Columbia Workplace Back Injury Lawyer
For millions of Americans, going to work each day is a necessary part of life. But, along with the financial stability that a job can provide comes the potential for sustaining an injury on the job. Back injuries are some of the most common workplace injuries, and they can range from relatively minor strains and sprains to more serious injuries like herniated discs or even paralysis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has indicated that one out of every five workplace injuries or illnesses is attributable to back injuries, affecting over one million workers every year.
If you have suffered a workplace back injury in Columbia, MO, it is important that you understand your rights and options under the law. Missouri’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers, but the process can be complex and confusing. An experienced Columbia workplace back injuries lawyer can help you navigate this often-confusing process and can help you obtain the benefits that you are entitled to.
What kinds of back injuries occur in the workplace?
There are many different types of back injuries that can occur in the workplace. Some of the most common include:
- Strains or sprains, which typically involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments
- Herniated discs, which are often caused by excessive twisting of the spine and may require surgery to repair
- Paralysis or other nerve damage, which can result from a traumatic accident or exposure to harmful chemicals
- Fractured vertebrae, which can occur due to a fall or other type of accident involving impact
While back injuries can occur in any type of workplace, there are certain occupations and activities that are more likely to lead to back problems. Most common back injuries that occur in the workplace fall into one of two categories: accidental and non-accidental. Accidental injuries are caused by a one-time event, such as a slip and fall accident or being hit by a falling object. Non-accidental injuries, on the other hand, are usually the result of repetitive motions or exposure to hazardous conditions over time. Examples of non-accidental back injuries include those sustained by warehouse workers who frequently lift heavy objects or office workers who sit at a desk all day.
Just a few examples of how back injuries can occur include:
- Lifting or moving heavy objects
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Repetitive motions
- Falling from a height
- Being hit by a falling object
- Exposure to harmful chemicals or substances
How can a workplace back injury lawyer help me?
If you have sustained a back injury at work, there are a few specific steps you should take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. First, the incident that caused the injury should immediately be reported to your employer. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not believe that the injury is serious. It is important to have a record of all medical treatment you receive for your back injury, as this will be necessary to support your workers’ compensation claim.
Once you have been seen by a doctor and have documentation of your injuries, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Columbia. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and can help you obtain the benefits that you are entitled to under the law. Keep in mind that insurance companies that administer workers’ compensation claims often deny valid claims or attempt to minimize the benefits paid out. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can level the playing field and give you the best chance of obtaining both the medical treatment you need and the full amount of benefits to which you are entitled.
Contact Us Today to Speak with a Lawyer About Your Columbia Workers’ Compensation Claim
Dealing with a workplace back injury in Columbia, MO, can be stressful and overwhelming. In addition to dealing with physical pain and limitations, injured workers may also have concerns about how they will make ends meet financially while they are out of work.
Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can help workers in Columbia, Missouri, who have been injured on the job. To learn more about workplace back injuries, workers’ compensation claims in Columbia, and how our lawyers can help, contact us today for a free consultation.