No matter what type of job you have, a healthy back helps you do it. A back injury can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, and even more difficult to perform job duties. If your back injury happened because of a workplace accident, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The experienced Peru back injury lawyers at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP help injured workers throughout the state of Illinois file successful claims.
A back injury can occur in any type of job, but are common in jobs that often require lifting. These include construction workers, delivery drivers and warehouse personnel. The trauma can be immediate-for example, when lifting an object that is too heavy. Or, the injury can develop over time after repeated lifting.
Examples of back injuries include:
- Broken or fractured vertebrae – These are the bones that make up the spinal column. They can break or fracture in a fall or collision.
- Herniated discs – Between the vertebrae, there are cushions of connective tissue filled with fluid, called discs. During a fall or collision, a disc can rupture. The fluid irritates nerves in the area, resulting in pain, numbness or weakness.
- Sciatica – When the sciatic nerve is damaged, a worker can feel pain from the lower back down to the legs.
- Spinal stenosis – This is a condition that can happen over time. Spaces within the spine become compressed, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Sprains and strains – Overexertion can cause damage to the supporting muscles in the back, resulting in pain.
- Pinched nerve – Performing repetitive motions can cause compression on a nerve in the back, causing pain.
A back injury can severely limit your ability to do your job and leave you temporarily-or in some cases, permanently-disabled. If your injury happened on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover 100% of the medical expenses for necessary treatment. They also provide partial income during the time you are unable to return to work.
But employers and insurance companies often try to deny or limit their responsibility, and may challenge your benefits. Our lawyers build a strong case that proves you were injured on the job and will fight to make sure you get all the benefits you deserve. And if your claim is denied, we will fight for you at all hearings during the appeals process.
If you suffered a work-related back injury, contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your workers’ compensation claim.
