Anoka Back Injury Attorneys

We Fight for the Care You Need

Approximately eight out of 10 Americans will suffer from some sort of back problem or injury in their lifetime. A back injury is painful and restricts your activities, often making common movements or tasks like sitting, standing, or doing housework difficult. Back injuries can interfere with your ability to work and enjoy life, and even getting a good night’s sleep can be an aggravation.

Many times, back injuries are work-related or caused by car wrecks. When you are injured at work or in a car wreck, speaking to an experienced lawyer may give you the guidance you need on the road to recovery.

Causes of Workplace Back Injury

Back pain can result from injuries suffered in workplace accidents. It is important to see a doctor as soon as the injury occurs. Early treatment of a back injury by a qualified health care professional can help prevent long-term pain and disability.

Some of the causes of workplace back injuries include:

• Insufficient training: It is often assumed that everyone knows how to lift and carry objects. Back safety training for new employees can save the worker and the employer a lot of pain.
• Improper lifting techniques: On-the-job training must be required for duties that include frequent lifting of heavy or awkward objects.
• Downplaying risks: Workers become desensitized to repetitive tasks. This can cause attention lapses, leading to injury.
• Rushing: Training should include reminding employees to focus on their tasks.

Types of Back Injuries from Car Wrecks

• Whiplash
• Upper spine injury
• Lower spine injury
• Herniated discs
• Spinal cord injury

Treatment for back injuries varies. After a work-related incident or a car wreck, back injuries can be diagnosed and the gravity of the injury determined. Many people find that physical therapy, chiropractic care, or therapeutic massage alleviates their pain.

Serious back injuries, however, may require additional diagnostic tests such as an MRI or CT scan, or treatment by a pain management specialist or spine surgeon. Many patients rely on injections, steroids, medications, or even surgery to manage or alleviate their pain.

Recovering Compensation from a Back Injury Claim

If you've suffered a back injury, there are several avenues for seeking compensation, depending on the circumstances of the injury. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If your back injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is common in cases such as:

• Car Accidents: If another driver caused the accident due to reckless driving, you can sue them for damages.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: If a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions, leading to your injury.
• Medical Malpractice: If a healthcare provider's negligence caused or exacerbated your back injury.

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs of treatment and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to your inability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Future Damages: If your injury will have long-term effects or require ongoing treatment.

Workers' Compensation

If your back injury occurred while you were performing job-related duties, you might be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. This is a form of insurance provided by your employer and covers:

• Medical Costs: Includes hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, and other related expenses.
• Lost Wages: Provides partial wage replacement for the time you are unable to work.
• Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you may receive ongoing disability benefits.
• Rehabilitation: Coverage for vocational training if you need to change jobs due to your injury.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If your back injury is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death, you might qualify for SSDI. This federal program provides:

• Monthly Benefits: Financial assistance for those who have paid into the Social Security system and meet disability criteria.
• Medical Coverage: Access to healthcare through Medicare after a waiting period.

Veterans' Benefits

If your back injury is related to military service, you may be eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can include:

• Disability Compensation: Monthly payments for service-connected disabilities.
• Medical Care: Access to VA healthcare services for treatment related to your injury.

Long-Term Disability Insurance

If you have private long-term disability insurance through your employer or a personal policy, you might be able to claim benefits if your back injury prevents you from working. Coverage often includes:

• Monthly Payments: A percentage of your income while you are unable to work.
• Rehabilitation Services: Support for returning to work or adapting to a new career.

Back injuries are serious and should not be overlooked. They can be life-changing, especially if the injury occurred as the result of an accident.

Look to the lawyers of Bolt Law Firm for support and guidance. We have years of experience helping individuals with back injuries caused by all types of accidents. We are familiar with the anatomy of the spine, how injuries occur, and forms of treatment.

You may be entitled to compensation for your injury and losses. Call the attorneys of Bolt Law Firm at (763) 292-2102 today for your free consultation.