Workplace back injuries are not uncommon, especially in the construction and refinery industries. Back injuries are painful, slow to heal, and can keep you off the job for a considerable amount of time or even permanently. If you have suffered a back injury on the job, it is important to seek legal advice from a Cypress workplace back injury lawyer. Contact an experienced work accident attorney at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris for help today.
Back Injuries on the Job
Work-related back injuries are often preventable. When they occur, they can affect the spinal cord, as well as muscles, bones, ligaments, or nerves in the back. The common features of most back injuries are that they tend to be quite painful and interfere with a person’s range of motion. A back injury can get worse over time and seriously interfere with your ability to make a living, so it is important to seek advice from a Cypress attorney.
Some back injuries are the result of specific accidents that leave the victim immediately injured. Others, however, are more complex because the injury gradually worsens over time. Employers are more likely to contest such claims, arguing that the injury was preexisting or denying that the injury exists at all.
Your claim will be specific to your circumstances. It is important to keep in mind, however, that work-related back injury claims are legally complex, and having dedicated legal representation is always the right choice.
Common Causes of Workplace Back Injuries
In some workplace accidents, back injuries result from impact. This can occur with slip and fall accidents, accidents involving heavy equipment, motor vehicle accidents, and accidents in which the employee is caught in or between heavy equipment. In other cases, however, back injuries develop more slowly as a result of factors such as:
- Heavy lifting without the proper training or safety equipment
- Repetitive motion, such as lifting, pushing, or pulling over and over again
- Work that requires awkward positioning or posture
- Being pushed beyond your physical limits
- Sitting for long periods in inadequate chairs
When To Seek Medical Attention
If you are involved in an accident at work, you should seek immediate medical attention even if you do not think you were seriously injured. Improved health outcomes are closely associated with early medical intervention, making it crucial to prioritize your safety.
If, however, your back injury develops over time, the matter is more challenging. You may get used to slowly developing pain and stiffness and not recognize that you have suffered a back injury.
It is essential to pay attention to how your body feels. If you notice that your range of motion has decreased, you experience any pain in your back or hips, or feel stiffer than usual, you should consult a doctor.
Seeking Compensation for Work Injuries
If you have suffered a back injury on the job, you can seek compensation through a workers’ compensation claim if your employer has coverage. However, when an employer chooses not to subscribe to workers’ compensation coverage, as allowed under Texas law, they can face personal injury lawsuits from injured workers. While a lawsuit can provide more compensation, it requires you to prove negligence on the part of your employer or a third party.
Explore Your Options in Cypress with a Workplace Back Injury Attorney
A personal injury lawyer could help if you have suffered a back injury on the job. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we have the experience and legal skills to positively impact the outcome of your claim, whether you were hurt in an accident or while performing your duties over time. Our Cypress team is committed to supporting our clients and their back injury claims. Please do not hesitate to call or contact us online today.
