Back injuries at work are common workplace injuries that affect employees across industries. Whether it’s from lifting heavy objects, repetitive motion, or slips and falls, back injuries in the workplace can range from mild strains to more serious conditions that require long-term care. A Montgomery workers’ compensation attorney can help you gather the necessary paperwork to file a claim and get fair compensation.

Under Alabama Code § 25-5-78, you must notify your employer of a workplace accident within five days. While the law allows up to 90 days in specific circumstances, waiting too long allows the insurance company to argue that your condition is not work-related. If you suffer back injuries in the workplace, providing written notice to your supervisor immediately creates a record that protects your eligibility for medical and wage benefits.

The financial impact of back injuries at work can be substantial, especially if you are unable to return to your job for several weeks or months. Workers’ compensation is designed to pay for your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages while you recover. Understanding how to handle the aftermath of an injury helps ensure that you receive the maximum support available under the law.

Common Types of Back Injuries That Can Happen in the Workplace

Back injuries in the workplace range from minor strains to life-altering spinal damage. Common diagnoses include:

Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains

These are the most frequent causes of lower back pain. A strain occurs when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn, while a sprain involves the ligaments. These often result from lifting heavy objects incorrectly or sudden twisting movements.

Herniated and Bulging Discs

Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. High-impact accidents or repetitive stress can cause these discs to bulge out of place or rupture (herniate), often pressing against spinal nerves. This can lead to intense pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.

Degenerative Disc Disease Aggravation

While some disc wear occurs naturally with age, workplace physical demands can accelerate this deterioration or cause a dormant condition to become symptomatic and painful.

Fractured Vertebrae

Significant trauma, such as a fall from a height or a collision with heavy machinery, can cause the bones in the spine to break. These injuries are severe and often require extensive medical intervention or surgery.

Sciatica and Nerve Compression

When a disc or bone spur presses on the sciatic nerve, it causes sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back through the hips and down each leg.

Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when a vertebra slips forward over the bone below it. While a stress fracture can sometimes cause it, it can also be exacerbated by the physical strain of manual labor.

What to Do After a Back Injury at Work in Montgomery

If you suffer a work-related back injury, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your health and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s what to do:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you experience severe pain or suspect a serious injury, seek medical care right away, even if the injury seems minor.

• Report the Injury to Your Employer: Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. This step is crucial for filing a workers’ compensation claim later. Employers must submit a “first report of injury” to the workers’ compensation commission within 15 days of the injury.

• Document the Incident: Keep a detailed record of how the injury occurred, including the date, time, and any contributing factors (such as heavy lifting or unsafe working conditions). Take photos of the area where the injury occurred.

• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your doctor’s treatment recommendations. If you are given physical therapy or need time off work, make sure to follow through to ensure proper healing.

• File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: In Montgomery, Alabama, you are entitled to workers’ compensation if your injury occurred while performing job-related duties. Be sure to submit the claim within the appropriate time frame, which is typically two years from the date of the injury.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get After a Back Injury?

Workers’ compensation can cover the cost of all medical treatments related to your back injury. including:

• Hospital visits,
• Surgery,
• Physical therapy,
• Medication,
• Any follow-up treatments you need to recover.

You won’t have to pay for these medical costs out of pocket if your claim is approved.

If your injury keeps you from working, workers’ compensation can help replace a portion of your lost income. Typically, you’ll receive about two-thirds of your average weekly wages while you’re unable to work. This helps to lessen the financial impact of being off the job.

In some cases, a back injury might leave you with permanent damage. If this happens, you may qualify for disability benefits, which are provided based on the extent of your injury and how much it affects your ability to perform your job. These benefits can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the injury.

If your back injury requires rehabilitation, such as physical therapy or vocational retraining, workers’ compensation may cover those costs. This is particularly important if you are unable to return to your previous job and need to learn new skills for a different role.

When to Contact a Montgomery Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Help

If you’ve been injured at work and are having trouble with your workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to get legal help. There are certain situations where contacting a Montgomery workers’ compensation lawyer can make a big difference.

If your claim has been denied or disputed by your employer or the insurance company, a lawyer can help you fight for your rights. Sometimes, companies try to avoid paying for claims, and having an attorney can increase your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

If you are experiencing delays in receiving your compensation benefits, a lawyer can help speed up the process. An attorney can work to ensure you get the financial support you need while you recover.

Also, if your back injury is permanent or will affect your ability to work for your lifetime, a lawyer can help secure compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.

Contact Our Montgomery Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At Hunter | Everage, we help individuals in Montgomery who have sustained work-related back injuries. Our experienced Montgomery workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to assist you in understanding your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Contact us at 704-377-9157 to request a consultation and learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you are entitled to after a workplace injury.