Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, affecting workers across industries in O’Fallon, IL, from construction to office settings. Whether the injury occurs from heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or even a slip and fall, back injuries can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require long-term treatment. If you’ve suffered a back injury on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Here’s what you need to know about back injuries and workers’ compensation.
Common Causes of Workplace Back Injuries
Back injuries in the workplace are caused by a variety of factors. The most common include:
- Lifting or Moving Heavy Objects: Jobs that involve frequent lifting, especially without proper form, can easily strain or injure the muscles in the back. This is particularly common in construction, warehouse, and manufacturing jobs.
- Repetitive Movements: Tasks that require repetitive bending, twisting, or reaching, such as working on an assembly line, can lead to chronic back issues over time.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Falls can result in serious back injuries, including fractures or herniated discs, especially if the fall occurs from a height or onto a hard surface.
- Poor Posture: Sitting for prolonged periods with poor posture or at a poorly designed workstation can contribute to back strain and injury, a problem frequently seen in office environments.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation
If you’ve sustained a back injury while performing your job duties in O’Fallon, IL, it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to file a workers’ compensation claim. Here’s how to navigate the process:
- Report the Injury Immediately: After sustaining a back injury, notify your employer as soon as possible. Most states have strict deadlines for reporting workplace injuries, and failure to do so within the specified time frame could result in denial of your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor at first, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation. Back injuries can worsen over time if not properly treated, and medical records will serve as essential evidence for your claim.
- File a Claim: Your employer will provide you with the necessary paperwork to file a workers’ compensation claim. This typically involves submitting a written report of the injury and your medical evaluation to the company’s insurer.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers
If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may be entitled to various benefits, including:
- Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation will cover the costs of necessary medical treatment, including doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and, in some cases, surgery.
- Lost Wages: If your injury forces you to take time off work, workers’ compensation provides a percentage of your lost wages, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
- Temporary or Permanent Disability: If your back injury results in a temporary or permanent disability, workers’ compensation may provide additional benefits to compensate for the long-term effects on your ability to work.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Workers’ compensation often covers physical therapy and other rehabilitation services required to help you recover and return to work.
Challenges You May Face
While workers’ compensation is designed to protect injured workers, the process is not always straightforward. Insurance companies may challenge the severity of your injury or argue that it’s a pre-existing condition. In some cases, claims may be denied or delayed. This is why it’s critical to document everything, including medical visits and communications with your employer. If you’re struggling with a denied claim or believe you’re not receiving fair compensation, consulting with an attorney experienced in such cases can be invaluable.
Live in O’Fallon, IL? Suffer a back injury on the job? Call Don Cary Collins, Attorney at Law if you are looking for a workers’ compensation attorney to look at your case.
