What Should I Do After I Hurt My Back at Work?

March 3, 2023

Anyone’s back can ache every now and then, but work-related back injuries can be much more serious. These kinds of workplace injuries are quite common. Back injuries are a leading cause of work limitations and time lost from work and can involve overwhelming medical expenses and loss of pay.

If you hurt your back while at work, you might be unable to move right away. Getting up could worsen the injury, so remaining still may be the best course of action. If you are alone, you may be able to call for help. Otherwise, call out and hopefully someone will arrive quickly. It may be necessary to call 911 in serious cases. Even if you think the injuries are not that serious, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. If it is not an immediate emergency, you may want to go to an urgent care center instead.

Before leaving the property, you should report the incident to your supervisor. They will need to document what happened. This is needed to start a Workers’ Compensation claim.

After your injury is reported and you file out the form, it is submitted to the insurance provider. Your employer will likely give you a list of physicians that are approved for your treatment. The diagnosis will establish if you can return to your original job, if you can perform all of your usual responsibilities, or if you are disabled and unable to return to work temporarily or permanently.

Be sure to document all of the treatment you have received, as well as the medical expenses incurred. It is also a good idea to write down what happened as soon as you can after the accident since details can get foggy over time.

How Does Workers’ Compensation Work?

Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance system for employees who suffer work-related injuries and illnesses. Most employers are required to carry this insurance, but there are some exemptions, such as for very small companies, farm laborers, and others; these vary by state.

When employees suffer back injuries at work, covered employers use their Workers’ Compensation insurance to pay for the employees’ recoveries. In exchange, they are free from being held liable for most workplace accidents.

As far as benefits, those normally provide for urgent care and emergency department visits, surgeries, follow-up appointments, and diagnostic tests. Necessary rehabilitation may also be included in the coverage.

West Chester Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Can Help You if a Workplace Accident Caused Your Back Injury

A serious back injury can put you out of commission for weeks, months, or even years. If your company’s Workers’ Compensation has not provided you with the benefits you need to recover from a work-related back injury, you should seek legal advice. Speak to a West Chester Workers’ Compensation lawyer at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello today. For a free consultation, call us at 610-892-4940 or contact us online. We are located in Media, Pennsylvania, and we serve clients in Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, and West Chester, Pennsylvania.