Back Injury

3 Types of Injuries Baggage Handlers Face That Could Lead to Workers Comp

June 6, 2019 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

An airline baggage handler may not seem to have a dangerous job, but studies on how their work can impact their health can prove otherwise.

Baggage handlers spend many hours every day physically moving, carrying, lifting, or adjusting luggage of various weights. When it comes to activities that imply manually handling heavy objects, there is a high risk of workplace injury. And, when baggage handlers get hurt, they are entitled to workers compensation.

Here are three of the most common types of injuries baggage handlers can suffer from

Lower Back Injuries

Whenever a heavy object must be handled, that activity automatically stresses the lower back area of the body. Though current equipment can facilitate moving the luggage without the need to manually handle it, baggage handlers still have to physically deal with them. Over time, this can cause issues with lower back muscles, vertebrae or tendons.

All it takes is one wrong move or one improper lifting of a heavy object and the worker can get hurt. A lower back injury often requires months of treatment for a full recovery.

Repetitive Trauma

Repetitive trauma is caused by performing the same physical activity over and over, for years on end. Baggage handlers aren’t just at risk for spontaneous accidents that can take place in the blink of an eye, but the continuous stress their work poses on their body could also affect their health. Maybe not immediately, but as time goes on, certain more stressed area of the body may begin to hurt.

Unfortunately, without proper treatment, once these symptoms first show, many luggage handlers are forced to switch to lighter activity.

Severe Fractures or Head Trauma

Baggage handling sometimes implies lifting heavy luggage at a considerable height. If the line breaks and the workers are caught under it, it could potentially cause severe fractures, possibility even head trauma.

Depending on the severity of the fracture or injury, the worker would have to most likely expect to miss a few days from work to recover. Some fractures also cannot fully heal and may leave the worker with less mobility or pains for the rest of their lives.

Know Your Rights

If you are a baggage handler and got injured as a result of your work activity, Missouri law states you have a right to workers compensation. After seeking immediate medical care, you have the obligation of informing your employer of your injuries before you apply for these benefits.

In case you’re not sure how to proceed or are uncomfortable with such legal matters, it’s best to contact a St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney and discuss your case with them. A lawyer can help you file the claim and oversee it to avoid any issues with the insurance company.

Call the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online case evaluation form.

5 Ways to Avoid Back Injuries While Working in an Office

December 5, 2018 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

While office work is generally less physical than most blue collar jobs, office work can still still lead to injuries.

The truth is that every workplace has its hazards and no employee is entirely safe. One area where these types of workers frequently suffer damage is the back. We explain five excellent ways to avoid back injuries in the sections below.

Lift Properly

Though you do most of your work at a desk, there are still times when you must use your physicality. One of them is lifting heavy objects, which is often necessary to keep the office running smoothly. This task is one that frequently gives workers trouble, as they don’t use proper form and end up with a back injury as a result. The most important guidelines to remember for lifting are using your legs over your back, getting help from coworkers when needed, and using assistive equipment if available.

Pay Attention to Your Posture

Another area office workers have issues with is maintaining posture. What happens is that they sit at a desk all day looking at a computer. The first result of doing so is merely being sedentary, which makes muscles tight and prone to strains. The second is them hunching over their keyboard and screen, which is bad for the neck and back. Paying attention to posture can help you avoid these issues.

Consider Ergonomic Equipment

Pain and injuries from work are so widespread that they gave life to an entire industry. It is called ergonomics, and it focuses on optimizing people’s movements patterns to avoid adverse health outcomes. One specific aspect to focus on is ergonomic equipment, which can help you prevent back injuries. The most common of them include office chairs, desks, keyboards, and mousepads.

Watch Out For Repetitive Tasks

One of the most common causes of injuries in office settings is repetitive motions. Whether that is typing out spreadsheets, lifting boxes, or any other physical task, you are at risk of damages. What you can do to mitigate this effect is take extra care when carrying out these tasks.

Listen to Your Body

Lastly, you should listen to your body. What many people don’t realize is that the body is incredibly good at protecting itself. When it is in danger, it will send you a signal to change something. So, if you’ve been sitting too long, lifting too much, or putting any other undue strain on yourself, you should get the message to take a break or make a change. When you do, it is in your best interest to listen.

If you suffer a back injury at work, you’ll likely be able to obtain workers compensation benefits. Still, it is much better to never suffer damages in the first place. Lifting properly, maintaining a healthy posture, using ergonomic equipment, being careful during repetitive tasks, and listening to your body are five of the most effective ways to achieve that favorable result.

Call 24/7 for a FREE Case Evaluation

(314) 361-4300

Rhomboid Injuries from a Workplace Accident? St. Louis Workers Comp Attorney

November 6, 2017 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

It may not be easy to prove that your back injury is work related.

The rhomboid muscle is located in the upper back region beneath the neck, between the upper shoulder blades. This muscle helps in controlling the shoulders and arms.

Any injury to this muscle can be painful and disabling. The rhomboid muscle is triangle shaped and is very thin. It is a skeletal muscle connected to the bone and helps joint movement.

The rhomboid muscle connects the medial edges of the shoulder blades to the spine and helps maintain a good posture. A worker can sustain a rhomboid injury in a workplace accident or due to overuse over a period of time. In this article, we will discuss these injuries in detail.

Causes of Rhomboid Injuries Among Workers

If a worker bends over awkwardly, twists their body, or lifts heavy weights, it may cause the tear of multiple fibers. This can result in pain and loss of movement.

A sudden awkward movement may be enough to pull the rhomboid muscle. The muscle may also rupture and cause pain. The rhomboid muscle may compress on a nerve to cause severe pain.

Some of the symptoms of a rhomboid injury:

Severe pain referred to as shoulder blade pain or rhomboid pain
Severe pain referred to as shoulder blade pain or rhomboid pain
Loss of movement
Swelling
In some cases, nerve compression can lead to acute shooting pain that can result in difficult and painful movements

The rhomboid muscle does not heal easily because of its location. So, the best way to ensure recovery from a serious injury it to rest properly and reduce the swelling. Patients are often prescribed pain medications and NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. Once the pain subsides, the worker can try to regain flexibility and range of motion through physical therapy. Muscle building movements and stretching can help recover from this injury.

Have You Injured Your Rhomboid Muscle in the Workplace?

If you have suffered a rhomboid injury due to lifting heavy loads or twisting your body in unnatural ways in your workplace, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. In many cases, workers mistake rhomboid pain for normal shoulder pain arising from overexertion. So, it is important to have the injury checked by a medical professional who can diagnose the injury correctly and then prescribe the appropriate treatment.

MO Workers Compensation Benefits

Workers who suffer a rhomboid injury while performing their job duties may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. However, due to the nature of this injury, it may not be easy to prove that the injury is indeed work related and not a result of something you did outside of the workplace such as playing basketball or lifting heavy weights in the gym. So, it is in your best interest to seek legal help from an experienced St. Louis workers compensation lawyer, who can help prove your injury and get you the benefits that you deserve.

Contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann
(314) 361-4300 or
Fill out our Online Case Evaluation Form

Workers Compensation for Lower Back Pain – St. Louis Injury Lawyer

September 19, 2016 By James Hoffmann 3 Comments

Work-related lower back pain is a common cause of occupational disability.

Lower back pain is one of the most common problems faced by workers in many industries. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, lower back pain accounts for a third of all work related musculoskeletal injuries resulting in occupational disability. An article published in the December edition of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine revealed that two thirds of the workers with low back pain report back to work within a month, however, as many as 17 percent experience occupational disability for up to six months. Seven percent experience occupational disability for six months or even longer.

The problem is that doctors who treat lower back pain claims often take little time to explain the anatomy of the back, and the treatment options available to the worker depending on the severity of the pain and symptoms, and how long these symptoms persist. A lumber strain or sprain from a trauma or overexertion on the hob can cause a severe spasm, which can render the worker unable to move without experiencing excruciating pain.

If the doctor spends less than a minute with the injured worker, and does not pay much attention to the pain, the patient may have no confidence in the diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Usually, the doctor would recommend a treatment plan, which may not require the worker stay off work long enough to warrant workers compensation benefits. In most cases, the doctor recommends a treatment plan consisting of medication for muscle spasm, anti-inflammatory medication, and six physical therapy sessions.

In many cases, injured workers feel that the attitude of the treating doctor is not caring enough, and in such cases, the healing process is also affected, because the patient is left thinking that the doctor is more concerned about cost savings than on providing proper treatment. Sometimes, the doctor may even question the injured worker’s intention to return to work, leaving the worker humiliated and demotivated.

Unfortunately, there is no magical treatment for chronic low back pain, and it is often difficult to treat. Treatment typically involves pain and anti-inflammatory medication, epidural injections if required, physical therapy, and in severe cases, back surgery. Surgery is usually the last line of treatment, and is recommended only when all other types of treatments have failed. Unfortunately, not all workers may be good candidates for surgery, and they may have to live with significant pain and disability. If you are suffering from lower back bain, a caring doctor, who takes time to understand your condition, and then comes up with a treatment plan that best suits your condition can make a huge difference.

Workers Compensation for Lower Back Pain

If you have developed chronic back pain as a result of workplace trauma or overexertion, you may be entitled to Missouri workers compensation benefits. It is in your best interests to speak with an experienced attorney to ensure that your legal right to workers compensation are protected. Call (314) 361-4300 to schedule a free and private consultation.

Work Related Injuries

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Work Related Tennis Elbow
Elbow Injury
Epicondylitis at Work
Work Related Eye Injury
Fibromyalgia
Work Related Foot Injuries
Work Related Injuries to the Hand
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Work Related Head Injury
Closed Head Injury
Open Head Injury
Work Related Hearing Loss
Heart Attack Work Related
Stroke at Work
Heat Stroke at Work
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Hernia Work Related Injury
Work Related Herniated Disc
Hip Fracture
Hip Replacement
Hip Injuries
Intracranial Injury
Broken Jaw
Work Related Knee Injuries
Knee Fracture
Laceration
LCL Injury
Legionnaires Disease
Ligament Tear
Limb Loss
Lumbar Disc Replacement
Lumbar Fusion
Lumbar Spinal Fusion
MCL Tear
MCL Injury
Meniscus Tear
Work Related Mental Illness
Mesothelioma from Work
Work Related Muscle Problems
Work Related Neck Pain
Work Related Neck Injury

Nerve Damage from Work Related Injury
Neurological Disorders
Occupational Disease
Organ Damage
Pain and Suffering from Work Related Injury
Paralysis
Patella Fracture
Pelvic Fracture
Plantar Fascitis
Pre Existing Work Related Injury
Work Related PTSD
Radiation Sickness
Repetitive Stress Injury
Rhabdomyolysis
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator Cuff Surgery
Work Related Rotator Cuff Injury
Sciatica Work Related
Shift Work Disorder
Shoulder Fusion
Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder Injury
Work Related Shoulder Pain
Sick Building Syndrome
Skull Fracture
Spinal Cord Injury at Work
Spondylolysis
Sprain at Work
Work Related Repetitive Strain Injury
Work Related Stress
Stress Fracture
Subdural Hematoma
Work Related Tendonitis
Lost Tooth at Work
Trigger Finger Work Related
Vertebroplasty
Vision Impairment
Lost Vision at Work
Work Related Wrist Injuries

St. Louis Work Injury Lawyer – Work Comp Benefits for Spondylolysis

August 4, 2016 By James Hoffmann 1 Comment

Spondylolysis may develop because of sudden trauma, repetitive motion, or regular stress on the spine.

Spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis are conditions that can occur at any age, affecting nearly 4-6 percent of the American population. Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebrae in the lumbar region slips forward and shifts out of its original place. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause lower back pain.

Types of Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis – Caused by general, age-related wear and tear. It occurs when the intervertebral discs becomes weak and are no longer able to hold the vertebrae in place, causing slippage.
Spondylolytic spondylolisthesis – Caused by a fracture of the pars interarticularis. This causes the vertebrae to slip out of place.

While degenerative spondylolisthesis develops over time, spondylolytic spondylolisthesis occurs due to repetitive stress or motion or sudden trauma that causes fracture to the vertebra.

Occupations with High Risk of Spondylolisthesis

Any worker who has constant stress put on the lower back may be susceptible to spondylolisthesis. (Learn more about collecting work comp for back injuries.) The following types of workers are at high risk:

construction workers
painters
roofers
gardeners
warehouse workers
manufacturing

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

There are no clear symptoms of spondylolysis; however, a worker may experience the following:

pain that worsens when bending backwards
chronic pain and soreness of the lumbar region or middle lower back
tingling sensations in the middle lower back
slowed reflexes
weakness or pain in the legs

Work-Related Spondylolysis and Treatment

If you have been experiencing lower back pain or any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. The doctor may order an X-ray of the lower back to check the position of the vertebra. An MRI or CT scan may be needed to find out if the slipped vertebra is pressing on the spinal cord or a nerve.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether or not the spinal cord or nerves are impacted. Treatment may involve restrictions from physical work that can aggravate the condition. Back braces or anti-inflammatory medications may be used to relieve pain. Physical therapy may help relieve pain and restore normal function. If none of these treatments work, the worker may have to undergo surgery.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Treatment for spondylolysis can be long and expensive and the worker may require a long time off work, especially if surgery is required. You may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits if the condition is work-related. If you are having difficulty getting your rightful benefits, consult a St. Louis work injury lawyer. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 for a free consultation.

Work Related Injuries

St. Louis Worker Compensation Attorney Helps Injured Iron Workers

April 5, 2016 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

Every year taller buildings are being constructed – iron workers face a more dangerous job than ever.

Modern building constructions are touching the skies. With taller and larger-than-life structures constructed every year, iron workers face a more dangerous job and a higher risk for injury or even death. In 2010, there were about 59,800 iron-and-steel jobs in the U.S., of which 85% were in the construction industry itself.

The Duties of an Iron Worker

Iron workers are involved in the installation of steel or iron beams, columns, and girders that provide structural support of bridges, buildings, and other structures. Their duties include:

Cutting and bending steel for construction.
Connecting structures using bolts and welding.
Aligning and positioning of columns, beams, and girders as they are hoisted into place.

Iron workers often work as crane operators or instruct operators about correct placement.

Fourth Most Dangerous Job

Iron workers have an extremely high-risk job – welding hazards, heavy lifting, and fall risks. Because of physically and mentally demanding duties, the ironworking industry consistently ranks in the top 10 for various work-related injuries. In 2008, iron work was ranked as the fourth most dangerous job in the U.S. with a fatality rate of 46.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees.

Iron workers are the most susceptible to fall-related death. Workers must balance themselves on narrow beams that are placed high above the ground.
Iron workers have an increased risk of cancer than any other occupation. A study involving 13,000 iron workers over a period of seven years showed much higher instances of mesothelioma and lung cancer compared to the rest of the U.S. population.
Iron workers are regularly exposed to welding fumes and radiation that can have severe, long-term effects on a workers heath.
Iron workers are also more at risk for injury because of heavy lifting and exertion-related problems such as musculoskeletal disorders and back injuries, such as tendonitis, ruptured discs, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Iron workers have ranked third for non-fatal injuries – 392.7 injuries per 10,000 workers per year.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Considering there is a high potential for injury, iron workers should have correct knowledge of their workers’ compensation benefits and procedures. If you are an iron worker and are a victim of a work-related accident, contact a St. Louis workers compensation attorney. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.

Back Injury

An airline baggage handler may not seem to have a dangerous job, but studies on how their work can impact their health can prove otherwise.

Lower Back Injuries

Repetitive Trauma

Severe Fractures or Head Trauma

Know Your Rights

Call the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online case evaluation form.

While office work is generally less physical than most blue collar jobs, office work can still still lead to injuries.

Lift Properly

Pay Attention to Your Posture

Consider Ergonomic Equipment

Watch Out For Repetitive Tasks

Listen to Your Body

Call 24/7 for a FREE Case Evaluation

(314) 361-4300

It may not be easy to prove that your back injury is work related.

Causes of Rhomboid Injuries Among Workers

Have You Injured Your Rhomboid Muscle in the Workplace?

MO Workers Compensation Benefits

Contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann (314) 361-4300 or Fill out our Online Case Evaluation Form

Work-related lower back pain is a common cause of occupational disability.

Workers Compensation for Lower Back Pain

Work Related Injuries

Spondylolysis may develop because of sudden trauma, repetitive motion, or regular stress on the spine.

Types of Spondylolisthesis

Occupations with High Risk of Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

Work-Related Spondylolysis and Treatment

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Work Related Injuries

Every year taller buildings are being constructed – iron workers face a more dangerous job than ever.

The Duties of an Iron Worker

Fourth Most Dangerous Job

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann
(314) 361-4300 or
Fill out our Online Case Evaluation Form