Back Injuries Can Affect Your Ability To Work. You Need Workers’ Compensation.
Last updated on April 25, 2025
Back and spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, leaving individuals with chronic pain, limited mobility and other long-term health complications. These injuries often occur in the workplace due to heavy lifting, repetitive motions, falls or other accidents. If you have suffered a back or spinal cord injury at work, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
At Malone Bailey, our team of attorneys in the Edina and St. Cloud areas provide experienced, compassionate representation to people who have suffered back and spinal cord injuries on the job. We understand that you are in pain or perhaps suffering from numbness and loss of function. You can’t work in this condition, and we are here to help you access the workers’ compensation benefits you need. Contact us for a free consultation at 952-209-9018.
Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Wage Replacement And Medical Benefits
Workers’ comp is a no-fault insurance program that provides medical benefits and a portion of your lost wages (typically about two-thirds of your average weekly wage) when you are injured at work. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. Losing the function of a body part, also known as permanent partial disability (PPD), entitles you to wage replacement as well.
Workers’ compensation provides medical coverage for your work injury, too. Your workers’ comp benefits cover your medical care, such as doctor visits, surgery, medication and rehabilitative therapy. Your travel costs to and from medical appointments are also covered.
Getting Workers’ Compensation For Back Injuries Often Requires Legal Help
The workers’ compensation claims process can be complex, especially if you receive a claim denial. Don’t give up hope, and don’t try to fight the insurance company on your own. Our lawyers can assist you. We have handled thousands of Minnesota workers’ comp claims. We can help you, too.
How Back Injuries Can Affect You
Back injuries are one of the most frequent workplace injuries, accounting for approximately 20% – 30% of on-the-job injuries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) considers back injuries as the country’s most prevalent work health and safety issue.
A back or spinal cord injury can prevent you from working due to the pain, limited range of motion, numbness and tingling, or paralysis. These same conditions will also affect your daily life. You may be unable to take care of yourself or your family. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may require assistance from a caregiver. Your home and vehicles may need modifications if you are severely injured.
These are serious issues that will impact you and your family. Workers’ comp benefits can help ensure that you have the resources to cover your losses from the injury.
Seeking Medical Care After A Back Injury
If you have suffered a back, spine or other injuries at work, it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more severe your injury may become. Your treatment may include rest, physical therapy, medication or in some cases, surgery. The length of time you may be unable to work will depend on the severity of your injury and the nature of your job. In some cases, you may be able to return to work with restrictions or accommodations.
Preventing Back Injuries At Work
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes taking measures to prevent back and spinal cord injuries. Employers can prevent these injuries by providing proper training on lifting techniques and ergonomics, using assistive devices such as lifts or carts, and designing workstations to minimize strain on the back. Employers should also regularly assess their workplace for hazards that could cause back injuries and take action to eliminate or reduce those hazards.
Why Do Back Injuries Happen So Often On The Job?
Even with the preventative measures mentioned above, back injuries remain a top cause of work injuries. The most common reasons workers suffer back injuries include:
- Falls
- Repetitive stress and repetitive motions
- Work vehicle accidents
- Use of heavy machinery
- Standing for long periods
- Poorly designed desks, chairs and workstations
These issues can cause back injuries or spinal cord injuries that result in you being unable to perform your job duties. If this happens, you will need workers’ compensation.
How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help You
Obtaining workers’ comp benefits in Minnesota is not a simple process. People often try to do it on their own but end up needing help from a lawyer. At Malone Bailey, our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to make the process easier for you. We understand that this is stressful and that you need to support yourself and your family.
We can help you with the workers’ comp paperwork and can appeal a denial if you receive one. Our lawyers can also ensure that you provide the type of medical information that the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Minnesota Department of Labor And Industry (DLI) needs to see. With our experience, filing or appealing your claim will take less time and effort.
Contact Us For Legal Support
If you have suffered a back or spinal cord injury at work, it is essential to seek legal support as soon as possible. The attorneys at Malone Bailey can help you navigate the workers’ compensation claims process. We offer free consultations and can provide the compassionate guidance that you need during this difficult time.
We work back injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay no money unless we recover a settlement. Our phone number is 952-209-9018, or you can use this form to contact us online.