Fortunately, if you have an accident at work and you get a back injury you should be covered by your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance. The insurance covers your medical treatment, a percentage of your weekly earnings, physical therapy, if required, and if you are unable to go back to the same job you may need to be retrained in another skill which is also covered in your worker’s compensation paid by your employer’s insurer. Partial and permanent disability needs are covered as well. Causes of Back Injuries at Work Back injuries do not necessarily occur quickly, but can develop over time depending on the type of work you do. An annoying back ache could eventually turn to unbearable pain which needs treatment. These are some of the main causes of back injuries: lifting and carrying heavy items; stocking or shelves with products; pulling and pushing carts or machinery; bending down to pick up things from the floor; squatting to do a job; regular crawling and kneeling; twisting the body in a repetitive motion; digging with a tool; sweeping floors; the operating of heavy machinery; driving a vehicle Average Settlement for a Workers’ Compensation Back Injury Every year, one million workers are affected by a back injury throughout the country. This costs employers billions of dollars in workers’ compensation. The value of a worker’s compensation claim is dependent on: How long you are off work as up two thirds of your weekly earnings may be paid; How much the medical treatment costs; The value of rehabilitation such as physical therapy; Whether you are partially or fully disabled and for how long? If you are off work for 12 weeks and you earn $600 per week you can expect to get two thirds of $600 for 12 weeks which is $400 per week. A back injury that is diagnosed as a spinal injury can cost in medical treatment anything from $25,000 to $150,000 The WC will be higher depending on how much surgery is required. Typically though, somebody with a 25 percent disability will be awarded less than somebody with a 50 percent disability. Some states base the calculation on an estimate of future earnings and this can be paid as a lump sum or over a period of time. Why You Need an Attorney for a Worker’s Compensation Claim It is important that you get the worker’s compensation you are entitled to so that you do not suffer financially from an injury that was not your fault. The best way you can ensure this takes place is by speaking to a workers' compensation attorney who can work on your behalf to reach a fair settlement with your employer’s insurer. Additional Resources How Long Does it Take To Settle A Workers Compensation Case? Workers Compensation By State
