$155,000 Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Lower Back Injury
Settlement for an Injured Worker with a Lower Back Injury
While performing his duties on the job, this client suffered an injury to his lower back. As required by law, he promptly reported the injury to his employer and then contacted Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC about representation. Our attorney filed a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. After negotiations, a $155,000 award was secured for this injured worker.
Work-Related Back Injuries
The back is a complex and sensitive network of bones, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, and other tissues. When one part of that system is injured, the result may range from temporary discomfort to severe pain, loss of mobility, or long-term disability.
The spine forms the central support structure of the back. It includes vertebrae, discs, nerves, and surrounding soft tissue. When the discs between the vertebrae become damaged, a worker may be diagnosed with a bulging disc, herniated disc, or another painful spinal condition. MedlinePlus explains that back pain can vary from a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp pain and may become chronic when it lasts more than three months.
Back injuries may also involve muscles and ligaments. A strain, sprain, tear, or other soft-tissue injury can cause significant pain and may require therapy, injections, specialist care, surgery, or work restrictions.
When a Back Injury May Become a Workers’ Compensation Case
If a back injury arises out of and in the course of a person’s employment, it may qualify as a workers’ compensation claim. For some workers, including employees who lift heavy loads, work in warehouses, drive for a living, or perform construction labor, the physical risk may be obvious. However, work-related back injuries can also affect office employees, healthcare workers, delivery drivers, maintenance employees, and people in many other fields.
Every situation is different. When a workplace accident occurs, an attorney can review the facts, the medical records, the job duties involved, and the available evidence to determine whether the injury may be covered under Illinois workers’ compensation law.
Types of Employee Back Injuries
Common work-related back and spinal injuries include:
- Sprains, strains, or tears involving the muscles or ligaments of the back
- Bulging, ruptured, or herniated discs
- Compression of lower back nerves, including cauda equina-related injuries
- Dislocations or fractures involving the spine
- Muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain caused by overuse
- Referred pain connected to injuries or conditions in other parts of the body
- Chronic pain syndrome following a serious prior injury
Legal Help After a Work-Related Back Injury
Workers’ compensation claims share some features with other injury cases, but they also involve different rules, deadlines, benefit categories, and procedures. If you suffered a back injury while working, it is important to understand your rights before accepting a settlement or assuming the insurance company’s position is final.
Since 1990, Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC has represented injured workers in Chicago and throughout Illinois. To discuss a work-related back injury, call 312-243-9922 or contact us for a free case evaluation.
