What to Do After a Workplace Back Injury

Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries in California. They can also be among the most devastating: serious back injuries can result in weeks, if not months, of missed work and temporary or permanent disabilities—not to mention the considerable pain and discomfort. Like other workplace injuries, a worker who suffers a back injury while on the job may be eligible for to collect compensation for his or her injuries. In order to minimize any potential obstacles during the process, injured workers should be prepared to take appropriate steps following their injuries.

In the majority of cases—not including those in which you have a preexisting back condition or preexisting pain—the signs of a back injury are clear. They generally include pain in the back, shoulders, lower back, or legs, and reduced loss of range of motion, such as the inability to bend at the waist or twist. If you suspect that you a back injury has occurred, you should take the following measures:

• Stop working: When you may have suffered an injury to your back, it is imperative that you stop whatever work you are doing. Safely place any load you are carrying on the ground, take off any tool belt you are wearing, and sit or lie down in a comfortable position that takes as much strain and pressure off your back as possible;
• Get medical assistance right away: If you cannot move or are losing feeling in your hands or feet, you may have suffered nerve damage. Any time you suspect that the damage to your back is more than a minor ache or sprain, you should seek medical evaluation and care as soon as possible. Do not be afraid to call for emergency help if there is no one who can promptly get you to a hospital or doctor’s office;
• Notify your employer: As soon as is possible in your case, notify your employer of your workplace injury. Ideally, you will want to notify your employer of your injury in writing within a few days of your injury at most. This is an important step in getting the compensation you need for your injury;
• Follow all work restrictions and treatment directives: Returning to work too quickly after a back injury, missing follow-up appointments, and failing to follow your doctor’s orders can not only exacerbate your injuries and prolong your recovery time, it can also jeopardize your claim.

An experienced San Jose workplace accident lawyer can provide you with the guidance and direction you need following an on-the-job injury. The legal team at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. is committed to helping injured workers recover the compensation they deserve from all liable parties. Call us at (408) 289-1417 for a free, confidential consultation today.

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