Have you suffered a lower back injury on the job? Have you come to realize that this will keep you out of work for the time being? If you find yourself in this position, there are a few important things you need to do.
First and foremost, don’t delay in receiving medical treatment. You want to be examined by a doctor without delay, as this is the only way to pinpoint your injury and decide which treatment strategy is best.
The type of treatment you receive is based largely on the type of injury. For example, a serious muscle strain may require rest, ice, an anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy.
Moving on, you should also report the injury to your employer. Make it clear that you were injured on the job, as this will help you receive workers’ compensation benefits in the future.
Speaking of workers’ compensation, don’t delay in filing a claim. Once you realize that you will not be able to return to work, you should file a claim with the hope of receiving benefits in the near future.
There are many reasons why your claim could be denied. Most commonly, your employer may argue that you were not injured at work. If this happens, you have the right to file an appeal. This will slow down the process, but it’s something you have to do if you’re going to protect your legal rights.
While your health always comes first, a lower back injury could lead you to make a workers’ compensation claim in the near future.
Source: Breaking Muscle, “6 Steps to Heal Your Low Back Injury,” accessed March 24, 2017