Back Injury at Work

Back and spinal injuries can have devastating consequences for accident victims. But many people wonder about what steps they should take when they have sustained a back injury at work. 

With the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, workplace injury victims can pursue financial compensation through a legal claim. There are many on-the-job scenarios that can result in severe back and spinal cord damage. 

These injuries can take a heavy toll on the victim’s quality of life. If you have been hurt at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefit payments. 

In some cases, those who suffer a back injury at work can file a third-party lawsuit to recover damages in addition to their earned benefits. It is critical to speak with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney to explore your legal options. 

When you need the best legal representation available, reach out to the nation’s largest tort law firm—Morgan & Morgan. With more than 1,000 trial-ready attorneys nationwide, our firm offers premier legal services. 

Our compassionate legal team knows the challenges that can result from a back injury at work. That is why we will happily provide you with a no-cost legal case evaluation to discuss the facts of your claim. 

Fill out the online form to schedule your free consultation today. Let the attorneys at Morgan & Morgan recover the benefits you deserve.

Common Categories of Back Injury at Work

Jobs that involve extensive physical labor are more likely to result in serious injuries for employees. There are many types of back injuries that can occur when workers lift or push heavy objects, for example. 

However, back injuries at work can also result from repetitive motions or long periods of standing. Some of the most typical types of back injuries that workers experience include:

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue damage are common back injuries. Sprains happen when the victim’s ligaments are torn or overstretched. Strains happen when a muscle or tendon is torn or overstretched.  

Some of the most common causes of soft tissue back injuries include traumatic impacts and overuse. A traumatic impact can occur as the result of: 

• Car accidents
• Slip and falls
• Trip and falls
• Sudden twists
• Being struck by an object
• Overstretching 

Soft tissue back injuries can result in long-lasting pain. These injuries often require significant medical treatment and long recovery periods. 

If you have sustained a soft tissue back injury at work, it is vital to seek a medical diagnosis. A skilled personal injury attorney will review the facts of your case and help you recover the costs associated with the damage. 

Some symptoms associated with soft tissue back injuries are: 

• Stiffness
• Tightness in back muscles
• Decreased range of motion
• Muscle spasms 

It is important to rest in the aftermath of a soft tissue injury. In some cases, this may require accident victims to miss work and forgo wages. If this has happened to you, contact the legal team at Morgan & Morgan.

Degenerative Injuries

Over time, the spinal cord and column naturally degenerate. However, certain degenerative conditions can be exacerbated by manual labor.  

Spinal stenosis is a common degenerative back disorder. This condition develops when the spaces between spinal vertebrae are tightened. Tightening can be caused by: 

• Herniated discs
• Bone spurs
• Thickened ligaments
• Inflammatory conditions 

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the soft discs that separate the bones of the spinal column become weakened. This condition can result in the discs fracturing, drying out, collapsing, or herniating. Degenerative disc disease becomes more likely with age. 

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes pain in the joints between spinal vertebrae. When the cartilage that covers a joint erodes, damage and pain occur. 

Those who suffer from degenerative injuries as the result of their work may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in their arms and legs. Treatments for degenerative spinal conditions include physical therapy, prescription medications, and injections. 

When you have sustained a degenerative injury in the workplace, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. The legal experts at Morgan and Morgan have plenty of experience representing those suffering from degenerative spinal conditions.

Spinal Fractures

The adult spinal column consists of 24 individual vertebrae (bones). The vertebrae provide a scaffolding to protect the associated nerves and spinal cord. 

When someone experiences a forceful impact during an accident, the vertebrae in the spine can crack or become fractured. These injuries can cause significant and lasting back pain. 

Pain from a spinal fracture may worsen when the person moves. Depending on the severity of the break, victims may require traction, bracing, or surgery.

Herniated Spinal Discs

The bones of the spinal column are separated by flexible, rubbery intervertebral discs. These discs absorb shock and impacts.  

Spinal discs consist of a soft nucleus surrounded by a strong outer ring. When the rough ring tears, the jelly-like center can become exposed. This is known as a herniated disc.  

Herniated disc injuries can cause significant pain, numbness, or weakness. These symptoms usually occur when the affected disc puts pressure on nearby nerves.

Many herniated disc injuries can heal with appropriate rest and medication. However, more severe cases may require surgery. 

No matter what type of back injury you have sustained, you may be able to recover compensation to cover the costs. It is important to explore all of your legal options following a back injury at work.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation Insurance 

Most employees in the U.S. are eligible for benefit payments following a workplace injury. If your injury or illness happened while you were fulfilling your job duties, you can file for workers’ compensation benefits. 

The workers’ compensation application process varies by state. For this reason, it is critical to speak with one of the accomplished attorneys at Morgan & Morgan to get help applying. 

Our workers’ compensation specialists have a thorough understanding of each state’s application requirements. Following a back injury at work, take the following steps to pursue the benefits you have earned:

Seek Medical Care

Your first priority should be your own health and safety. If your workplace back injury is a medical emergency, seek treatment immediately. 

Seeking appropriate care may consist of an emergency room visit or doctor’s office appointment. Taking your back injury seriously is the right decision for your health and for the resulting workers’ compensation claim. 

When you are visiting a medical care provider, make sure they document the work-related nature of your injury. The medical records from your visit will function as important evidence in your workers’ compensation application. 

Some states require you to visit a medical care provider chosen by your employer or their insurance company. But you should never postpone medical care when you need it. Putting off medical treatment may convince the judge in your workers’ comp case that your injury is not severe. 

Report the Injury to Your Employer

As soon as possible, you should report the back injury to your employer or supervisor. Most states set a time limit by which injured workers must report their accident or illness. 

Failing to report the back injury in time may result in the denial of your workers’ compensation benefits. Some states require employees to report in as little as a few days. Make sure to inform your employer of your workplace back injury as soon as possible.

Complete the Claim Paperwork

When you report your back injury to your employer, they will provide you with workers’ compensation paperwork. These application forms are also available through states’ workers’ compensation boards.  

There are state-specific deadlines by which these forms must be completed. Speak with an attorney to ensure that you complete the forms accurately and swiftly. 

After you file these documents, make sure to keep a copy for your records. This will serve as evidence of your timely application

Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

For help filing a strong workers’ compensation claim, speak with a legal professional. The accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan has years of experience representing injured workers seeking compensation. 

Also, many injured employees are denied the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. If your application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. 

The legal representatives at the firm of Morgan & Morgan know what it takes to overturn wrongful denials through the workers’ comp process. There are many strict deadlines and requirements for pursuing an appeal. 

It is not advisable to contest your workers’ compensation denial without the help of a legal expert. When you need assistance following a back injury at work, Morgan and Morgan can help.