Ohio Back Injury Workers’ Comp Claim

Types of Back Injuries

Lumbar Strains and Sprains

A lumbar strain is an injury to the muscle or tendon in the lower back, while a sprain is the actual tearing or stretching of a ligament in the same area. These injuries can occur from a single, sudden event, such as lifting, bending or a workplace slip and fall accident. 

Can a Lumbar Strain Be Permanent?

Lumbar strains and sprains typically heal on their own (generally in a month’s time), but will likely require medical treatment such as physical therapy and time off work to recover.

Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine, or lower back, refers to a syndrome in which age-related wear and tear on a spinal disc causes low back pain. A workplace injury can aggravate underlying lumbar degenerative disc disease that wasn’t causing any symptoms prior to the work injury.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc, also commonly referred to as a displaced, ruptured, protrusion, or bulging disc, can result in back pain, and numbness, and/or weakness in the extremities. A low back disc injury occurs when the nucleus of a spinal disc slips through a tear in the annulus. A herniated disc can be caused by an auto accident, lifting a heavy object or extreme twisting.

Sciatica

Sciatica is the result of a pinched nerve in the lower back region and is often associated with herniated discs and bone spurs on the spinal column. This condition can be incredibly painful and debilitating. A job that requires heavy lifting, twisting, or sitting for long periods of time can all play a part in developing sciatica.

Spinal Fracture

Spinal cord injuries are not as common as other types of back injury, but can prove catastrophic for those who experience them. Injuries to the spinal cord, such as a spinal fracture, can result in weakness, incoordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, or paralysis of part or all of the body. Severe spinal cord injuries can leave workers unable to return to their place of employment and in some cases, may require surgery. Even with proper treatment and surgical procedures to correct the injury, injured workers can be left with a disability for the rest of their lives. In this case, they should seek permanent total disability benefits (PTD) through the Ohio workers’ compensation system.

Common Causes of Back Injuries at Work

Whether you experience a back injury related to prolonged sitting or standing, or are involved in a devastating accident such as a slip and fall, you may be able to receive compensation for medical care and wage replacement for your work-related injuries. Some of the more common causes of back injuries at work include but are not limited to the following:

Back Injuries from a Fall

Unfortunately, there are a plethora of scenarios in which a workplace slip and fall accident may occur. Some of these include slippery or wet floors, weather hazards, loose carpet or mats, stray cables, obstructed walkways, and damaged or uneven flooring. Falls from heights (scaffolding, ladders, stairwells, etc.) are also common causes of workplace back injury.

Lifting Injuries

Jobs that require manual labor involving frequent or heavy lifting prove an increased risk of back injury for workers. It is important that workers subject to regular lifting employ proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries wherever possible. Unfortunately, even with safety techniques in place, repetitive and/or heavy lifting can still occur and be debilitating for affected workers.

Repetitive Motion Back Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are common in the workplace and are caused by repetitive movements due to performing tasks over and over again on a regular basis. These tasks may include anything from working on an assembly line to bending over to lift heavy objects to even typing on a keyboard.

Overexertion Back Injuries

Overexertion injuries are exactly what they sound like, meaning they are injuries that occur when a worker overexerts themselves or pushes themselves harder than their body will allow.

According to Environmental Health and Safety, “overexertion can lead to a ‘musculoskeletal disorder,’ with symptoms including swelling, numbness, stiffness, chronic pain, or the permanent loss of mobility in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.”

Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you receive back injuries in a car accident while performing job-related activities, such as making a delivery, running a work-related errand, or traveling from one job site to another, you can file a workers’ comp car accident claim. Workers’ compensation benefits for a car accident that occurs on the job are the same as they are for other workplace accidents.

Do I Have a Workers’ Comp Claim for Back Injury?

Workers’ compensation is meant to provide financial relief for workers who sustained an injury or occupational disease while on the job. So, if your back injury occurred while you were performing job duties, you have a valid claim. However, your best option is always to contact an Ohio workers’ compensation attorney to help you file a workers’ comp claim.

Ohio Workers’ Compensation for Back Injuries

Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is quite unique from other states. Rather than filing a claim through their employer’s insurance company, a representative of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will contact the injured worker and their employer to investigate the claim. The BWC will then issue a decision either allowing or denying your workers’ comp claim and will mail you a copy of the written decision within 28 days.

If your claim is allowed, the medical bills for your initial treatment will be paid and you may receive compensation for lost wages. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be able to receive Temporary Total Disability benefits (TTD benefits), Permanent Total Disability benefits (PTD benefits), Permanent Partial Disability benefits (PPD benefits), or other specific types of workers’ comp benefits.

If your workers’ comp claim is denied, you only have 14 days to file an appeal to request a hearing. In this case, it is important that you obtain the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney like Mark L. Newman. Mr. Newman helps injured workers navigate the complicated workers’ comp system, identify the types of benefits they are entitled to, and address the many issues that may arise in an Ohio workers’ compensation claim.

Work-Related Back Injury? Call Cincinnati Workers’ Compensation Attorney Mark L. Newman

If you experienced a back injury in the scope of your employment, the long-term financial impact could be devastating to you and your family. Medical and therapy bills can add up quickly, and time spent away from work while you recover means lost wages. You may also require future medical treatment. This is precisely why workers’ compensation coverage is so important.

Workers’ comp claims can help those who suffer a workplace accident make it through these difficult times. The assistance of a Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorney like Mark L. Newman will ensure that you have access to the benefits you need. To schedule your consultation, please call (513) 533-2009 or complete our online intake form today.