Proper Benefits For Your Workplace Back Injury in Rhode Island

One of the most common injuries that occurs in the workplace is an injury to part of the back. Back injuries can occur anywhere from the tailbone up to the neck and can come in many different forms. If someone is injured at work they may be able to apply for workers compensation. For example, a worker in Rhode Island can sustain injury to any of the following:

• Tears, sprains, or strains¹ of the tendons, ligaments, muscles, or other soft tissue
• Fractures or other damage to the vertebrae in the spinal cord
• Damage to the discs that absorb shock in between the vertebrae. 

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Any of these types of injuries can have serious effects on a victim’s life, including chronic and debilitating pain, limitations of mobility, and more. In order to heal, a back injury often requires extensive medical treatment, including medication, physical therapy, and even surgery.

” § 28-33-1  Employees entitled to compensation. – If an employee who has not given notice of his claim of common law rights of action, or who has given the notice and has waived the common law rights, as provided in § 28-29-19, receives a personal injury arising out of and in the course of his or her employment, connected and referable to the employment, he or she shall be paid compensation, as hereinafter provided, by an employer subject to or who has elected to become subject to the provisions of chapters 29 – 38 of this title.”  TITLE 28 Labor and Labor Relations CHAPTER 28-33 Workers’ Compensation – Benefits

Common causes of workplace back injuries in Providence RI

Some back injuries such as herniated disk at work in Providence can result from one identifiable traumatic accident while others may slowly develop over time due to repetitive job duties. Some of the most common causes of back injuries on the job include:

• Falls from heights
• Heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling or objects or equipment
• Loading and unloading
• Handling awkward objects or equipment
• Repeated bending, stooping down, or reaching up
• Sitting in a non-ergonomically friendly² workspace
• Operating equipment such as jackhammers or excavators
• Driving vehicles without proper seats or shocks over rough terrain
• Performing duties beyond your physical limits and abilities

Workers’ compensation benefits for your back injury

No matter how your back injury happened, you deserve adequate workers’ compensation benefits if your injury was job-related and your employer is required to provide workers’ comp coverage. Benefits can include medical care, partial wage replacement during missed work, and benefits for temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation insurance companies do not always offer you the full benefits you deserve, so it is important to have an Rhode Island workers compensation attorney review your situation to ensure you obtain proper benefits for your back injury.

Work-related back and neck injuries

Work-related back and neck injuries are common in many industries and can result from various causes. These injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Some common work-related back and neck injuries include:

1. Muscle Strains: These are often caused by overexertion, poor posture, or lifting heavy objects incorrectly. Strains can affect the muscles in the back and neck, leading to pain and discomfort.
2. Herniated Discs: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer. This can result from repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting motions in the workplace.
3. Whiplash: Typically associated with car accidents, whiplash can also occur in workplaces where sudden jerking motions of the head and neck are common, such as in construction or manufacturing.
4. Cervical and Lumbar Sprains: Sprains can occur when ligaments in the neck or lower back are stretched or torn due to sudden movements or accidents.
5. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Prolonged and repetitive motions or awkward postures, such as those common in office work (e.g., using a computer for extended periods), can lead to RSIs in the neck and back.
6. Falls: Slips, trips, and falls in the workplace can result in various types of injuries, including back and neck injuries.
7. Heavy Lifting: Improper lifting techniques, especially when lifting heavy objects, can lead to acute injuries, such as muscle strains and disc herniations.
8. Ergonomic Factors: Poorly designed workstations, chairs, and tools can contribute to long-term strain on the back and neck.

To prevent work-related back and neck injuries, employers should prioritize safety and provide proper training and equipment to employees. Employees can also take steps to reduce their risk of injury by following ergonomic guidelines, practicing safe lifting techniques, and maintaining good posture.

If you suspect you have a work-related back or neck injury, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent the injury from worsening and can help you recover more quickly. Additionally, reporting the injury to your employer and seeking workers’ compensation, if applicable, can help cover medical expenses and lost wages during recovery.

A RI workers compensation lawyer can help you get the worker’s comp payments that you deserve. Workers compensation lawyers in Rhode Island will be experienced in handling claims in RI workers Comp Court.