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- Workers’ Compensation for Back Injuries
Many workers’ compensation claims involve back injuries. These injuries can range from minor strains to more serious conditions like herniated discs and spinal fractures. Any injury to the back can cause pain, disability, and financial stress.
With these claims, there could be a few challenges, especially if your employers try to dispute the validity of your injury. If you would like to learn more about workers’ compensation for back injuries, here are a few important aspects of this process.
Back Injuries in the Workplace
Back injuries happen quite frequently on the job, and they can affect a large portion of the workforce. According to the University of Maryland, over one million workers suffer from back injuries each year in the United States.
For many, the physical demands of certain jobs place considerable stress on the back. For example, an awkward posture can cause muscle strain and other issues, especially if workers need to maintain these positions for extended periods. Frequent bending and twisting are additional factors that increase the risk of back injuries. These repetitive motions can lead to wear and tear on the back muscles and spine, resulting in injury.
Another factor is fatigue. When workers are tired, their muscles are unable to handle the added pressure, leading to strains. In many workplaces, heavy lifting is one common cause of back injuries. Since many jobs require workers to lift and move heavy objects, that often leads to muscle strains, herniated discs, and other serious back problems.
Operating motor vehicles is another activity that can lead to back injuries. Drivers are at risk due to the constant vibrations and jolts experienced during the vehicle’s operation. The seating position and lack of movement for extended periods can also contribute to these medical problems.
Injured Backs and Workers’ Compensation Claims
According to the National Safety Council (NSC) analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, back injuries account for the most missed days away from work. You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when you are injured or become ill. In most cases, these claims can cover:
- Strains & sprains
- Fractures
- Herniated discs
- Chronic health issues
While many workers who suffer from back injuries can recover and return to their job duties. However, for some, the impact of these injuries can be long-lasting, and in some cases, it can lead to permanent disability.
Benefits Provided Under Workers’ Comp
Like any job-related injury or illness, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim. With an approved claim, you can get several types of benefits, such as:
- Coverage for all necessary medical treatments related to the back injury, including surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
- Compensation for lost wages if the injury prevents you from performing your job temporarily.
- Compensation if you suffer permanent impairment due to the back injury. This can be partial or total, depending on the severity.
- Vocational services to help you return to work, including job training and placement assistance.
The Workers’ Compensation Claim Process
First, you will need to report your injury to your employer to document the injury and start the claims process. Also, getting a complete medical evaluation will help link your current back problems with any workplace duties.
Once completed, you can file the claim with your state workers’ compensation agency. After that, your claim for workers’ compensation for back injuries will be reviewed, and you will either receive approval or denial. If you do have a denial of your workplace injury claim, you can always appeal that decision.
Claim Challenges for Back Injuries
While back injuries are common in the workplace, that does not mean that you will have an easy process to get benefits. Sometimes, you could face a few challenges to prove the validity of your claim.
One of the biggest challenges is proving that the back injury is work-related. Often, employers and insurers argue that the injury was pre-existing or that it didn’t happen on the job.
Unfortunately, back injuies, especially chronic pain or discomfort, do not have immediate symptoms. For example, chronic conditions may develop over weeks or years. In these cases, delayed symptom onset can make linking the injury directly to workplace activities difficult.
Your employers may even try to dispute your claim. Many employers could challenge claims to avoid increased insurance premiums. They may argue that proper safety protocols were in place and that your injury resulted from employee negligence.
If you run into these issues, it could mean a denial of your claim. Fortunately, there are several options to appeal that decision. Proving that your back injury was caused by on-the-job activities can be difficult. For many, they choose to work with a workers’ compensation attorney to help navigate these complicated claims.
Workplace back injuries are common, affecting millions of workers each year. The physical demands of many jobs often contribute to the high incidence of these injuries. You can apply for workers’ compensation benefits if you have been injured on the job or suffered a long-term illness due to a back injury. When you obtain workers’ compensation for back injuries, you can receive financial assistance that can help you cover the costs of your medical care, lost income, and even vocational training.