Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work or file workers compensation claims.
At some point, everyone has probably experienced back pain. It’s actually one of the most common reasons why people might have to miss work and a common claim in workers’ compensation.
Some may think that back pain is eligible for workers’ compensation only when it’s the result of a fall or a direct blow to the area. However, this is not always the case. Back pain can be the result of years of heavy lifting and performing tasks that can be bad for your spine or posture, which is why it’s so important to know the signs and get help fast. Otherwise, your condition can get much worse.
What Are the Signs?
If you experience some back discomfort or mild pain after a pretty hard day at work, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Maybe you just pushed too much that day, and need some time to recover. However, if the symptoms linger even after a good night’s rest, something else may be going on.
Here are some common symptoms of back pain:
- Muscle aching
- Pain that goes down the leg
- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Pain that prevents you from or worsens when you bend, lift, walk, or stand
In some cases, back pain may even cause additional health issues, which are common results from not getting medical attention as soon as you feel something is wrong. For instance, you could spike a fever, experience leg weakness or tingling, weight loss, or even have bowel/bladder issues. These are all issues that can affect your overall health, meaning it’s incredibly important not to ignore back pains and see your doctor.
Getting Compensated
Unless you need immediate medical attention (like after a fall, or a direct blow to the back), you should notify your employer of your back pain and file an official claim for compensation. In Missouri, your employer has the right to choose your treating doctor, so you generally can’t see your own physician and then have the insurance company reimburse the costs of medical bills.
Even if there was no accident to cause the pain, the work environment could have lead to the back pains, in which case your injury is still eligible for compensation. In some cases, the insurance company may require extra proof to be convinced the injury is indeed work-related. To make things easier, you should speak with an experienced St. Louis workers comp attorney as soon as possible.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
Though it’s not mandatory, it is advised to work with a St. Louis work injury lawyer when filing a claim. You never know how the insurance company may try to fight the claim and get it denied, and a lawyer can help you make sure the costs of your medical bills are covered as the law says it should. Additionally, an experienced attorney can even help speed the process. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4300 for a FREE case evaluation.