Many employees suffer back injuries at work, and when it happens, it can lead to long-term complications to mobility, emotional well-being, and ability to work. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our back injury workers‘ comp lawyer in Chicago can help you seek fair compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Talk to our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer today about your case. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients since our firm’s founding in 2002.
The Importance of Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim for a Back Injury
Do not ignore back pain. It is nearly always an indication of an underlying condition, often resulting from working conditions. For some, an acute back injury can occur, meaning there is a specific incident that causes it. For others, back injuries develop over time from repetitive actions.
In both situations, you may have medical bills when you seek care, and you may miss time at work. When conditions do not fully improve, you may develop mobility limitations and chronic pain. By seeking medical care right away and filing a workers’ compensation claim early, you may be able to recover fully, make modifications to reduce the risk of worsening conditions, and feel better sooner.
If you believe you injured your back while performing work-related tasks, it is critical to seek medical care as soon as possible. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers encourage you to follow your doctor’s recommendations for care. Avoid putting off these types of claims.
Types of Workplace Back Injuries
Workplace back injuries happen for many reasons. Most are preventable with proper support, training, and safety equipment. The following are some of the most common types of workplace back injuries we see:
- Spinal damage: This can include herniated and bulging discs, often causing significant pain. Fractures of vertebrae can also occur, often from falls or being struck by equipment.
- Soft-tissue injuries: Strains and sprains are common workplace injuries. They occur when ligaments or muscles in the back and the supporting areas of the torso tear. This can occur from improper lifting.
- Sciatica: Some people develop it from being on their feet for long periods without proper support.
No matter the type of injury you have, if you believe it occurred due to work conditions or activities, seek medical care. Then, speak to our back injury workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago for guidance. We will help you seek fair compensation for your losses.
Understanding Workers Compensation in Illinois
If you suffer an injury at work, you have the right to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. You do not have to prove that your employer was negligent.
If you suffered at work during work-related tasks, our Chicago back injury lawyer can help you. There are several things you should know about workers’ compensation claims:
- You should alert the employer of your injury right away, at the time of the accident if possible, or right after seeking medical care.
- Your employer cannot deny your right to file a claim. If they do, you may be able to seek legal action against them for those actions.
- Workers’ compensation only covers injuries related to work tasks, which means if you hurt your back elsewhere or have pre-existing conditions, that could impact your right to compensation.
Our workers’ compensation attorney will help you navigate your right to fair compensation in these cases.
What Workers’ Compensation Pays For
Workers’ compensation will pay benefits for the vast majority of on-the-job injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits will cover all valid medical claims related to your injury.
That may include emergency care, rehabilitation, and chiropractic care, for example. Ensure you closely follow your doctor’s recommendations for care.
In addition, workers’ compensation may pay some of your wages, up to 66.66% of your average weekly wage, depending on how long you miss work. Temporary total disability will apply until you are able to return to work, and, in situations of permanent impairments, permanent partial disability pays 60% of your average weekly wage.
If you have to take a new job, workers’ compensation pays a wage differential in some situations. Make sure to check and know what is covered.
Then, talk to a Chicago permanent total disability benefit lawyer at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.
Why Back Injuries Happen at Work
Victims of serious injuries at work deserve compensation. There are many reasons these accidents happen, and most of the time, they are preventable.
Our Chicago back injury lawyer can help with workers’ compensation claims related to:
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Falls
- Vehicle accidents
- Poor ergonomic support
- Improper support for long hours on your feet
- Impact from falling objects
- Vibrations from equipment
If you have muscle strains, ligament sprains, sciatica, fractures, or other spinal-related injuries, set up a free consultation with our workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago.
Let us take a look at what caused your injuries and help you get fair compensation. We are here to advocate for you. Speak with a Chicago workers’ compensation hearing lawyer today.
Third-Party Injuries at Work
In some situations, our investigation may find that your employer was not at fault, but rather a third party was. This could be a contractor working in your building who made a mistake or a driver of a vehicle that struck you while you were at work. In these situations, you may be able to seek a personal injury lawsuit against those parties.
That can be beneficial to you for several reasons. The most important thing is that if we can show that the negligence of another person outside of your employer caused your injuries, you can file a lawsuit for more than workers’ compensation losses.
The difference is in your right to pursue pain and suffering and other non-economic losses. You cannot do that when your injuries stem from a work-related injury caused by your employer.
If we can show that another person or company caused your injuries, you may be able to seek financial compensation. Let our Chicago back injury workers’ comp lawyer help you uncover who is really at fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Back Injury Workers’ Comp Attorney in Chicago
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. is a trusted, proven law firm providing exceptional legal insight for victims of workplace accidents. Set up a free consultation with our Chicago back injury workers’ comp attorney to go over your case.
