For many Ohio workers, heavy lifting is part of their day-to-day workload – meaning back injuries are common.

Heavy lifting can be done safely, but for many Ohio workers, it can lead to strain or other injuries – meaning there comes a time when they must consider filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Back injuries can impact your income, and health – and they can’t be brushed off. 

What do Ohio workers need to know about back injuries? Read on!

Back injuries can be caused by many things. A one-time mistake during a lift. Bending or twisting the wrong way. Repetitive strain on your muscles, discs and spine after years in a physical job. 

Sometimes, the pain becomes too much and it’s time for medical treatment. 

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation categorizes back injuries in different ways, depending on how they happen. There are a few categories to note:

1. A single event injury 
2. Repetitive strain injury
3. Aggravation of a previous injury that has worsened

Once you understand these categories, and identify the nature of your injury, you can show your employer how it can be tied back to your job.  A qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help you if there are any doubts or questions. 

Once you identify the injury, you can focus on getting treatment. That usually means resting, going to physical therapy or taking medication – all under a doctor’s care. If that doesn’t work, sometimes additional treatment is necessary, like injections or surgery. 

If your injury has impacted how you walk, stand and lift, you might have to take considerable time off to heal. A properly filed workers’ compensation claim helps you get the medical treatment you deserve and can compensate you while you are unable to work. 

This is also where a qualified attorney can help.  A good attorney can help you navigate the system and make sure your claim is approved and you get the time and money you need to rest and heal so you can get back to work. 

Connor Turano and Hafenstein LLP

If you or someone you love still has questions about Ohio workers’ compensation benefits, we can help. We have a qualified attorney for you. Contact us today.