Greensboro Workers' Comp Back Injury Lawyer
A work-related back injury can be devastating. You’re likely in severe pain and wondering when you’ll be able to return to work and pay the bills again. While North Carolina’s workers’ comp system may provide you with benefits, the process can be confusing and stressful, and insurance companies are looking for any reason to deny your claim.
If you hurt your back on the job, you need help from the experienced team at Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers. When you work with us, we handle all the details of filing your workers’ compensation claim. We’ll keep you informed of everything that happens in your case, while working to demand your benefits quickly and efficiently.
Call our office today for a free consultation with a Greensboro workers’ comp back injury lawyer to get started.
Common Back Injuries That Happen at Work
Back injuries are one of the most common on-the-job injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 250,000 workplace musculoskeletal back injuries reported in a recent year.
Some of the back injuries that workers in North Carolina frequently suffer include:
- Fractured vertebrae — Whether from a fall or an impact with a heavy object, fractured vertebrae can require surgery and extended recovery periods. Sometimes, these fractures can even result in paralysis.
- Herniated discs — These injuries are often caused by twisting awkwardly or lifting heavy objects. When a disc is herniated, it can compress nerves and cause pain that may extend into the legs.
- Degenerative disc disease — Repetitive stress or prolonged shifts of heavy labor can accelerate the natural wear and tear on a worker’s discs, which can lead to mobility issues and chronic pain.
- Spinal cord injuries — These injuries can leave a person with partial or total paralysis, depending on the location of the injury and whether the injury resulted in complete damage to the spinal cord.
- Sciatica — Improper long-term posture or lifting injuries can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain radiating into the legs.
How Does Workers’ Comp Cover Back Injuries in North Carolina?
Workers’ comp in North Carolina covers back injuries under specific conditions. First, the injured worker must qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Independent contractors cannot get workers’ comp, but most other workers can. Next, the worker must prove their back injury is work-related to be covered.
The injured worker generally must report the injury to their employer within 30 days. If the workers’ compensation carrier denies the claim, the worker can request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) to appeal. Learn more about what to expect from our guide to the Greensboro workers’ compensation claim process.
What Is the “Specific Traumatic Incident” Standard for Back Claims?
Typically, North Carolina workers’ compensation benefits cover injuries that happen because of an unexpected and unusual accident outside of the regular work routine, not injuries that happen while an employee is performing their job normally. However, the Workers’ Compensation Act includes specific language that provides a simpler standard for back injuries.
The law states that a back injury resulting directly from a “specific traumatic incident” while working will be covered by workers’ comp. Essentially, this means the employee can identify a certain point at work when the back injury happened. For instance, a warehouse worker lifts a heavy box and feels a sharp pain in their upper back.
While the standard for connecting back injuries to work may be slightly less strict than for other workplace injuries, these cases are not necessarily easier. Back injuries invite opposition from workers’ compensation insurers because they often involve subjective pain complaints. You will still need considerable medical evidence and skilled legal strategies to combat these tactics. Let our lawyers fight for you and the benefits you deserve.
Steps to File a Workers’ Comp Back Injury Claim in Greensboro
You can take these steps after a workplace back injury to file a workers’ comp claim:
- Report your injury to your employer in writing within 30 days.
- Get medical care from a provider included in the list your employer gives you.
- Submit Form 18 to the Industrial Commission and your employer.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Save all medical records and correspondence with your employer and their insurer.
- Contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney.
You don’t need to try to navigate this system on your own. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work protecting your rights and seeking the benefits you deserve.
What Benefits Can You Receive for a Workplace Back Injury?
When you’ve suffered a back injury at work, how much compensation you can get might be one of your first concerns. The value of your claim depends on how severe your injuries are, how long you must remain off work, and whether you suffer any permanent impairment as a result.
Your workers’ compensation benefits for an on-the-job back injury could include:
- Medical benefits — Workers’ compensation insurance will pay for reasonably necessary medical services and supplies required to treat the work injury.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) — If you cannot work at all while your back injury heals, you can receive TTD benefits. These weekly benefits are equal to 66 2/3 percent of your pre-injury average weekly wage.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) — If you return to a light-duty job with fewer hours or that pays less than before because of your injury, TPD benefits cover two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury average weekly wage and your current weekly wage.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) — You could be eligible for PTD benefits if you suffer a spinal cord injury that causes severe paralysis of both arms, both legs, or the trunk. These benefits are paid weekly at the TTD rate for life.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) — PPD benefits are payable if your back injury left you with lasting partial impairment. The amount of the benefit is based on your average weekly wage, the body part affected, and the impairment rating you receive from your doctor.
- Vocational rehabilitation — If you cannot return to your line of work because of your back injuries, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation. You could receive education or training to prepare you for a different career.
Why Do Back Injury Claims Get Denied in North Carolina?
When you file a claim because of an injured back at work, you hope that your claim will proceed smoothly and that you’ll get the benefits you deserve. However, that doesn’t always happen.
Some of the most common reasons why back injury claims are denied include:
- Failure to report the injury on time
- Disputes about whether the injury occurred at work
- Failure to seek prompt medical treatment
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Missed deadlines in filing the claim
These denials aren’t always valid. Workers’ compensation insurers are usually looking for any way to avoid paying claims, and back injury claims are highly disputed. When your claim has been denied, our experienced workers’ comp attorneys can help you appeal and combat their arguments with clear evidence.
When Should You Talk to a Workers’ Comp Lawyer About a Back Injury?
After you suffer a back injury at work, all you should have to worry about is healing from your injury, not figuring out how to get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. That’s why you should contact our North Carolina back injury workers’ comp lawyers to handle your claim for you as soon as possible.
An experienced attorney from our firm can manage every legal detail for you, including:
- Explaining how NC workers’ compensation law applies to your case
- Helping you file the correct forms on time
- Collecting medical records and other evidence to support your claim
- Handling all communication with the insurance company
- Building a strong case connecting your back injury to your job
- Protecting your rights to the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to
Enlisting a North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney is particularly vital when your claim is denied or if the insurer refuses to provide benefits you believe you are owed. An attorney can appeal the denial before the Industrial Commission.
However, it’s a good idea to get an attorney involved in your workers’ compensation case right away so they can help you avoid critical mistakes and build a strong case from the beginning.
Get Help from Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers with Your Greensboro Back Injury Claim
When you need a Greensboro workers’ compensation lawyer, don’t wait. Call the dedicated team at Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers.
We’ve been representing injured workers for over 40 years and have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients during that time, including a $1.5 million award for a worker who suffered a spinal injury resulting in paraplegia.
Our clients have written about their experiences in working with us, including Ravin D.:
“These people are on top of things! Attorney Ben Cochran’s knowledge of Workers Compensation is phenomenal! They will keep you updated on everything! It was crazy easy working with all the staff. Everyone is super friendly so it makes you at ease when dealing with the stress of an injury! They fought for me and they’ll fight for you to! Thanks Hardison & Cochran for all your hard work for me! May God Bless you all!”
— Ravin D.
Don’t try to handle your back injury at work claim yourself. Call our office today or contact us online for your free consultation.
*Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.8
