Don’t Let a Back Injury at Work in St. Peters Slow You Down
Have you ever slipped and fallen at work, injuring your back? Or perhaps a heavy object fell on you, causing severe back pain. These types of work injuries can be debilitating and life-altering.
Many people suffer from back injuries at work in St. Peters. It’s something everyone should know about. Back injuries are one of the most common types of workplace injuries. But what should every employee know about this common injury at work?
Quick Summary:
- Employees often hurt their backs due to lifting heavy objects improperly, repetitive movements, poor posture, or slips and falls. These actions can lead to serious injuries like muscle strain or slipped discs.
- If you hurt your back at work, seek medical attention immediately, notify your supervisor in writing, and fill out the required injury report. This documentation is essential for workers’ compensation in Missouri.
- Missouri workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages through temporary total or partial disability payments, depending on your ability to return to work.
What is a Back Injury?
Back injuries happen when muscles, nerves, or bones in your back become strained or damaged. This can make everyday activities—like bending, walking, or even sitting—painful or difficult. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), back injuries account for nearly 20% of all workplace injuries in the U.S. St. Peters is no exception to this trend.
Common Causes of Back Injuries at Work
There are a few common ways that people get hurt at work, especially when it comes to their backs. Some common causes of work-related back injuries are:
- Lifting Heavy Things the Wrong Way: If you bend over to lift a heavy object without using your legs, you place too much strain on your back muscles, which can lead to injury. Always lift with your legs, not your back.
- Repetitive Movements: Performing the same action repeatedly, like bending, lifting, or twisting, can wear down your muscles and joints. Even small, repetitive motions can lead to significant back pain over time.
- Poor Posture: Picture this: You’re sitting at a desk, all hunched over, slouched in your chair. After a while, your back starts to feel uncomfortable, and maybe even painful. That’s because sitting or standing with poor posture—like a banana instead of a straight line—puts too much pressure on certain parts of your spine. Over time, this can lead to back pain.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Imagine walking on a wet floor or stepping over a tangled cable. If you lose your balance and fall, your back might take a hit. Even a simple trip can lead to a serious back injury, like a slipped disc or pulled muscle.
What to Do If You Hurt Your Back at Work in St. Peters
Sometimes, even when we’re extra careful, accidents can happen. If you hurt your back while working, it’s important to know what to do right away. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you if you experience a back injury at work.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The very first thing you should do is see a doctor. Even if your back doesn’t hurt too badly, it’s still important to get checked out. A doctor can make sure there’s nothing seriously wrong. They might recommend rest, medicine to help with pain, or even physical therapy to help your back heal faster. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Step 2: Tell Your Supervisor—In Writing
After you see a doctor, it’s important to let your boss or supervisor know about your injury as soon as possible. Make sure to do this in writing—an email or a written note works. This is an important step because your supervisor will help you fill out an injury report, which is needed for workers’ compensation.
According to Missouri’s Workers’ Compensation Law, you have the right to medical care and other benefits if you get injured at work. This means you shouldn’t have to pay for medical bills out of your own pocket. Your employer’s insurance should cover it.
Step 3: Fill Out the Required Paperwork
If your employer has a special form for reporting injuries, make sure to fill it out. This form is usually called an Accident or Injury Report. If your employer doesn’t have one, don’t worry! You can use the Missouri Accident or Injury Report form instead. Make sure to give the completed form to your employer, not the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of any forms or written notices you give to your employer. This way, you have proof of everything in case you need it later.
Step 4: Be Prepared for Potential Lost Wages
Sometimes, a back injury can keep you from working for a while. If that happens, you may be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) payments. This means that if you can’t work for a short time, workers’ compensation may pay you some of your lost wages while you recover.
If your doctor allows you to return to work, but with light duties or fewer hours, you might receive temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. These payments help make up for the difference in pay if you can’t work your regular job or hours. Once your doctor says you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, which means you’re as healed as possible, these payments will stop.
How Adams Law Group Can Help If You Experience a Back Injury at Work in St Peters, MO
If you’ve suffered a back injury at work in St. Peters, getting the proper legal support is just as important as receiving medical care. Adams Law Group can help guide you through the workers’ compensation process to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
- Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim: The team at Adams Law Group can assist you in submitting the proper paperwork to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. This reduces the chance of delays or denial of your benefits.
- Maximizing Your Benefits: Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical care, TTD payments if you cannot work, or TPD benefits if you’re working fewer hours. Adams Law Group will work to make sure you receive the maximum benefits available for your injury.
- Appealing Denied Claims: Sometimes, workers’ compensation claims are denied, leaving injured workers without the support they need. If this happens to you, Adams Law Group can help you appeal the denial and fight for the benefits you are owed.
If you’ve suffered a back injury at work in St. Peters and need help understanding your rights or filing a claim, don’t hesitate to contact Adams Law Group for a free consultation. Call us today!
