Getting Compensated for Your Workplace Injury

We’ve all heard of other people getting hurt while on the clock, but no one ever thinks that it will happen to them.  However, workplace injuries are more common than you think.  These injuries typically come from slipping or falling, overexertion, and even improper contact with equipment.  One of the common injuries that come from these accidents are back injuries, which can be both painful and affect our ability to work.  If you’ve experienced a back injury at work, here’s what you need to know.

What to Do When You Get a Back Injury at Work

Some people get injured at work and never say anything to their employers about it.  This becomes a problem, especially if the injury doesn’t go away and causes lasting effects.  That’s why if you’re ever injured on the job, you should report it to your employer as soon as possible.  If it’s an emergency, seek medical attention immediately and inform the hospital staff that the injury occured at work.

In some cases, however, you may not think the injury was as serious as it was.  For instance, if you fall at work and don’t experience immediate symptoms, you may not report it.  If the symptoms start to appear gradually, even if they aren’t immediate, you should still report them to your employer.

This is now where workers’ compensation comes in, which is insurance coverage for employees who experience work-related injuries.  This insurance covers workers to get immediate care for their injury, temporary and permanent disability benefits, and even benefits in the case that the employee dies due to the injury.  Although this sounds like you’re completely covered, not every workers’ compensation policy is the same, and you need to file your claim as soon as possible, as some states have specific timeframes.  To file a claim, you just need to fill out the proper paperwork and submit it to your employer.

If you experience a back injury at work and receive all of the benefits required to cover any lost wages and injuries, then you’re in luck.  However, not everyone gets the compensation that they deserve.  This is because not every workers’ compensation is the same, and sometimes employers are not interested in getting their workers the help they need.  In fact, some employers may not even have worker’s compensation coverage, which is against the law.  If you’re having trouble getting compensated for your back injury, then you may need to take legal action.

How to Receive a Back Injury Settlement

Back injuries can have a long-lasting effect on your health and career.  Not only are the initial medical expenses important, but you have to consider any lost wages due to your injury and whether or not it will affect your earning capacity in the future.  If it does, and your employers aren’t willing to help you, then you should consider hiring a lawyer.

To win a back injury settlement, it’s important that you have a great representative that knows what they’re doing, as well as any proof that you’ll need to support your case.  The steps that you need to take during your claim are:

• 1. Notify your employer that you’re filing a claim
• 2. Gather evidence against them
• 3. Make your demand for compensation
• 4. Negotiate the settlement amount

Although this seems straightforward, the case can become complicated if the employer fights back.  Whether you have a back injury or you’re suffering from a different work-related injury, it’s important that you receive fair compensation.  For help filing a claim with your worker’s compensation, or help making a personal injury claim, contact us at AMS Law Group.