The long-term effects of back pain caused by work injuries

On Behalf of | May 14, 2020 | Workers' Compensation, Workplace Injuries

Back injuries caused by accidents or conditions caused by repetitive labor can have significant effects on your well-being. The individual experiencing this pain knows all too well the daily and potentially lifetime pain and frustration. Back injuries may require you to make drastic changes to your professional life and your personal life. Sometimes performing even the most basic work tasks without debilitating pain is impossible.

Being in and out of a doctor’s office may lead to stacked medical bills. Appointments could also cause you to miss time from work – that is if your injury does not prevent you from working altogether. Furthermore, in addition to routine exams, prescriptions and x-rays, you may even need regular physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other treatment for a significant amount of time.

While some back injuries heal in a few short months, others may go through cycles of relief and relapse in pain and complications. In fact, some studies suggest that over 60% of patients’ lower back pain will return within 12 months of being resolved.

It is also possible that your back pain leads to long-term psychological damages. Limited movement could cause psychological distress which may even worsen your level of pain. In fact, serious emotional anxiety is not uncommon in victims of debilitating back injuries.

Am I covered by workers’ compensation?

Virtually all Wisconsin businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your back injury is caused by a traumatic event or your job duties over time, workers’ compensation benefits are available. Workers’ compensation should cover your related medical bills and then some (lost time benefits, permanent disability benefits, or loss of earning capacity benefits). If you have suffered a back injury while performing your job duties, you should notify your employer of the incident and then reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

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