Back Injury Compensation

The back is made up of complex structure of muscles, bones and other tissues, which extend from the pelvis to the neck. A back injury can result from a number of different activities, including work, sports, housework and gardening, as well as being a common injury following a car accident. The most common site of back injuries is the lower back, and back injuries in general are one of the most common reasons for absence from work.

Back Injury Causes

Perhaps you had a back injury at work? Another two examples of the types of accidents which cause back injuries are car accidents and falls. Very frequently, though, people will suffer a back injury as a result of trying to lift weights which are too heavy for them, or lifting weights in a way which is likely to cause a back injury, for example, holding the weight too far away from the body or not bending the knees.

Back injuries can cause pain and limit movement, for many people, this can alter their life significantly. This is why people who have suffered a back injury through someone else's negligence should make a claim for back injury compensation.

Treatments for back injuries can include bed rest, ice packs, medicine, surgery and physical therapy. Ways to minimise the risk of suffering a back injury include using a lower-back support when you sit, maintaining a healthy weight and bending the knees when lifting heavy objects.

Back injuries like sprains or fractures can cause different types of pain, such as short-lived or chronic pain. If you have suffered from a ‘sprain’, this means your back injury consists of a tear in one of the ligaments which support the spine. Back sprains often occur as a result of twisting or lifting improperly.

Back injuries such as fractured vertebrae are often the result of osteoporosis, which causes weak bones. However, fractures can also be the result of trauma due to a fall, or jumping from a height and landing on the heels.

All employers who require employees to lift weights or move heavy objects around should offer proper training when employees start work, to help avoid back injury. Employees should then understand the right way to lift something heavy, when to seek help, and when not to attempt a lift because of the risk of back injury.

If the proper training has not been given, the employee may be eligible to make a claim for compensation.

Constant or repetitive lifting and twisting, even of lighter weights, can give rise to back strains and back injuries. Many people already have some vulnerability to back injury and should be particularly careful to notify their employer about this if their job requires lifting.

What to Do Following a Back Injury

If you do suffer a back injury at work, this should be reported immediately to your employer and you should seek medical advice. If the back injury was caused by an accident which was not your fault, or you feel your employer should have given you training about lifting which might have avoided the back injury, you may be entitled to make a back injury claim, so you need to get some specialist legal advice.

If you think you could be eligible for back injury compensation, call National Accident Helpline™, who can help put you in touch with a specialist. Alternatively, fill in our simple compensation claim form