If you injured your back at work in North Carolina, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Back injuries are a special class of workers’ compensation claims, and a skilled attorney can help you determine whether your back injury is covered.
In this post, the EMP Law team will help you understand whether you are eligible for compensation for a back injury you got at work. We will also provide you with insight on what to expect as your case progresses. Please call 336-724-2828 or send us an online message today.
Workers’ Compensation Back Injuries in North Carolina
Typically, North Carolina workers’ compensation law requires that an injury must be due to a specific workplace accident to be eligible for benefits. However, workers’ compensation coverage for back injuries depends on the unique facts of your case. North Carolina approves claims for both specific injuries caused by a single accident or trauma, as well as cumulative injuries that occur over an extended period of time. This standard is slightly different from workers’ comp for other injuries.
Since victims of workplace back injuries have a slightly lower burden of proof than a typical workers’ comp claim, you may be able to receive your benefits sooner. A North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file a claim.
Types of Back Injuries
Work-related back injuries are common, vary in severity, and can result in workers’ compensation claims when a back injury prevents you from working. Workers’ compensation back injuries can include the following:
- Muscle strains and sprains,
- Herniated discs,
- Fractures,
- Sciatic nerve injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Nerve impingements.
If you have sustained a back injury at work, you must report the injury to your employer and follow the appropriate procedures for filing a workers’ compensation claim. After you have consulted with a medical professional, be sure to speak with a lawyer to ensure you receive the appropriate benefits.
Common Ways to Injure Your Back at Work
There are several common ways people can injure their backs while at work. These injuries often occur due to improper lifting techniques, poor ergonomics, repetitive motions, and workplace physical trauma. Common ways to injure your back at work include:
- Improper lifting,
- Repetitive motions or vibrations,
- Poor ergonomics,
- Falls,
- Vehicular accidents, and
- Workplace violence.
If you are experiencing back pain or discomfort due to a work-related injury, report it to your employer. Be sure to seek prompt medical attention and speak with a back injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How to Prove a Back Injury at Work
Recovering workers’ compensation benefits means proving that your back pain is work-related. An injury is usually considered work-related if you were doing something to benefit your employer when the incident occurred. The injury does not have to have occurred at your worksite, but it must have taken place during the course of employment.
For instance, you may still be eligible for workers’ comp if you were running a work errand for your boss and suffered a slip and fall accident away from your workplace.
Proving Your Injury to Your Employer
There are many ways to prove that your back injury is work-related, including:
- Signed doctor’s note outlining your diagnosis and its relation to your work,
- Security footage or statements of coworkers regarding an accident occurring at work, and
- Your doctor’s prescriptions and treatment plans.
No matter how you injured your back, keep good records of your medical diagnoses. This information can help prove your case and get you the compensation you need.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
After you have sought medical attention and notified your employer, you will want to contact the insurance company to initiate the claims process. Be prepared to provide all the necessary information, such as the details of the incident, your medical treatment, and your healthcare provider’s contact information.
While North Carolina workers’ comp law is designed to make it easier to obtain compensation, the insurance company may find excuses not to pay you. Or they might try to drag out the claims process. The EMP Law team can fight back against these tactics. In fact, before contacting the insurance company, it’s best to get us working on your case. We’ll handle all contact with the insurer, so you don’t have to worry about falling prey to their tactics designed to keep you from getting the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a North Carolina Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Our attorneys at EMP Law are experienced in navigating all types of workers’ comp claims and are leaders in the labor law community. We handle your back injury claim promptly, and we know how to maximize your benefits. Please call our office or send us an online message to request a consultation today.
Michael provides compassionate, diligent, and creative legal services that are tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. His experience relating to clients from diverse backgrounds makes him well suited for representing his clients across a broad range of legal areas. He practices in the areas of employment law and family law, and is experienced in criminal law.
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