What You Should Know About Work-Related Back Injuries?

Back injuries can have lasting consequences, including chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term medical needs. Some injuries may require surgery, pain management, or ongoing physical therapy, leading to significant expenses over time. Fortunately, Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation laws provide benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

What Are Common Causes of Back Injuries in the Workplace?

Back injuries in the workplace can occur in a sudden accident or develop gradually over time due to repeated strain or repetitive movement. Some of the most common causes of back injuries include:

• Improper Lifting Technique: Bending and lifting with the back rather than the legs when hoisting heavy objects can strain the lower back excessively.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, cluttered walkways, and uneven surfaces can cause workers to fall and injure their backs.
• Repetitive Motions: Frequent bending, twisting, or lifting can lead to long-term muscle, disc, and joint damage.
• Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Poor posture, unsupportive seating, and prolonged sitting or standing can contribute to chronic back pain.
• Struck by Objects: Falling tools, equipment, or materials can cause serious back injuries, including fractures and spinal cord damage.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive for work may suffer back injuries in crashes, particularly if they suffer whiplash or spinal trauma.

What Are Common Types of Work-Related Back Injuries?

Back injuries can range from mild strains to severe, life-altering conditions. Some of the most common back injuries include:

• Muscle and Ligament Strains: Overstretching or tearing muscles and ligaments in the back can cause pain and stiffness.
• Herniated or Bulging Discs: Excessive pressure on the spine can cause the soft cushions between vertebrae to slip or rupture, causing nerve pain and mobility issues.
• Fractured Vertebrae: A fall or impact can result in spinal fractures, which may require extensive medical treatment or surgery.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe injuries affecting the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or long-term neurological issues.
• Chronic Conditions: Repeated strain or degenerative conditions, such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease, can worsen over time and limit mobility.

Which Occupations and Job Tasks Increase the Risk of Back Injuries?

Certain jobs and tasks put workers at higher risk for developing back injuries, particularly those that involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or prolonged strain. Some of the most at-risk professions include:

• Construction Workers: Lifting heavy materials, using power tools, and working at heights increase the risk of back injuries.
• Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, aides, and caregivers often lift and reposition patients, putting extreme pressure on the lower back.
• Office Workers: Poor ergonomics, prolonged sitting, and lack of movement can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, chronic pain, and spinal problems.
• Truck Drivers and Delivery Workers: Long hours of sitting combined with heavy lifting can contribute to chronic back pain and disc injuries.
• Warehouse and Factory Workers: Repeated moving, stacking, and loading heavy objects can lead to strain and injury.

What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Pennsylvania employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, which provides workers with necessary medical care and financial benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses, including:

• Medical Treatment: Doctor visits, diagnostic tests, surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: Partial compensation for lost income if your injury limits your ability to work or reduces your earning capacity.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Additional compensation if your injury results in long-term impairment.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with job retraining or placement if you cannot return to your previous job due to injury.

How Do Workers’ Compensation Providers Evaluate Back Injury Claims?

Workers’ Compensation insurance providers carefully review claims to determine whether an injury qualifies for benefits. Factors considered when assessing a back injury claim include:

• Medical Records and Diagnosis: Detailed documentation from a doctor supporting the claim.
• How the Injury Occurred: Whether the injury is directly linked to work-related duties.
• Severity of the Injury: How the injury impacts your ability to work.
• Compliance with Treatment: Whether you are following prescribed medical care and restrictions.

What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. This process may require submitting additional medical evidence, gathering witness statements, or attending a hearing to challenge the decision. A lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process, present a strong case, and fight for the benefits you deserve.

How Can I Avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries at Work?

Prevent back injuries by changing how you move, sit, and work throughout the day. If your job requires repetitive motions, lifting, or sitting for long periods, reducing strain can help protect your back and prevent long-term damage.

Ways you can protect your back at work include:

• Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Always bend at your knees, not the waist, and lift with your legs rather than your back. If something is too heavy, ask for help or use lifting equipment.
• Take Frequent Breaks: If you perform repetitive tasks, schedule short breaks to stretch and move around. Standing up, walking, or changing positions can relieve strain and improve circulation.
• Improve Your Posture: When sitting or standing, keep your spine in a neutral position and avoid slouching. If you sit for long periods, use a chair with lumbar support.
• Use Ergonomic Equipment: If your job requires repetitive movements, consider tools such as ergonomic keyboards, adjustable workstations, or lifting belts to minimize stress on your back.
• Stretch and Strengthen Your Muscles: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can keep your back and core muscles strong and reduce strain risks. Focus on exercises that improve flexibility and stability.
• Change Your Movements: Avoid doing the same motion for too long. Alternate tasks throughout the day to give certain muscles a break.
• Pay Attention to Your Body: If you begin feeling discomfort or tightness in your back, do not ignore it. Early intervention, such as stretching or adjusting your posture, can prevent a minor ache from turning into a serious injury.

Taking proactive steps to protect your back can help you stay healthy and avoid work-related injuries. If you develop pain despite these efforts, report it to your employer and seek medical attention to prevent it from worsening.

What Should I Do If I Injure My Back at Work?

If you suffer a back injury at work, you should report it to your employer, seek immediate medical attention, and file a Workers’ Compensation claim as soon as possible. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend follow-up appointments. Keep detailed records of doctor visits, treatments, symptoms, and work restrictions.

It is also wise to consult an experienced Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyer to discuss your benefits, legal options, and potential third-party liability. If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, you may have the right to pursue a third-party personal injury claim in addition to Workers’ Compensation.

How Can Galfand Berger LLP Help Me After a Back Injury?

At Galfand Berger LLP, our experienced legal team can help you navigate the complex claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Some recent Workers’ Compensation settlements and recoveries include:

• $5 million recovery for a worker who was killed by an 1800-pound roll of paper that fell on him from a railcar.
• $2.2 million recovery for a production worker whose right thumb was amputated by a saw due to insufficient safety mechanisms.
• $820,000 recovery for our client, a truck driver, who was rear-ended on a Pennsylvania interstate and suffered soft-tissue back injuries.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Can Help You Recover the Benefits You Deserve for Your Back Injury

Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, affecting employees in both physically and non-physically demanding jobs. Whether your injury occurred suddenly or developed over time, our skilled Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can help. Call 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.