Narcotic painkillers (opioids) are one of the fastest-growing expenses for workplace insurers, costing them $1.4 billion annually. In addition to these financial consequences, opioids can have dangerous repercussions on workers’ health as well.

The prescription of these painkillers is becoming a major problem as identified by a 2008 study by the California Workers Compensation Institute. Researchers found that workers who take strong painkillers such as opioids during their recovery take longer to recover than those who take weaker drugs or those who do not take painkillers at all.

In addition to potentially delaying a person’s recovery after an injury, high doses of opioids can lead to dependence, addiction, and general drowsiness.

If you are hurt on the job, it is important that you understand the facts of workers’ compensation. If your claim has been denied, contact the workers’ compensation lawyers of Scudder & Hedrick, PLLC, at 919-851-3311.