BACK INJURY LAWYERS IN PA & NJ

Work-Inflicted Back Injuries

Back injuries, for example, a herniated disk, are the most common work-related injury. Sadly, most workers do not receive the benefits and compensation that they deserve because their Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier or employer has identified the injury as less severe than it is.

Unfortunately, many workers are accepting a diagnosis of their back injury that is not accurate. This will ultimately affect their eligibility to obtain worker’s compensation benefits.

Some examples of back injuries that will result in one receiving worker’s compensation benefits are:

• Pre-existing back conditions Aggravation
• Protruding or bulging discs
• Dislocated vertebrae
• Herniated discs
• Nerve impingement
• Spinal cord paralysis or injuries

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain from an injury at work can be the cause of many different reasons. It can take one slight movement to hurt your back forever, such as lifting a heavy box, a constant strain on your back ligaments, or strain on the disks protecting your vertebrae. Repetitive motions, such as, pulling, lifting, pushing, loading, and even sitting improperly can eventually cause your back to weaken or become strained.

Back pain; Acute or Chronic;

• Acute pain will come along unknowingly and quickly but will diminish between two to six weeks. Although severe acute back pain can be excruciating, it is only temporary.
• Chronic pain is when the pain continues for over six weeks. Chronic back pain can last for years or even a lifetime.

The spinal column consists of 24 moving vertebrae and nine that are fused. In the middle of each starting vertebrae is a disc. These discs act as shock absorbers because they separated and cushioned each vertebra. A back injury can often cause one or more disks to protrude or herniate. Without the buffer provided by the disks, the vertebrae will rub against each other, and spinal nerves will become inflamed which will cause injury.

Ligaments of dense tissue are what keep the spine in place while also allowing it to move and twist freely. When the spine is hyper-ly overextended, the ligaments will stretch out of place and possibly tear, which causes pain and discomfort (back injury).

There are also muscles that extend up and down on the spinal cord. These muscles allow it to bend, twist, lift, pull or pushing heavy loads. Just like any other muscle in the body, your back can experience an injury from overuse or strain.

The spinal column protects and surrounds the spinal cord. The spinal cord has over a thousand nerve endings that send signals to different parts of the body. A spinal injury is severe. It can be devastating enough to lead you to paralysis or even death.

What Do I Do if I Suffered a Back Injury at Work?

If you experience a back injury at work, you are eligible to receive worker’s compensation benefits. These benefits will pay for lost wages, medical bills, expenses paid out of pockets, and transportation costs.

If you are considering filing for worker’s compensation, your best option is to hire an experienced worker’s compensation lawyer immediately to discuss your options. Saffren and Weinberg can help you with your worker’s compensation case today! Contact us at 215-576-0100 to receive a free case evaluation today!