Medico-Legal Services

Work-Related Spine Injuries

Expert evaluation for workers' compensation claims

Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon
Active clinical spine practice
Objective, evidence-based opinions
AMA Guides methodology
Deposition and trial-ready

What You Receive

Opinion on work-relatedness and compensability
Causation analysis for cumulative trauma vs. specific incident
Assessment of treatment appropriateness and necessity
Permanent work restrictions
AMA Guides impairment rating
Maximum medical improvement determination
Return-to-work capacity and timeline
Future care recommendations

Process & Timeline

1

Submit Records

Send medical records and case details

2

Evaluation

Thorough review and examination

3

Report Delivery

Comprehensive written opinion, typically 2-3 weeks

Who This Service Is For

Workers' compensation insurance carriers
Employers and self-insured companies
Third-party administrators (TPAs)
Workers' compensation defense attorneys
Injured worker representatives (when independent opinion needed)

Workers' Compensation Spine Claims

Common Work Injury Scenarios

  • Lifting injuries: Disc herniation from lifting heavy objects—requires analysis of biomechanical plausibility and whether imaging shows acute injury vs. pre-existing degeneration
  • Falls at work: Compression fractures, disc injuries—temporal relationship usually clear but pre-existing conditions still relevant
  • Repetitive strain: Claims that job duties caused degenerative changes—difficult causation requiring analysis of whether degeneration exceeds age-appropriate changes
  • Motor vehicle accidents during work: Commercial drivers, sales representatives—similar to MVA analysis but within workers' comp framework

Apportionment Considerations

Many states require apportionment between work injury and pre-existing conditions. Dr. Rastegar provides evidence-based apportionment analysis when required by state law, determining what percentage of current disability is attributable to the work injury versus pre-existing degeneration or non-industrial factors.

Return to Work Analysis

Assessment includes whether employee can:

  • Return to pre-injury job without restrictions
  • Return to pre-injury job with restrictions
  • Perform modified duty or alternative work
  • Work in any capacity (if totally disabled)

What Is Evaluated

Neutral, Defensible Opinions

Evidence-Based Methodology: All opinions are grounded in objective clinical findings, peer-reviewed literature, and established medical guidelines—not advocacy.

Equal Treatment: Whether representing plaintiff or defense, each case receives the same rigorous, unbiased analysis focused solely on the medical facts.

Deposition-Ready: Reports are written to withstand scrutiny, with clear rationale and supporting medical evidence for every conclusion.

Records Needed

  • Complete medical records from injury date forward
  • Pre-injury medical records (critical for causation)
  • Job description with physical demand analysis
  • Incident/accident report (Form 1 or equivalent)
  • Employer's first report of injury
  • All imaging studies with reports
  • Functional capacity evaluation (if performed)
  • Surveillance video (if obtained)
  • Previous IME reports
  • Current treatment plan and restrictions from treating physician

Submit a Case

We respond to all inquiries within 24 business hours.

Credentials

  • Board-certified, ABOS
  • FAAOS designation
  • Cleveland Clinic Fellowship
  • Licensed: OH, KY, MI, CA

Submit Your Case Inquiry

Get an objective, evidence-based medical opinion within 2-3 weeks

Professional Affiliations

AAOS • NASS • AMA • Cleveland Clinic • University of Chicago • UCLA • OHSU