A construction worker holding his lower back

Pursuing a Workers' Comp Claim for Back Injuries from Heavy Lifting

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), back pain accounts for over 264 million lost work days each calendar year. Although there are thousands of different possible causes for back pain, many of the most severe back injuries and chronic pains arise directly from heavy lifting on the job – which can in turn prevent workers from receiving payment while they heal and recover.

Of course, the Florida Workers’ Compensation System allows for those who have been injured on the job to seek compensation for medical bills, time off work, and other necessities. If you’ve sustained back injuries because of heavy lifting tasks at your workplace, it’s crucial that you speak with a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to pursue a workers’ comp claim and get the financial assistance you need.

Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation After a Back Injury?

Many people who suffer from back injuries may not even realize that they are entitled to workers’ compensation. That’s true for other on-the-job injuries as well: Although workers’ compensation is a legal right for most Floridians, workers may be reluctant to pursue what they see as a daunting “legal action” against their employer, and fear that they will lose their jobs.

A workers’ compensation claim is not the same thing as a personal injury lawsuit, however, and you do not need to prove that your employer caused your injuries. Because workers’ compensation is considered a “no-fault” system, you simply have to demonstrate medical evidence that your injury actually took place while you were on the job. Because there is an irrefutable connection between heavy lifting tasks and back injuries, it’s possible that you could receive compensation for such cases.

Here are some of the most common back injuries sustained while lifting heavy objects:

  • Slipped, herniated, or bulging spinal discs
  • Temporary or permanent spinal cord damage
  • Spine fractures
  • Chronic lower back pain
  • Muscle strains
  • Broken vertebrae
  • Pinched nerves, or nerve compression

Receive Benefits for Your Heavy Lifting Accident

Depending on the severity of your back injury, you may need only a couple weeks away from work, or you could require several years’ worth of medical expenses, daily living costs, and physical therapy treatments. Because manual labor often requires heavy lifting, you may also require occupational training to enter another industry after your accident.

If awarded, your workers’ compensation benefits can cover the following expenses:

  • Medical tests, therapies, and medications
  • Doctor & chiropractor visits
  • Back braces, wheelchairs, and other equipment
  • Wage replacement
  • Occupational training and re-employment services for manual laborers
  • Physical therapy and pain management

How Do I Start a Workers’ Comp Claim?

Once you’ve sustained a back injury from heavy lifting, it’s vital that you report the incident to your employer as soon as you can, and then file a workers’ compensation claim with all the appropriate documentation. While workers’ compensation is ultimately meant to benefit employees, it can still be daunting to deal with all the forms and requirements on your own. You also only have 30 days to report your injuries, with 2 years to file a formal claim for benefits.

At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A., we can help you manage these deadlines and create the best possible case for your heavy lifting-related injuries. With over 240 years of experience serving clients throughout Fort Lauderdale, our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers can give you unparalleled insight and compassionate counsel throughout the entire claims and appeals process. Never backing down, we’ll go the extra mile to ensure you get your rightful benefits for back injuries.

Call (888) 499-6206 today to request a free consultation with our legal team.

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