Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Neck Injuries
Neck Injuries Can Turn a Normal Workday Into a Lifetime of Pain
Neck injuries are among the most common and most misunderstood workplace injuries. What may start as a “stiff neck” can quickly turn into chronic pain, nerve damage, or limited mobility that prevents you from returning to your job.
At Dugan & Associates, our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers recover full benefits after serious neck injuries. We know how insurers minimize soft-tissue or whiplash claims and we know how to fight back with the medical evidence and advocacy you need to get fair treatment.
Common Causes of Work-Related Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can happen in nearly any industry—from offices to construction sites. Many are caused by repetitive stress, poor ergonomics, or sudden trauma.
Frequent workplace causes include:
Lifting or carrying heavy objects
Slip and fall accidents
Vehicle or forklift collisions
Repetitive motion or awkward posture at a desk or assembly line
Falling tools, materials, or debris striking the head or shoulder
Sudden jerking movements (common in delivery or industrial work)
No matter how your injury occurred, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law covers both sudden and cumulative injuries that arise in the course of your employment.
Types of Neck Injuries Seen in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Neck injuries range from mild strains to serious spinal damage. Understanding your diagnosis helps ensure your benefits cover long-term treatment needs.
Common work-related neck injuries include:
Whiplash: Rapid back-and-forth movement of the head causing muscle or ligament strain.
Cervical Sprains/Strains: Overstretching of tendons or muscles in the neck.
Herniated or Bulging Discs: Pressure on spinal nerves causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Pinched Nerves (Cervical Radiculopathy): Shooting pain or tingling radiating down arms or shoulders.
Fractures or Dislocations: Severe trauma requiring immediate medical intervention.
Degenerative Disc Aggravation: Pre-existing conditions made worse by repetitive work motions.
What Benefits Are Available for Neck Injuries
If your neck injury happened at work, you may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
Medical benefits for doctor visits, imaging, physical therapy, or surgery
Wage loss benefits while you’re unable to work
Specific loss benefits for scars on your head, face, and neck
Specific loss benefits for loss of the use of limb or appendage due to your injury
Vocational retraining if you can’t return to your former role
Dugan & Associates ensures your claim reflects the full extent of your injury—not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Why Neck Injury Claims Are Frequently Denied
Insurance carriers often argue that neck injuries are “pre-existing” or “not work-related.”
Common reasons for denial include:
Delayed medical reporting after the incident
Lack of diagnostic imaging (MRI or X-ray)
Disputes over whether it happened “on the job”
Downplaying symptoms like stiffness or tingling as “minor”
Our legal team knows these tactics—and how to counter them with medical evidence and expert testimony.
How Dugan & Associates Can Help
For over 30 years, Attorney Mitch Dugan and his team have represented injured workers throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.
When you work with us, we:
Collect medical documentation to strengthen your claim
Work with treating physicians and specialists
Negotiate directly with insurance adjusters or their attorneys
Represent you before Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judges
Pursue lump-sum settlements where appropriate
Our goal is simple: to help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal and insurance battles.
Why Injured Workers Trust Dugan & Associates
Mitch has been fighting for Pittsburgh’s injured workers for over 30 years — because your recovery deserves respect.
30+ years of experience
Millions recovered for injured workers
Super Lawyers Top 50 in Pittsburgh
Recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2007 (top 5% statewide)
100+ 5-star client reviews
*disclaimer: every case is different and past results are not an indicator of results that can be achieved in future cases.
Led by attorney Mitchell H. Dugan, Dugan & Associates brings over 30 years of focused workers’ compensation and injury litigation experience to clients across Pennsylvania.
Recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2007 (top 5% statewide) and named to the Super Lawyers Top 50 in Pittsburgh, Mitch has guided the firm in representing thousands of clients and recovering millions in settlements and awards.
Clients trust his team’s meticulous documentation, clear communication, and tough negotiation to pursue the maximum benefits and compensation available under Pennsylvania law.
How To Keep Your Existing Workers' Compensation Benefits
Even after your workers’ compensation claim has been approved, insurance companies often look for ways to stop or reduce your benefits. You may suddenly receive a “Notice of Ability to Return to Work,” be scheduled for an independent medical exam (IME), or be told you must meet with a vocational expert. These are signs that your benefits could be at risk and it’s time to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney.
Independent Medical Examination (IME): You’re told to attend a medical exam with a doctor chosen by the insurance company.
Notice of Ability to Return to Work: You receive a letter stating you can return to work, often based on one doctor’s opinion.
Vocational Interview: They schedule a meeting with a vocational expert to claim there’s work available for you.
Petition to Terminate, Suspend, or Modify Benefits: The insurer files to stop or reduce your checks.
Each of these steps is designed to limit what you receive. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can protect your rights before your benefits are reduced or terminated.
Let Dugan & Associates Fight To Keep Your Benefits
Review and Respond to Insurance Notices
Your attorney can explain what each notice means and whether the insurance company has the right to demand an exam or interview.
Prepare You for an IME or Vocational Meeting
We can help you understand what to say, what not to say, and how to attempt to ensure the report reflects an accurate portrayal of your injury, treatment and complaints.
Obtain and Review All Medical Records
Your lawyer can get a copy of every report the insurer uses and challenge inaccurate findings to prepare for court.
Defend Against a Petition to Terminate or Suspend
If your case goes before a workers’ comp judge, your attorney can present evidence and witnesses to fight to protect your wage loss and medical benefits.
What To Do If You’ve Received a Notice or IME Letter
Don’t ignore it. If you received a Notice of Ability to Return to Work, a Petition to Terminate Benefits, request for a vocational interview or an IME appointment letter, time is critical.
Our attorneys can:
Review your notice and explain your options
Contact the insurance company on your behalf
Prepare you for your IME or vocational interview
Represent you before a judge if your benefits are challenged
Contact a Pittsburgh Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Don’t ignore ongoing pain, numbness, or stiffness in your neck after a work accident. These symptoms could indicate serious underlying damage—and the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
No Recovery, No Fee. There’s no fee unless we recover benefits for you.
