The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there were almost 3.0 million workplace injuries reported by private employers in 2014. Back injuries are among the most common types of work injury that you can sustain and are often severe enough to prevent you from returning to work for a significant period of time. In particularly severe cases, they can even keep you from engaging in everyday activities around the house, resulting in you needing to stay in a residential care facility or seek in-home care.
There are many potential causes of back injuries at work. Some of the more common include the following:
- Lifting heavy objects or people (healthcare workers)
- Pulling, tugging or otherwise moving things from place to place
- Twisting while moving items
- Falls
Of course, there are certain jobs where back injuries are much more likely, such as construction work or working in a nursing home. It is important to note, however, that you can sustain a work-related back injury in virtually any type of job, so you should not make the determination that your injury is not work-related without speaking to a physician first. Many times insurance companies will claim that because you had prior back issues, you are not entitled to benefits. However, even if you did, you may still be entitled to benefits if you had a new injury.
Back Injuries Can Entitle Workers to Benefits
Fortunately for people who sustain work-related back injuries, the Connecticut workers’ compensation system entitles people who are injured on the job to benefits for their lost income and medical expenses. If your injuries result in permanent disability, you may be eligible for additional benefits as well. While these benefits are provided to injured workers regardless of fault, it is still important for you to speak to an attorney after a workplace injury. A lawyer can help you with the claims process and make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible. Additionally, there are certain circumstances under which you may be able to recover significantly more compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, so it is always advisable to have a lawyer review your case.
Call a Hartford Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have hurt your back at work or suffered any other type of on-the-job injury, you should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers, call Leighton, Katz & Drapeau today at 860-875-7000 or send us an email through our online contact form.
1 http://www.bls.gov/news.release/osh.nr0.htm
