Back injuries and Georgia workers compensation claims
Job security and workers comp
Common workers’ compensation injuries in Georgia

Back Injuries and Workers’ Compensation Claims

   Statistics show that most workers' compensation claims arise from back injuries.  Back injuries can occur from  lifting heavy objects, pushing, pulling, carrying things, or from falling off a  ladder or platform. Sometimes you may feel a “pop” in your back; sometimes it may take days  or weeks after your accident or injury before your back really starts to hurt.

   Spine injuries can occur in any type of job - including construction work, manufacturing, secretarial, clerical and professional occupations.  And you don’t necessarily need to be lifting or carrying heavy items - sometimes turning too quickly or even sneezing can result in serious back injuries.

   Remember that your case will be covered by workers’ compensation if it happens while you are “on the clock” and in the act of performing some duty within your job description.  This is true even if you hurt your back by sneezing or bending down to tie your shoes. You are covered.

   Some of the most serious back injuries take days or weeks to start hurting -  don't think that your back problem is  not serious because your back did not start hurting right away.  You should, however, report any possible injury to your supervisor as soon as you realize that there may be a significant problem.  If you have questions about how to report your back injury or you want to discuss your options with me, please do not hesitate to call me at 770-351-0801 or email me in confidence.

What are the Most Common Workers’ Compensation Back Injuries?

   The most common serious back problem we see involves damage to one more  discs. Discs are spongy cushions that separate your bony vertebrae and allow  your spine to bend.

   One type of damage to your disc can be a disc bulge. This means that the  spongy disc material has been displaced and is pressing against some spinal  nerves. Bulging discs are often treated conservatively, with injections of pain  killers, physical therapy and rest. In some instances, your doctor may recommend  surgery to trim away the bulging disc material.

   A more serious disc problem is called a ”herniated disc” (it is often abbreviated as an HNP in  medical reports). A herniated disc is usually more serious than a bulging disc  because it means that some of your disc material has been squeezed out of the  disc, resulting in direct pressure on the nerves of your spinal cord. Left  untreated, a seriously herniated disc can result in severe pain, numbness and  even permanent damage to your spinal cord. A classic sign of a herniated disc is  pain or numbness running from your back, through your hips and into one or both  legs. A herniated disc sometimes requires surgery to fuse your discs together.

   While herniated discs can sometimes get better without surgery, you will most likely need physical therapy, strengthening exercises and time off work.  Your employer may pressure you to return to work too early and the doctors used by your employers may not have your best interests at heart.  My job, as your lawyer, is to offer you accurate and unbiased information about your options so you can make an educated and informed decision about your case.

Will I Lose My Job if I File a Back Injury Worker’s Comp Case?

   My clients often express their desire to return to work after surgery, physical therapy or other treatment of their back injuries.  Employers will sometimes take an employee back but I have found that employers often fear that employees with a prior back injury will become an ongoing problem.  Therefore, I counsel my clients not to be surprised if the employer requires the employee to resign as part of the settlement negotiations.

   While it seems that the Georgia workers’ compensation system should encourage employers to re-employ injured workers, the system does not work that way.  If you suffer an on-the-job back injury, you need to look out for your best interests and not have too many expectations that your employer will take you back.  My job is to do what I can to help you get quality medical treatment and enough money to be in a position to move on with your life.

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