Adam Baron, a top Ft. Lauderdale work injury attorney, explains Florida’s anti-retaliation law and what to do if you’re punished for filing a claim.
Have you hurt your back at work?
A back injury can make it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to do your job. For workers who lift, carry, bend, climb, drive, or perform physical labor, a sudden injury can happen in seconds. Other workers develop back problems gradually after years of repetitive work.
If you injured your back while working in Florida, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical treatment and lost wages.
At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., we represent injured workers throughout Florida, including South Florida, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and the Miami area. With more than 30 years of experience, we’ve worked with many workers throughout the state and helped them get the benefits and compensation they deserve.
How Do Back Injuries Happen at Work in Florida?
Work-related back injuries can happen in many different ways. Some result from a single accident, while others develop over time.
Common causes include:
- Lifting or moving heavy objects
- Falling from a ladder or elevated surface
- Being struck by equipment or materials
- Twisting or turning suddenly
- Repetitive bending or lifting
- Operating heavy machinery
- Construction accidents
- Warehouse and delivery work
- Repetitive physical labor
A back injury does not necessarily have to result from one dramatic accident. Repetitive stress and the physical demands of a job can also contribute to a work-related condition.
What Benefits Are Available for a Work-Related Back Injury?
If your back injury is covered by workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to medical treatment related to the injury.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for wage-loss benefits if the injury prevents you from working or limits the type of work you can perform.
Serious back injuries may require:
- Diagnostic testing such as X-rays or MRI scans
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Prescription medication
- Specialist care
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Follow-up treatment
The impact on your ability to work is also important. A construction worker who can no longer lift heavy materials may face very different challenges from an office worker whose restrictions prevent prolonged sitting.
What Are the Most Common Work-Related Back Injuries?
Back injuries can range from relatively minor strains to conditions requiring surgery or long-term treatment.
Common injuries include:
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Disc degeneration
- Spinal fractures
- Nerve damage
- Sciatic issues
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic lower-back pain
A recent Florida workers’ compensation case handled by Adam Baron Law involved a transportation worker who developed lower-back and leg symptoms after a workplace accident. MRI testing confirmed disc herniations and protrusions at two levels of the lumbar spine.
What If You Already Had Back Problems?
One of the most common questions injured workers have is whether they can receive workers’ compensation if they had a previous back injury or condition.
A pre-existing condition does not necessarily mean you are excluded from workers’ compensation.
However, the insurance company may argue that your current symptoms are caused by your prior condition rather than your work. That can make the medical evidence particularly important.
Your doctor may need to determine whether the workplace accident caused a new injury, aggravated an existing condition, or contributed to your need for treatment.
This is one reason it is important to tell your medical provider exactly what happened at work and how your symptoms changed afterward.
What If the Insurance Company Says Your Back Injury Is Not Work-Related?
Insurance companies sometimes challenge back injury claims, particularly when there is a history of prior back problems.
The insurer may argue that your condition is degenerative, pre-existing, or unrelated to your employment.
That does not necessarily mean the claim is over.
Medical records, diagnostic testing, your work history, witness statements, and the circumstances of the accident can all be important in establishing the connection between your job and your injury.
What Should You Do After a Back Injury at Work?
If you hurt your back while working, take the injury seriously.
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Florida generally requires an employee to report a workplace injury within 30 days, but waiting can create unnecessary problems.
You should also seek medical attention and explain that the injury occurred at work. Keep copies of medical records, work restrictions, prescriptions, and other documentation related to your injury.
Do not assume that back pain will simply go away. Some serious spinal injuries initially produce relatively mild symptoms that become worse over time.
When Should You Talk to a Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Consider speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney if:
- Your claim has been denied
- The insurance company disputes that your back injury is work-related
- You had a pre-existing back condition
- You need surgery or extensive treatment
- You cannot return to your regular job
- Your wage-loss benefits have been denied or stopped
- The insurance company is pushing you to settle your claim
At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., we have more than 30 years of experience representing injured workers throughout Florida. We work directly with our clients and help them understand their rights and options under Florida workers’ compensation law.
Hurt Your Back While at Work in Florida?
A serious back injury can affect your ability to earn a living long after the initial accident.
If you were injured while working in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, or anywhere else in Florida, the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. can review your situation and explain your options.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.