- Article by
- James Zheng
- Senior Lawyer
Are you suffering from a back injury sustained in the workplace? Depending on the cause of your injury, you may have a claim for personal injury. Read more.
A back injury can severely affect not only your work but also everyday tasks. If this injury took place at work, either as a result of a freak injury/accident or the nature and conditions of your employment, you may be able to lodge a compensation claim for personal injury. Let’s first have a look at the definition of a back injury in the workplace.
Defining a back injury in the workplace
Any pain or discomfort that affects your back’s bones, tissues, muscles or nerves may be considered a back injury. A back injury at the workplace commonly occurs due to slip, trip and fall accidents or heavy lifting.
You may sustain a back injury as a result of one incident or through repetitive and/or strenuous movements, which can weaken your back over time.
Examples of back injuries in the workplace include:
- Lower back pain as a result of constant heavy lifting or sudden movements
- Disc problems, caused by a frank injury or repetitive lifting, which may cause nerve damage resulting serious pain
- Back or neck spasms causing sudden tightness and pain in your neck or back muscles as a result of pushing, pulling and dragging heavy loads as well as lifting items in the incorrect way
A back injury can have adverse long term effects on your lifestyle including financial implications, especially if you are unable to perform your work duties. There are compensation avenues available and our solicitors for personal injury can assist you with your lodgement options.
What compensation will I receive for my back injury?
The level of compensation you receive will greatly depend on the type of back injury you sustain and your entitlements under the relevant compensation scheme.
Generally, you may be entitled to receive the following benefits:
- Payment of medical and treatment expenses
- Financial compensation for loss of earnings
- Lump-sum payment if there is permanent impairment
- Cover for any legal costs associated with your claim
You may be hesitant to lodge your personal injury claim because you think it may not be severe enough. The fact is, even moderate back injuries that result from repetitive movements can be detrimental to your ability to work and may cause serious problems later in life. With this in mind, it is crucial that you consider your legal rights as soon as you’ve noticed your work-induced injury.
Workplaces where back injuries commonly occur
Heavy and or repetitve lifting is a very common cause of back injuries, especially where there is a lack of training and support. Unfortunately, many workplaces – such as warehouses, construction sites and retail stores – require lifting.
Occupations that involve driving are another common cause of back injuries. As a result, delivery drivers, truckies and taxi drivers are at risk of suffering an injury to their back. .
Other workplaces where back injuries commonly occur include:
Hospitals
If you are a healthcare worker at a hospital, you may be on your feet for a long time, moving both patients and equipment, which can be heavy and strenuous on your back.
Desk jobs
Sitting at your desk for long periods of time without appropriate breaks can result in great harm to your spine.
Dental practices
As a dental professional, you are required to stay in the same position for long periods of time. You may also need to twist your upper back for certain procedures.
Make your personal injury claim
Back pain, whether caused by a traumatic incident or repetitive movement, can develop into a serious injury that causes financial implications and long term problems. The no win no fee personal injury lawyers at Masselos & Co have extensive experience in workplace injuries and can assist with lodging your compensation claim. Book your free consultation today.
