Sometimes workplace injuries are expected and brutal due to a naturally dangerous environment. Other times, workplace injuries can suddenly happen in a seemingly safe environment. Herniated discs are an example of the latter.
Understanding herniated discs
Herniated discs are a common injury in workplaces where employees engage in heavy lifting. These injuries occur when the soft cushion between the bones of the spine slips out of place, causing:
It can affect employees in a wide variety of industries, including warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare. If a job requires any sort of strenuous physical labor, herniated discs are a risk.
Workers’ compensation basics
If you’ve suffered from a herniated disc on the job, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation laws cover employees who sustained injuries while performing their job duties.
As long as the injury occurred during the course of your employment, you may receive worker’s compensation injury benefits such as medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability compensation.
Whether or not to seek compensation
There are some important factors to consider. First, it’s crucial to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, since delayed reporting could impact your ability to receive benefits.
Additionally, the workers’ compensation system may investigate whether your injury was pre-existing or if your work duties directly caused it. Even if you had a pre-existing condition, you could still qualify for benefits if the work activities aggravated the injury.
Moving forward after a workplace injury
Dealing with a herniated disc after a workplace injury can be challenging, but understanding your situation is key to moving forward. With the right approach and awareness of your rights, you can address the injury without unnecessary complications. Each case varies, but proper handling of the situation helps ensure a smoother recovery process.
