Back Injury

Recognizing the Signs of Work-Related Lower Back Pain and Getting Treatment

October 4, 2019 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

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.

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.

Back Injury

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work or file workers compensation claims.

What Are the Signs?

Getting Compensated

Why Do You Need a Lawyer?

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

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