when it may be time to speak with a social security disability lawyer.
Low Back Injuries in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Low back injuries are the most common injuries in Texas workers’ compensation — and the most frequently disputed.
Whether caused by lifting, bending, twisting, slipping, or repetitive strain, low back injuries can lead to:
Herniated discs
Bulging discs
Sciatica
Radiculopathy
Lumbar strains
Facet joint injuries
Chronic pain syndromes
Insurance companies routinely deny or minimize these claims by blaming degenerative changes, pre‑existing conditions, or normal aging — even when the injury clearly happened at work.
This guide explains how low back injuries are evaluated, why they’re disputed, and what injured workers must know to protect their benefits.
Stelara and Social Security Disability Benefits
Stelara, also known as ustekinumab, is a prescription biologic medication used to treat certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Many people who take Stelara have chronic diseases that can significantly affect their ability to work.
While taking Stelara alone does not qualify someone for Social Security Disability benefits, the underlying condition requiring Stelara may qualify if it prevents the person from maintaining full-time employment.
Conditions treated with Stelara may include:
Crohn’s disease
ulcerative colitis
plaque psoriasis
psoriatic arthritis
These conditions can sometimes qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits when symptoms are severe, persistent, and supported by medical evidence.
This guide explains how Social Security evaluates disability claims involving Stelara-related conditions, what symptoms may affect the ability to work, what medical evidence may help, and when it may be time to speak with a disability lawyer.
Lifting Injuries and Compensability in Texas Workers’ Compensation Claims
Lifting injuries are among the most common workplace injuries in Texas — especially in construction, warehousing, manufacturing, delivery, nursing, and oilfield work.
But despite how frequently they occur, lifting injuries are some of the most disputed claims in the Texas workers’ compensation system.
Insurance companies often argue that lifting injuries are:
Pre‑existing
Degenerative
Not caused by work
Not supported by objective medical evidence
This post explains how lifting injuries happen, how compensability works, and what injured workers need to know to protect their claims.
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