Many workers across America are at risk for injuries every day. While certain industries may be more prone to hazard, an injury is possible in almost any. In 2011, there were nearly 3 million cases of non fatal injuries and illnesses in private industries across the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Over 180,000 of those cases involved a back injury. Trauma to the back can be severe and in many cases, require weeks or even months of recovery time. A back injury that affects the spinal cord can cause permanent damage.
If you or someone you love was hurt on the job and sustained an injury to the back, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their losses. In a claim for workers compensation, a back injury is common; if you believe you are not receiving a fair amount of compensation, or need assistance filing a claim, the legal team at Phillips Law Group may be able to help.
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Causes of Workplace Back Injuries
The potential causes for back injuries in the workplace vary widely, however there are many common factors frequently involved.
Some of the common causes for a workplace back injury include:
- A fall from a high point
- Being struck by an object
- Exposure to vibrations from machinery or tools
- Extended periods of immobility
- Overexertion / heavy lifting
- Twisting / bending
- Slipping or tripping
Although injuries can occur in any industry, there are particular occupations that pose more risk to workers. Employees in the following occupations are more susceptible to sustaining a back injury:
- Construction
- Corrections
- Janitorial
- Law enforcement
- Nursing
- Tractor-trailer drivers
Back injuries are more common among employees in these industries, and certainly often among other occupations requiring physical activity. The most common forms of back injury in the workplace include sprains, strains and tears, and general soreness.
Workplace Injury Statistics
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics offer some interesting research on who is commonly injured, as well as how workplace injuries affect employment.
Some statistics on injuries in the workplace include:
- The most common age group to sustain injury is 45 54
- More than 50% of workplace injuries cause the victim to miss work days
- Injuries causing an employee to miss more than 6 days of work, disabling workplace injuries, cost US employers over $53 billion annually
- In 2011, over 900,000 cases involved missed days of work, the average duration being 8 days
The costs of workers compensation injuries are high for not only the employer but the injured worker; however, the rate of injury has been significantly reduced throughout the past decades, from approximately 11 in every 100 in 1970 to 4 in every 100 in 2010, significantly reducing the amount spent each year.
Contact Our Attorneys Today
Suffering an injury at work is tough enough without having issues obtaining the workers compensation benefits you are legally entitled to receive. Back injuries specifically are usually debilitating and require bed rest, making it difficult for the injured to work, especially in a physically demanding occupation.
If you or a loved one has suffered back trauma at work, it is likely the victim has lost wages and gained medical bills. The Phillips Law Group is here to help victims like you. With an aggressive approach to employment law, the goal of our Tucson workers’ compensation lawyers is to recover the MAXIMUM amount of compensation an injured worker is eligible to receive.
We proudly represent injured workers throughout the southwest through our offices in Arizona, Utah and California, and accept clients from the following areas:
- Phoenix, AZ
- Tucson, AZ
- Salt Lake City, UT
- West Valley City, UT
- San Diego, CA
- National City, CA
- and cities throughout those areas
Discover how our expertise and dedication can help you pursue justice and defend your rights. Call 602-222-2222 today to discuss the details of your potential case and find out about your legal options.
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