Neck & Back Injury Workers’ Compensation Claims

Neck and back injuries are among the most common and debilitating conditions that workers experience. These injuries can range from muscle strains and herniated discs to fractured vertebrae and spinal cord damage. Regardless of severity, they often interfere with an employee’s ability to work, sometimes leaving individuals sidelined for weeks, months, or even permanently. If you’ve sustained a neck or a back injury while on the job, please don’t hesitate to contact the seasoned Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyers here at Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. today.

Professions Where Neck & Back Injuries Are Most Common

While a neck or back injury can happen in nearly any workplace, certain professions place employees at significantly higher risk. Below are some examples of industries where these injuries are most prevalent and how they develop.

• Construction Workers: Repetitive heavy lifting, falls from ladders, and accidents involving scaffolding often result in spinal trauma. Construction remains one of the leading fields for serious back and neck injuries due to the physically demanding nature of the work.
• Healthcare Employees: Nurses, aides, and hospital staff frequently sustain injuries while lifting or repositioning patients. Sudden movements and overexertion often cause slipped discs or chronic lower back pain.
• Warehouse & Factory Workers: Repeated lifting, bending, and twisting while handling boxes or machinery can cause long-term damage to the spine. Forklift accidents and falling objects also contribute to serious spinal injuries.
• Commercial Drivers: Long hours spent behind the wheel place stress on the neck and back. Additionally, delivery drivers and truckers are at risk of injury in collisions or when loading and unloading cargo.
• Public Safety Officers: Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face risks from sudden physical exertion, falls, or violent encounters. These high-intensity situations frequently lead to acute back or neck trauma.
• Hospitality & Retail Workers: Employees in restaurants, hotels, and stores often lift supplies, stock shelves, or stand for long shifts, all of which can create repetitive strain injuries over time.

What to Do if You Sustain a Neck or Back Injury

If you hurt your neck or back at work, the actions you take immediately afterward can significantly impact both your health and your ability to secure compensation. The most important step is to seek medical treatment right away, even if the pain seems minor at first. Once you’ve received medical attention, you must notify your employer of the injury without delay. Make sure the report is documented in writing and keep a copy for your own records.

Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should then arrange for you to be evaluated by an approved doctor. Ensure you follow all medical advice and attend every scheduled appointment.

Finally, if you encounter any delays, denials, or disputes about your claim, you should hire a seasoned Jersey City workers’ compensation lawyer who can work to obtain the benefits you need.

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Neck & Back Injuries?

Yes. If you’ve sustained an on-the-job neck or back injury, workers’ compensation will typically cover the following:

• Medical Benefits: Payment for necessary and reasonable treatment related to your injury, including hospital visits, physical therapy, and medications.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: Partial wage replacement if you are unable to work while recovering. These benefits usually equal a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation if your injury results in lasting impairment, such as chronic pain or reduced mobility.
• Death Benefits: Financial support for dependents if a workplace injury proves fatal.

Contact Our Jersey City Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Whether caused by a sudden accident or years of repetitive tasks, if you’ve sustained a neck or back injury, our firm is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today.