Some of the most common injuries arising from workplace accidents occur in the back, spine, and neck.
Back pain can be debilitating and chronic. The pain is often so intense that it prohibits a person from being able to continue working. If you have suffered a back injury on the job then it is important that you inform your employer immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If there is question regarding your claim contact a St. Louis workers’ compensation lawyer to help make sure that you are receiving all of the benefits you are entitled to.
Work Related Back Injuries
You might think that back injuries are always the result of an accident, but the truth is most back injuries are the result of repetitive strain that has built up over a period of time. Not having an actual incident or accident to report can make receiving compensation a challenge. Insurance companies do not like injuries like this since the effects are usually costly and take months before the worker is able to return to work, if at all. This makes back injuries subject to claim denials.
For example, a hardware store employee had to fight with the help of a Missouri workers’ compensation attorney when his employer denied his claim for compensation. He injured his back while lifting cans of paint that resulted in a bulging disc. While surgery was not necessary, he did need treatment and pain management care. The insurer for the employer felt that this injury could have occurred anywhere outside of the workplace and refused to pay for the treatment. The employee needed to gather expert medical testimony to show the board how the injury was indeed work related and compensable. They agreed, the decision was overturned and the injured employee now receives weekly benefits in addition to the medical costs that the insurance company had to pay.
With a back injury the need for on-going care has to be considered, especially pain management. Back pain can be debilitating, requiring months if not years of therapy to help cope with the chronic ache. An experienced Missouri workers’ compensation attorney should be consulted to make sure that this is being taken into consideration when your compensation rate is being determined. It’s great if the employer pays for the initial treatment, but they should also be responsible for covering the cost of on-going care which can be expensive.
St. Louis Workers Comp Attorney
For many employees with a back injury their physician may deem that they have reached the maximal medical improvement despite there still being chronic pain. Depending on the severity, the employee may be allowed to return to work with restricted duty or it could be deemed a disability requiring that he either change occupations entirely or stay out of the work force. An employer should never encourage an employee to return to work against physicians orders.
One of the most common injuries, as well as one of the most often denied, back pain is a serious condition that deserves compensation if it is a result of your work. Contact a St. Louis workers compensation attorney at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann if your back injury is being unjustly denied medical treatment. Call (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
photo credit: Victor1558 via Flickr