October 15, 2021 | Workers' compensation

Back pain is responsible for the loss of millions of workdays annually in the US. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that more than 600,000 employees are affected by back injuries ever year. Back injuries can be debilitating. They can make it hard or even impossible to work. If you or someone you love has injured their back at work, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us now to book an appointment for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

Common causes of work related back injuries

Back injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries. They are a major cause for concern since even slight or minor back pain can alter the quality of a person’s life and interfere with their ability to make a living. Some of the most common causes of work-related back injuries include:

• Poor posture
• Heavy lifting
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Twisting
• Overextending the spine or extremities

Many back-related injuries are a result of repetitive motions. At the heart of the problem is insufficient training to ensure employees protect themselves by applying proper techniques. Injuries may also occur where workers are not equipped to carry out the job, e.g. workers lifting or pushing heavy crates where there are no trolleys.

Common types of work-related back injuries

Back injuries range from minor injuries to serious and debilitating injuries. While some minor injuries can heal on their own with rest and pain medication, others are more serious requiring extended medical care including physical therapy.

Some of the most common work related back injuries include:

• Sprains of strains of the lower back
• Slipped, herniated or bulging discs
• Pinched nerves
• Fractured vertebrae
• Degenerative disease

Even if you are only experiencing minor discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention. Repetitive stress on the back can result in even more serious injuries.

What do when you hurt your back at work?

If you hurt your back at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits will help to pay for your medical expenses including physical therapy. They will also help to compensate for your lost wages. It is therefore important to take steps to improve your chances of getting compensation.

If you’ve hurt your back at work:

• Report the incident

Reporting the incident promptly is vital for seeking compensation for your back injury. Let your supervisor or employer know that you have been injured. Give details of the incident that led to the injury. Be as specific as possible. Mention time, dates and give a description of what happened and what led you to make the incident report. This report will be a vital piece of evidence when making a claim.

• Seek medical treatment immediately

It is important to seek medical treatment right away even when experiencing minor back pain. Don’t try to tough out the pain. Continuing with work without seeking medical treatment will only put you at risk of damaging your back even further. You should stop the activities that caused the injury and visit a physician.

Let your supervisor or employer know you are injured. You may be required to visit a physician approved by your employer. Let the physician know that your injury is work-related.

• Report pre-existing conditions

It is not uncommon for people with chronic back problems to have their conditions worsened due to work-related incidents. Some people are afraid to report their chronic or pre-exiting conditions as they fear that this will ruin their chances of receiving compensation. However, it is important to include an existing back condition in your injury claim. This is especially since your medical history will be examined as part of the claims process. Withholding this information will only hurt your chances of receiving just compensation.

• Talk to a workers’ compensation attorney

While workers’ compensation laws may seem straightforward, employers and insurance companies will do what they can to avoid paying compensation or try to minimize their losses. What may seem like a simple and straightforward case can quickly become complex and result in your claim being rejected. It is therefore advisable to seek the advice and assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

A workers’ compensation attorney will help you determine if you have a claim and the best way to approach filing the claim. They will help you gather evidence to support your claim and determine how much your claim is worth.

What if my claim was denied?

If you’ve already filed a claim for your back injury and it has been rejected, don’t give up. You should see an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. Your attorney will help you determine your options. They will fight to get you compensation.

If you injured your back at work, get in touch with us. Book an appointment to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney and begin your journey to getting compensation for your injuries.

i-hurt-my-back-at-work