Work-related back injuries can be devastating. They can stop you from doing your job and affect your everyday life. These injuries are widespread in certain industries, such as construction and health care. However, people in any career field can experience a back injury on the job.
If you are injured at work, you can recover the compensation you need to move forward with life. Contact the New York City work injury lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. at 212-490-5700, or use our online contact form to reach out for a consultation of your case.
Jobs with Higher Injury Rates
A work-related back injury can happen to anyone. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1 million workers suffer back injuries annually. They account for nearly 20% of all injuries sustained on the job.
Some industries experience a higher rate of back injuries on the job than others, including:
- Construction (including maintenance and repair workers)
- Health care (especially nursing assistants)
- Janitors and cleaners
- Stock clerks and order fillers
- Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
- Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers
Work-Related Back Injuries: Types & Causes
The types of back injuries and causes suffered by individuals vary greatly depending on the nature of the job. In general, injuries to the back typically involve a lot of force or pressure. They can simultaneously affect all parts of the back or be targeted to one specific area.
Common workplace back injuries include:
- Sprains, strains, and tears
- Fractures
- Bruises and contusions
- Soreness and pain
- Herniated discs
- Lumbar spine injuries
Common causes of back injuries at work include:
- Slips and falls
- Lifting improperly
- Violence or intentional injuries
- Transportation accidents
- Struck by or against objects
- Overexertion and bodily reactions
- Repetitive motion
What to Do After a Workplace Back Injury
There are specific steps you should take after a workplace back injury to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
Receive Medical Attention
Get medical treatment right away. Call an ambulance and go to the ER if you cannot move after your injury. If your back begins hurting after your shift, you should immediately go to the hospital or an urgent care location that can take x-rays. You need to get a diagnosis and determine the severity of your injuries.
Report Your Injury at Work
You should report your injury to your supervisor or human resources department immediately. This will allow them to document what happened. The accident report can be used in your workplace injury claim later.
Document What Happened
Take pictures of the scene if you can move after your accident. You need to document what caused your injury, such as water on the floor or broken stairs. Your employer may try to cover up what happened, so this early documentation is essential.
You should also get the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed your accident. These people will be able to support your claim in the future.
Talk to a Workplace Injury Lawyer
You should contact a work injury lawyer to protect your rights after you hurt your back on the job. Your attorney can help you gather evidence to support your workers’ comp claim or third-party personal injury lawsuit. They can also help you determine your claim’s value and ensure you get the most compensation possible.
File a Workers Comp Form
If your employer is fully responsible for your damages, the only way to recover compensation in New York is to file a workers’ compensation claim. This no-fault insurance process allows you to get money for lost wages. Additionally, your medical bills will be 100% paid through workers’ comp.
A workers’ comp claim can be submitted online through the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board Home. The New York C3 Form requests information about you, your employer, your job, your injury, and the medical treatment you’ve received. This form is essential to begin your claim.
Who Else Could be Liable Besides an Employer?
In some situations, other parties may be responsible for your back injury. A third party, such as another contractor, a vehicle manufacturer, a driver, or someone other than your employer or coworker may be liable. In this case, you can file a third-party personal injury lawsuit, which can help you cover all your damages.
Injured Your Back at Work? HKD Can Help
Back injuries are some of the most common damages sustained on the job in New York. If you are hurt, you should immediately call a work injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process of filing a claim. Workers’ comp may deny your claim, or a third party may try to deny fault. It’s essential to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. at 212-490-5700 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
CLIENT REVIEWS
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT