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Back injuries can severely disrupt your life and cause long-term health problems.

Unfortunately, back injuries frequently occur in the workplace and are commonly reported for workers’ comp claims.

Back pain alone costs employers almost $100 billion every year.

If you suffered back injuries due to a workplace accident, an experienced Minnesota workers’ comp attorney can help you secure the compensation you need to cover the costs of your treatment. 

Contact us online or call (651) 222-6603 today to get started.

Common Workplace Back Injuries

Back injuries commonly occur in the workplace, even in jobs requiring little or no physical labor.

Back injuries can include damage to your spinal cord, muscle injuries, and damage to the nervous system.

Common back injuries in the workplace include:

  • Herniated discs,
  • Muscle strains and sprains,
  • Pinched nerves,
  • Fractured vertebrae, and
  • Degenerative disc disease.

Back strains and sprains are common and can occur through even the slightest movements.

In fact, many workers who complain of lower back pain spend most of their days sitting.

Herniated discs are also common and particularly harmful.

Our spinal cords are composed of bones called vertebrae, which are separated and cushioned by discs.

These discs absorb shock when we place strain on our spinal cords through physical movements.

A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of the disc pushes out and ruptures the outer disc layer.

When this happens, the ruptured disc pushes on the nerves in the spine, producing sometimes intense pain.

Herniated discs can occur through a single event or over time through the degeneration of the spinal column.

Common Causes of Workplace Back Injuries

Back injuries in the workplace can occur through a variety of different events.

Some of the most common causes of workplace back injuries include:

  • Improper technique when lifting heavy objects,
  • Sudden movements,
  • Working too fast, and
  • Repetitive motions that strain the back.

Improper lifting technique commonly results in workplace back injuries. Lifting heavy objects without properly engaging the leg muscles places undue strain on the spinal cord. This often leads to back injuries such as herniated discs. Herniated disc settlements for workers’ comp may involve large payments to cover the full extent of rehabilitation and medical treatment.

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation for My Back Injury?

If you suffer a workplace back injury while performing your job duties, you may be entitled to Minnesota workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation coverage normally includes:

  • All medical costs associated with your injury,
  • Lost wages,
  • Disability payments, and
  • Ongoing rehabilitation.

Calculating workers’ compensation benefits is complicated. To ensure you receive a fair workers’ comp settlement for your back injury, you should speak with a qualified attorney before signing any agreement. 

Can My Employer Deny My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

While most workers’ compensation claims are approved, employers can deny their employees workers’ comp benefits.

Your employer’s insurance company will assess whether the employer is responsible for paying for your treatment. In some cases, the insurance company may advise the employer to deny the claim.

Some common reasons for denial of workers’ comp benefits include:

  • Failing to file a claim in time,
  • The injury did not occur in the workplace,
  • Drugs or alcohol were involved, or
  • The employee contributed to or caused their own injury.

Denial of your workers’ comp claim is not the end of the story. An experienced attorney can help you appeal your denial and fight to receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Qualified Minnesota Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

If you suffered a workplace back injury, you should seek immediate medical attention. Untreated back injuries can lead to long-term health problems.

After you receive medical treatment, contact the experienced attorneys at Arechigo & Stokka to help you handle your workers’ compensation settlements for your back injury. Our dedicated staff cares deeply about our clients, and we will always place your interests first. Our team will answer your questions and provide you hands-on legal services every step of the way.

For a free consultation, call our office at (651) 222-6603 or fill out an online form today. 

Author Photo Joshua R. Stokka

Josh has been representing injured workers for over 10 years. Josh was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology. Mr. Stokka alson received his law degree from the Hamline University School of Law. During law school, Josh clerked at a Minnesota law firm specializing in personal injury and workers’ compensation. Prior to practicing in the area of workers’ compensation, Josh clerked for a judge in the 7th Judicial District in Minnesota. This valuable experience gave him insight into how judges think, do their jobs behind the scene, and how to frame a case in order to obtain a favorable result.  Now, he focuses 100% of his practice on defending injured workers in Minnesota.