A Virginia work accident is more likely to result in back injuries than previously believed, suggests a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the United States Department of Labor. According to the workplace injuries statistics in the report, more than 1 million employees sustain back injuries each year, accounting for approximately 1 of every 5 workplace injuries. If you sustained a back injury on the job, a team of Richmond, Virginia attorneys can help you file a Workers’ Compensation claim and will defend your rights against your employer and your employer’s insurance provider.
Groups with the Greatest Risk of Back Pain
Approximately 25% of all compensatory claims involve some aspect of back injuries and severe back pain. Among those injured workers, the BLS report shows that lifting, carrying, moving and holding heavy materials is the principle cause of compensable work injuries. Further, it was found that 4 out of 5 injuries occur to the lower back and that 3 out of 4 occur while the employee is lifting an object.
There are certain engineering and ergonomic tactics that an employer may implement to reduce the possibility of injury to the back, including strength testing employees and discouraging workers from engaging in activities that exceed their capacity, installing mechanical aids, and adjusting the height of shelves or the size of objects that need to be moved or lifted. Even adding handles can have an impact on an employee’s physical burden.
How Richmond, Virginia, Attorneys Can Help after a Virginia Work Accident
When you have suffered a serious Virginia work accident and are reeling from a back injury, back pain or any other condition, reach out to a team of Richmond, Virginia, attorneys who have handled Workers’ Compensation cases like yours in the past and will ensure that you are afforded the damages and compensation to which you are legally entitled. Don’t be intimidated by your employer or insurance agency tactics; schedule a free consultation with an attorney today and get the answers that you need.
Facing an Uphill Battle after a Virginia Work Accident
When a Virginia work accident causes a back injury, you may have trouble dealing with your employer and your employer’s insurance agency. While workplace injuries statistics indicate that work-related accidents, particularly those involving the back, are on the rise – and that treatment is becoming increasingly more expensive – you may have an opportunity to recover the cost of your medical expenses, lost wages and other related damages through a Workers’ Compensation claim by speaking with a team of Richmond, Virginia, attorneys who have handled cases similar to yours in the past.
The common causes of back pain at work can be attributed to one or a combination of the following:
- Excessive force – when too much force is exerted on your back, as with lifting or carrying heavy objects and materials, you can sustain injury;
- Repetitious movement – certain movements, when performed over and over again, can cause injury or muscle fatigue, particularly in the lower back and if you are stretching to the limits of your range of motion;
- Poor posture – bad body positioning, such as slouching at your desk, leads to muscle fatigue and injury; and
- Stress – Work pressure can sky-rocket your stress level and aggravate back pain by causing tension and tightness in your muscles.
Back pain is treated with a variety of different methods because, in general, back pain is the product of a number of different possible causes. In some cases, a primary doctor will refer you to a pain specialist who will use steroids, injections and prescription medication to help you control your pain; simultaneously, you will likely be instructed to attend regular physical therapy sessions to assist you with restoring function and mobility.
If you have been injured on the job, reach out to a team of Richmond, Virginia, attorneys who will protect your rights and fight for the fair compensation that you are lawfully entitled to.
Contact Richmond, Virginia, Attorneys about Your Virginia Work Accident
When you have difficulties with your work-related injury claim, a Virginia Workers’ Comp attorney can bear some of your burden. To get back on your feet, whether it means getting back to work or getting the benefits you deserve, order a copy of our free book to learn more about workplace injuries statistics. Call to get the Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia, and contact a Workers’ Comp attorney at the Injured Workers Law Firm for a no-cost consultation – 1-877-755-7744 or 1-804-755-7755.
About the Author: Injured Workers Law Firm
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.