On The Job: Back Injuries on the Job in Lowndes County Alabama

Injuries can happen in any type of job in Alabama, and back injuries are some of the most common work-related injuries. Back injuries can result from acute accidents or develop over time due to repetitive job tasks that put strain on your back. 

Some of the top industries in Lowndes County put workers at risk of back injuries, including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. If you suffer a back injury on the job, you deserve proper benefits for your medical care and lost wages. If you need help with this process, never hesitate to consult with a Lowndes County workers’ compensation attorney for free. 

Common Job-Related Back Injuries

Work-related back injuries are a major occupational health concern that can have significant effects on employees and employers alike. These injuries often result from various factors, including heavy lifting, poor posture, repetitive motions, and inadequate ergonomics. Some common types of work-related back injuries include:

• Strains and sprains - One of the most common back injuries, strains and sprains occur when muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the back are stretched or torn due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive motions. These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Herniated discs- Herniated discs occur when the soft material within a spinal disc pushes through a weak spot in the disc's outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the back and limbs.
• Bulging discs - Similar to herniated discs, bulging discs involve the protrusion of disc material. While less severe, they can still cause discomfort and nerve compression.
• Sciatica - Sciatica is a condition caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. It can be triggered by herniated discs or other factors.
• Fractures - Fractures in the vertebrae can occur due to falls, heavy lifting, or accidents. These fractures can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and potential nerve damage.
• Spinal stenosis - Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and tingling in the back and legs.
• Degenerative disc disease - Over time, the discs that cushion the spine can wear down, leading to degenerative disc disease. This can result in chronic pain and decreased mobility.

Know Your Rights after a Back Injury at Work

Whether your back injury gradually developed due to your work or you suffered a workplace accident, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover the costs of your injury. Insurance companies can be difficult when it comes to back injuries, however, and they might:

• Challenge whether your injury was truly work-related or if you hurt your back at home or engaging in other activities
• The severity of your injury and its effects on your ability to work

It is always worth it to seek help from a workers’ comp attorney if you need to file a back injury claim. If you have an existing claim that has been denied, seek legal help immediately. 

Learn How a Lowndes County Workplace Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you need assistance with any aspect of a workers’ comp claim, the law office of Wallace D. Mills, P.C. is ready to help. Contact us for your no-cost consultation today.