Neurology expert advises on disability benefits for nerve injury

ByKristin Casler

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Updated onDecember 21, 2017

Neurology expert advises on disability benefits for nerve injury

A neurology expert advises on a case involving a patient who is seeking disability benefits for a nerve injury. Plaintiff is a surgeon who sustained a herniated disc at the C6-7 level, which was confirmed by a MRI. Four years later, his neurological problems had not subsided, were permanent, and his symptoms were being further aggravated by continuously wearing lead aprons and performing surgery. The cervical injuries resulted in numbness and loss of sensation in plaintiff’s hand and fingers, creating an unacceptable risk to his patients. As a result of this condition, he was unable to perform the substantial and material duties of his occupation and he was forced to discontinue his work.

Plaintiff sought coverage from his disability insurer. His insurance claim was denied, and he filed an action for bad faith insurance practices.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Has the plaintiff suffered a nerve injury?

2. Can he perform his duties?

3. Should the insurer have paid the claim?

Expert Witness Response

inline imageI performed a full neurological examination of the plaintiff. A study of his cervical spine showed it was deformed. The radiologist's impression of his cervical spine was that there were mild degenerative changes most pronounced at C6-7. A sensory exam of the plaintiff’s left hand revealed sensory loss in the anterior two-thirds of the first left finger.

inline imageIt is my opinion to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that plaintiff sustained a cervical disc herniation leading to pain and numbness in his left hand and fingers. It is further my opinion to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that his pain and numbness in his left hand and fingers became permanent. The cervical radioculopathy caused nerve damage in his left hand and fingers, resulting in pain and numbness. The nerve damage can be corrected by regeneration of the nerves. However, any nerve regeneration will occur during the first 12 to 18 months. Thereafter, any remaining nerve injury is generally permanent.

inline imagePlaintiff’s numbness in his left hand and fingers does not allow him to safely and reliably use his left hand and fingers to hold and use forceps or other instruments during surgical procedures. As a result of the numbness, he does not have the requisite fine motor skill or feeling in his left hand and fingers to perform required procedures.

inline imageIt is my opinion to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that his injuries, pain and numbness caused him to discontinue his surgical practice and pursue another occupation.

inline imageAt all relevant times, plaintiff satisfied the requirements of the Claim Information Section applying to benefits. He has experienced a loss of earnings equal to or greater than 20% of his prior earnings as a result of his neurological injuries. The defendant insurer breached the terms of the disability policy by failing to pay the plaintiff residual disability benefits.

inline imageThe expert has been board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology for more than 30 years.

About the author

Kristin Casler

Kristin Casler

Kristin Casler is a seasoned legal writer and journalist with an extensive background in litigation news coverage. For 17 years, she served as the editor for LexisNexis Mealey’s litigation news monitor, a role that positioned her at the forefront of reporting on pivotal legal developments. Her expertise includes covering cases related to the Supreme Court's expert admissibility ruling in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc., a critical area in both civil and criminal litigation concerning the challenges of 'junk science' testimony.

Kristin's work primarily involves reporting on a diverse range of legal subjects, with particular emphasis on cases in asbestos litigation, insurance, personal injury, antitrust, mortgage lending, and testimony issues in conviction cases. Her contributions as a journalist have been instrumental in providing in-depth, informed analysis on the evolving landscape of these complex legal areas. Her ability to dissect and communicate intricate legal proceedings and rulings makes her a valuable resource in the legal journalism field.

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