North Carolina Work-Related Back Injury Lawyer

Work-related back injuries are one of the most common and disabling injuries that people can suffer. Back injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, such as repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and awkward postures. In some cases, back injuries can be caused by a single, traumatic event. If you suffer a back injury, having a North Carolina work-related back injury lawyer can be vital to your future. 

Understanding Work-Related Back Injuries

Back injuries may include anything from mild strains to serious spinal trauma. These injuries can develop over time or after a single event. They can result from people lifting heavy items improperly or from performing repeated motions that involve bending and twisting their bodies. 

Other causes include slipping and falling down or having accidents that involve machinery or vehicles. In some cases, even seemingly minor back injuries can develop into long-term pain and disability over time.

Workers in North Carolina who suffer back injuries on the job may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover the cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages. These claims can be complex, and the injured worker may need to provide medical documentation, file a report with their employer, and navigate various regulations to ensure they are receiving the treatment and benefits they deserve.

Signs of Work-Related Back Injuries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 68,600 work-related injuries and illnesses in North Carolina in 2023. 63,700 of these were for injuries, amounting to 92.9% of cases, with the remainder being for illnesses. Many of these injuries were back injuries. Back injuries can show symptoms that go beyond just pain. Some common signs of a work-related back injury include:

• Muscle spasms
• Tenderness in the back
• Stiffness
• Pain in the legs or arms
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Weak limbs
• Numbness
• Chronic pain or discomfort that does not get better even with over-the-counter medication 

Even if you have mild symptoms, seek medical attention right away for early diagnosis. This can reduce your chances of having long-term complications. If it is discovered that you have a work-related back injury, a North Carolina work-related back injury attorney can help you file a claim.

Damages You Can Recover

An injured worker can be awarded a number of different types of damages following a back injury on the job in North Carolina. The types of damages that a worker can recover may depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the resulting injury.

Some of the most common types of damages that a North Carolina employee can receive in a workers’ compensation case include all reasonable and necessary medical treatment. This can include visits to the doctor, physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

A worker can be eligible for wage replacement benefits if they are not able to work for a period of time. In the event that the back injury results in a permanent disability, a worker may also qualify for disability benefits. In some cases, workers who are not able to return to their previous employment as a result of the back injury may also qualify for vocational rehabilitation and retraining.

What To Do If You Think You Have a Work-Related Back Injury Claim

If you believe your back injury is work-related, there are some steps you should take. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury or pain is mild. This can prevent the injury from getting worse and create a record of the injury.

Tell your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Waiting too long may jeopardize your benefits. You need to maintain thorough documentation, which should include your symptoms and work responsibilities as well as any incidents that might have caused or exacerbated your injury. Follow up with your doctor, attend all scheduled appointments, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

About M. Reid Acree, Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A.

For years, M. Reid Acree, Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A., has been assisting workers throughout North Carolina with recovery from serious injuries. He is well-versed in work-related back injury cases.

M. Reid Acree, Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A., has experience in representing injured workers with claims and in appearing before the Hearings in the Rowan County Courthouse in Salisbury. With care and determination, we work to ensure your rights are protected, and we can defend you against the responsible party’s defense attorney. 

FAQs

Q: How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Back Injury at Work?

A: The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the back injury, the duration of time you are out of work, and if there are any permanent restrictions. Benefits might include both medical care and financial support through lost wages and disability payments. Each case is unique, but the aim is to offer fair compensation for recovery and financial stability.

Q: How Long Do I Have to Claim for Work-Related Injuries in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, you must tell your employer about your work injury within 30 days. You must then file your workers’ compensation claim (Form 18) with the Industrial Commission within 2 years of the injury date, or the last medical payment if you’ve received medical treatment. Missing either deadline can completely bar your claim.

Q: Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering in North Carolina?

A: North Carolina workers’ compensation law does not make any provision for payment of pain and suffering, even in cases of serious injury. The system functions to pay medical bills, along with lost wages and disability benefits. This is why it’s important to document your condition as fully as possible and to pursue all categories of compensation that may apply under the law.

Q: What Should You Not Say to a Workers’ Comp Doctor?

A: Do not minimize or exaggerate your symptoms to the workers’ comp doctor. Do not tell the doctor that the injury is not work-related or that you feel good if you are still in pain. Be direct, honest, and consistent when explaining how the injury occurred and how it impacts your daily activities.

Hire a Work-Related Back Injury Lawyer Today

If you suffered an injury at work, hire a work-related back injury lawyer at M. Reid Acree Jr., Attorney at Law, P.A. We can help you seek the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to get started.