Back pain is a common issue that affects millions of workers in the U.S. Whether you’re lifting heavy objects, sitting for long periods or performing repetitive tasks, back pain can significantly impact your quality of life and your ability to perform your job duties. As such, knowing what to do is important if you have developed work-related back pain.
Ultimately, you’ll need to navigate two realities simultaneously: Your medical concerns and your legal/financial ones.
If you believe your back pain is work-related, it’s important to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Timely reporting is necessary for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Document the details of your injury, including when and how it occurred. This is going to be important whether you were injured in an accident or you have developed repetitive trauma.
Next, you’ll need to obtain medical treatment. Be sure to inform your doctor that the injury is work-related, as this information will be important for your workers’ compensation claim. As well as attending all medical appointments, following through with physical therapy and taking medications as directed. Keep detailed records of your treatments, as these will support your claim and demonstrate your commitment to recovery.
Some workers are afraid to pursue workers’ compensation benefits because they worry about employer retaliation. It’s important to know that it is against the law to retaliate against a worker in any way for filing a claim for benefits to which they are entitled.
Additionally, some workers fear being judged by their co-workers for taking the time off they need to heal. But, at the end of the day, back pain can become a chronic concern that affects an individual’s ability to keep working. It’s far better to address the issue head-on in the hopes of recovery than it is to grin and bear it while risking permanent damage.
It’s important to understand your rights under your state’s workers’ compensation laws so you can maximize the compensation to which you are entitled. Seeking support with filing a claim can help you get reimbursed for your qualifying losses.
