Waukegan Workplace Back Injury Lawyer

To receive compensation for a back injury sustained in the workplace, an employee may need to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. A competent Waukegan workplace back injury lawyer can help identify the at-fault party and provide guidance about legal action.

If you hurt your back while performing your duties, you may be facing large medical bills and an inability to return to work. To cover these expenses, you have to make legal decisions. A local workers’ compensation attorney can help you take the right steps and receive the money you deserve.

Types of Back Injuries in the Workplace

Back injuries sustained in the workplace can be devastating, possibly requiring long-term treatment and leading to a disability. The common types of such injuries are:

• Herniated Discs: When a disc between the vertebrae slips out of place or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves. This often occurs from heavy lifting and repetitive strain.
• Spinal Fractures: These occur when bones in the spine break due to a fall from height, being struck by heavy equipment, or other high-impact trauma. Recovery may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Muscle Strains and Sprains: Overexertion can strain the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine. These injuries can limit mobility for weeks or even months.
• Chronic Back Pain: Repeated physical stress or poor ergonomics can lead to long-term back pain. Workers in physically demanding jobs or those who sit for long periods without proper support are at risk.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents, such as falls, can damage the spinal cord. These injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis.

The payout an employee can receive does not just depend on how severe the injuries are. They also need to provide documents that demonstrate the damages caused by these injuries, with medical reports, witness statements, and pay stubs being the most common.

How to Recover Damages

In many cases, back injuries land employees at home for weeks or months. During that time, they struggle to receive proper treatment and support their families. To get compensation quickly, they must file a proper claim with the employer’s insurance company or initiate a personal injury lawsuit.

If the employee seeks workers’ compensation, they must notify the employer within 45 days of reasonably discovering the back problem. They also have three years to file a claim with the employer’s insurance company or the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Back Pain

In some cases, the injury may be caused by a third party. For example, a warehouse employee is struck by a third-party delivery truck backing into the loading zone. In these situations, the employee can file a personal injury lawsuit against the delivery truck driver or their employer.

An experienced Waukegan workplace back injury lawyer can help evaluate the case, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and more. Recovering full compensation without qualified legal assistance is rarely possible.

Talk to a Skilled Workplace Back Injury Lawyer in Waukegan

Employees are often vulnerable to life-altering injuries at work. While they are protected by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, recovering full damages is often complicated.

If you hurt your back at work, you must know your rights and fight to protect them. At Schlack & Bassmaji, we can help you recover fair damages so you can continue supporting your family. Call us for a free consultation today.