I Hurt My Back At Work, What Now? A Guide for Workplace Back Injuries

Back injuries are some of the most common (and painful) workplace injuries. Whether you slipped, lifted something too heavy, or pulled a muscle, hurting your back at work can leave you wondering what to do next.

The good news? Workers’ compensation is designed to help you recover physically and financially. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting the care and support you need after a workplace back injury.

Common causes of back injuries at work

Back injuries don’t just happen in physically demanding jobs. Even office workers and retail employees can hurt their backs. Some of the most common causes include:

• Lifting heavy objects: Improper lifting techniques can strain muscles or cause herniated discs. For instance, lifting a box that’s too heavy without assistance or the proper safety equipment can lead to a back injury.
• Slips and falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways can lead to sudden, jarring injuries. Even if you don’t fall, the contortions required to keep your body upright put an enormous toll on the body and can lead to an injury.
• Repetitive motions: Tasks like bending, twisting, or sitting with poor posture can cause long-term back strain. Sitting in a broken-down office chair that’s not ergonomically designed and lacks the required support can cause an injury over time.
• Prolonged standing or sitting: Staying in one position for too long can lead to muscle stiffness and pain, which can, over a prolonged period of time, injure your back.

Workplace back injury statistics you should know

Back injuries can happen in any industry and any workplace. You don’t have to be a construction worker to injure your back on the job. Here are a few eye-opening back injury statistics that highlight just how common these injuries are:

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 250,000 Americans hurt their backs at work in 2022 and had to take time off.
• Over 1 million people in the US hurt their backs at work each year, but many do not (or cannot) take time off.
• One of every five injuries and illnesses in the workplace is a back injury, and 80% of those injuries occur in the lower back.

As you can see, back injuries are common and can happen in many different ways. If you’re stuck at home wondering, “I hurt my back at work, what do I do?” Follow the steps below.

Report your injury immediately

If you hurt your back at work, you should first report the injury to your supervisor. Don’t wait, even if you think the pain might go away on its own. In Delaware, you have 90 days to notify your employer, but it’s best to do it immediately to avoid complications.

When you report the injury, include as much information as you can, like:

• How the injury happened but be specific (“I slipped at work and hurt my back” doesn’t give enough specifics)
• When and where it occurred (“Injured my back at work” isn’t exact enough)
• Any immediate symptoms you experienced (“Pulled my back at work” doesn’t provide enough detail)

This documentation is essential for filing a workers’ compensation claim later.

Seek medical attention

Next, get medical attention for your injury. Don’t try to tough it out. Back injuries can worsen if they’re not treated promptly.

Visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if the pain initially feels manageable. Often, back injuries become more painful as time passes. A medical professional can assess the extent of your injury and recommend the following steps, which might include:

• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs
• Surgery in severe cases

In Delaware, you can choose your doctor for a workers’ comp case, but following your employer’s rules about approved providers is essential if they have a preferred network.

File a workers’ compensation claim

With your injury reported and your first doctor’s visit out of the way, it’s time to file your workers’ comp claim. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for workplace injuries. After reporting your injury and seeing a doctor, you’ll need to start the process, which includes:

1. Filling out the required paperwork provided by your employer.
2. Providing medical records that document your injury and treatment.
3. Keeping copies of all communications with your employer and insurance company.

If your claim is approved, you’ll receive benefits that cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages while you recover. Note that workers’ comp doesn’t just cover doctor appointments. It also covers things like medications, physical mobility aids, and more.

What if your claim is denied?

In a perfect world, your workers’ comp claim would be approved without a problem. We don’t live in such a world, and your employer’s insurer may deny the claim.

If your workers’ comp claim is denied, don’t give up. Insurance companies often look for reasons to deny claims, like a lack of documentation or disputes over whether the injury is work-related. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Sometimes, you may need to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for a work-related back injury. This may be necessary if your insurer continues to deny your claim or if a third party was negligent and contributed to your injury. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you decide the best path forward.

Protect your rights after a workplace back injury

Hurting your back at work can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Silverman, McDonald, & Friedman, we help injured workers like you get a fair shot at the compensation they need to heal and move forward.

If you’ve injured your back at work, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through the workers’ comp process and fight to protect your rights.