Securing Compensation For Your Workplace Back And Spine Injuries
Most manual labor jobs put a great deal of stress on the body. Whether a person is working in construction, at a meatpacking plant or even in a restaurant, the constantly repeated motions can wear the body down.
If you’re a Minnesota worker who has developed a serious injury due to your job, you may be entitled to seek compensation. A work injury can impact your ability to continue work, which can affect your livelihood. It should be taken seriously, so you can receive the compensation you deserve to cover this difficult time in your life.
Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Noack Law Office understand how overwhelming it can be to file a claim, especially if you’re worried that your claim will get you fired. We stand up for workers’ rights throughout Minnesota and will help you through this process so you can focus on recovering from your injury.
Common Types Of Back And Spine Injuries
At Noack Law Office, we know that every human is different. Two people could perform the same job in the exact same way. After a year, one person may feel fine, while the other is in constant pain. Regardless of the job you’re in, if you are suffering back pain because of the work you’re doing, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys represent injured workers who are suffering from:
- Herniated disks
- Bulging disks
- Ruptured disks
- Slipped disks
- Back strains and back sprains
- Neck injuries
- Spine injuries
- Spinal cord impingement
- Lower back injuries
Any of these injuries can significantly impact your ability to continue working. We are committed to helping injured Minnesotans receive the compensation they deserve for the full scope of their injury.
What If I Had A Preexisting Back Condition?
When an employer hires a worker, they take the employee as he or she comes – with any preexisting or existing injuries and weaknesses. Injured workers are eligible for compensation even if the worker had a preexisting condition in the same body part.
It doesn’t matter if an employee already had back pain or spinal injuries. If the employee’s current work aggravated or exacerbated the back injury, it’s considered a work-related injury, and the employee may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Common Causes Of Back And Spine Injuries
Back and spine injuries are prevalent across various industries, especially in physically demanding jobs. These injuries often result from repetitive strain, improper lifting techniques and heavy workloads. For example:
- Meatpacking plant workers: Meatpacking workers are prone to back and spine injuries due to the repetitive motions involved in cutting, lifting and handling heavy carcasses. The fast-paced work environment of the line, combined with awkward postures and long hours of standing, contributes to a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in a worker’s lower back, neck and shoulders.
- City and state workers: City and state workers, such as those involved in public works, road maintenance and sanitation, frequently face the risk of severe back injuries. These jobs often require heavy lifting, carrying tools and materials or operating heavy machinery, which can strain the spine, especially when performed without proper ergonomic support or lifting techniques.
- Health care workers: Medical professionals, including nurses, health aides, x-ray technicians and physical therapists, are at significant risk of back injuries. Lifting and transferring patients, bending over to provide patient care, and standing for extended periods are common tasks that can lead to chronic back pain and spine injuries. The risk is further heightened in emergencies where quick movements are often necessary.
- Factory workers: Factory workers, particularly those in manufacturing and assembly lines, often perform repetitive tasks that can lead to cumulative trauma to their backs and spines. Constant bending, twisting and lifting, especially in poorly designed workspaces, increases the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders.
- Construction workers: Construction workers are frequently exposed to back injuries due to the physically demanding nature of their jobs. Carrying heavy loads, operating heavy machinery and working in awkward positions all contribute to the risk of severe back and spine injuries.
In all these occupations – and many others – the lack of proper ergonomic practices, inadequate training on safe lifting techniques, and insufficient breaks between tasks can significantly contribute to the development of both sudden and chronic back and spine injuries.
What Does Compensation Cover?
Back and spine injuries are often incredibly serious and require a lot of care. Seeking workers’ compensation can help cover the costs of the following:
- Current and future medical expenses: Any costs related to your hospital or doctor visits, such as medication, surgeries and physical therapy, can be covered by workers’ compensation. It may also cover the cost of ongoing or future treatment if your injury is serious enough to warrant additional medical care.
- Lost wages: When your injury is severe enough to prevent you from working, workers’ compensation helps cover the wages you’ve lost while injured.
- Lost earning capacity: If your injury leads to a permanent disability, workers’ compensation will consider this loss when determining a settlement. This will help to cover long-term financial losses due to your inability to continue working.
Workers’ compensation allows you to move forward after a serious work injury by ensuring you have the benefits to help with your injury. Our attorneys will work diligently to ensure that the full extent of your injury is considered when seeking maximum compensation.
Contact A Well-Established Minneapolis Spine Injury Law Firm
If you are experiencing numbness, tingling or pain that radiates down your legs or into your arms, you may be suffering from a back injury. To help ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, it’s important to contact an experienced Minnesota back injuries lawyer as soon as possible.
Learn more about the representation we provide by scheduling your free initial consultation. We can be reached online or by calling 952-467-8481.