Workplace Back Injuries
Back pain can make just about every aspect of life more difficult, from moving around to putting away groceries or preparing your own food. Unfortunately, your job can be incredibly difficult on your back. Back injuries are common in many kinds of employment, especially nursing and construction. However, you may be surprised to learn that sedentary jobs, such as desk jobs, can also result in serious back injuries overtime. If you have suffered a back injury at work or as a result of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that can help you to recover and reclaim your life.
Common Work-Related Back Injuries
There are many kinds of back injuries that can be caused by or as a result of work. Below is a list of some of the most common kinds.
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Sprains and strains
- Trauma to the lumbar spine
- Cervical spine injuries
- Herniated disks
- Bulging disk
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Disk compression
Causes of Work-Related Back Injuries
- Back injuries can be the result of a traumatic accident, such as falling off of a ladder, slipping and falling, or lifting a heavy box.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries. Even when there is not one traumatic event, repeating the same kind of motion that is hard on your back can cause an injury over time. For instance, picking up boxes, loading or unloading shipments, and even sitting hunched over at your computer each day, can all result in back injuries long term.
- A sedentary job can result in back problems, especially if you have poor posture or do not have other means of strengthening your core and back muscles outside of the office.
Getting Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Back Injuries
In Maryland, if you are an employee and you are injured at work or as the result of your employment, you are entitled to workers’ compensation for your injury. Unfortunately, that does not always mean it will be easy to get the benefits that you are entitled to. The first step to determining whether you are eligible is figuring out whether you are classified as an employee or an independent contractor by your employer. If you are an employee, you are entitled to these benefits provided that the injury occurred while at work or while performing your job duties. If you were injured outside of working hours, while under the influence, or while doing something explicitly prohibited, it is possible that your claim will be denied. The first thing to do after you are injured is to tell your supervisor or employer so that they can begin the claims process. If your claim is successfully approved, you will be able to get medical treatment and full or partial wage replacement while you recover from your injuries.
Schedule a Consultation with Berman, Sobin, Gross, Feldman & Darby LLP
If you are a Maryland employee who has suffered an injury at work and are struggling to get the benefits and compensation that you are entitled to, the experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman, Sobin, Gross, Feldman & Darby, LLP, are ready to advocate for you and ensure that you get the support you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/back-pain/art-20044526
