Back pain can surface as a low, dull ache throughout the day. It can also cause spikes of pain when standing, bending, lifting or turning. You may wonder if your back pain is covered under workers’ compensation. The issue is that back pain is not easily identifiable or curable. It can take x-rays, physical therapy and even surgery to remedy. Even then, you may be managing residual pain for years to come without knowing what caused the injury.
What is the cause of your pain?
Arguably, some back pain is caused by aging. Growing older means facing new aches and pains every day. If your pain is only caused by aging, then it will not be covered under a workers’ compensation claim.
On the other hand, back pain may also be due to workplace injuries. A sudden accident, such as incorrectly lifting a patient or slipping in the warehouse and falling on your back can cause lasting back pain. Accidents are the basis for strong workers’ compensation claims. These incidents are easier to pinpoint and prove to insurance companies.
Repetitive actions can lead to pain
People working in construction, healthcare, service, delivery and many other types of industries are at risk for repetitive stress injuries. Repetitive stress injuries develop over time when workers repeat the same movements over and over. Spending years standing, bending or lifting can result in painful back injuries. Repetitive work injuries are covered under workers’ compensation, but they can be more difficult to prove. Since these claims are complex in nature, insurance companies are more likely to dispute them.
A legal professional can help you gather the appropriate evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim for a back injury. Records of repeat visits to a physician can be beneficial to a claim, as well as an official diagnosis from a doctor. A doctor can provide a written note with a diagnosis of the source of your back pain. If your claim is approved, a settlement can include the cost of medical care, lost wages and additional benefits if you can no longer perform your current job.