Back & Spine Injuries

Back and spine injuries are among the most serious and costly injuries a worker can suffer. Unlike a sprain or a bruise, these conditions can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and, in the most severe cases, permanent disability. Herniated discs from heavy lifting, spinal fractures from a fall, or nerve compression from years of repetitive strain can have lasting impacts on a person’s life.

At Pond Lehocky, we know that a back injury affects your ability to work and support your family, sometimes living with constant pain. Unfortunately, because treatment for spinal injuries can be expensive and ongoing, insurance companies often fight these claims aggressively. That’s why having an experienced workplace back and spine injury attorney on your side is so important.

Common Types of Workplace Back and Spine Injuries

Back and spine injuries can range from moderate but painful conditions to catastrophic injuries that permanently change your life. Some of the most common include:

• Herniated discs. Herniated discs occur when the soft tissue between vertebrae (known as the disc) slips out of place. The result is compression on the surrounding nerves, which causes intense pain and muscle weakness.
• Spinal fractures. Often the result of falls or accidents, these fractures can destabilize the spine and require surgery.
• Nerve compression. Repetitive movements and awkward lifting can pinch nerves and lead to chronic pain or mobility issues.
• Chronic back pain. Years of repetitive strain or untreated injuries can result in persistent pain that limits a worker’s ability to stand, lift, or bend.
• Spinal cord injuries. Among the most devastating workplace injuries, spinal cord damage can cause partial or total paralysis, dramatically changing a person’s independence and quality of life.

These injuries can happen in almost any industry. Construction workers face risks from falls and heavy lifting, healthcare workers often sustain back injuries while lifting patients, and office employees may even develop chronic spinal problems from poor ergonomics over time.

The Impact on Daily Life and Work

The back and spine are central to almost every movement. When they’re injured, even basic tasks like walking or sitting can become unbearable. For workers in physically demanding jobs, returning to their previous role may be impossible.

• Partial disability. Some workers may recover enough to perform light duty but never return to their prior level of function. For example, you may be able to return to your company, but not in the same position.
• Total disability. Severe spinal injuries can leave workers permanently unable to work. If a back injury permanently disables you, you may be completely unable to work in any capacity.
• Chronic pain. Even after surgery or therapy, many workers live with ongoing pain that interferes with both their professional and personal lives. Although you may be able to work, the scope of your work may be limited.

These outcomes highlight why back and spine injuries are both medically serious and financially draining as well.

Workers’ Comp for Back and Spine Injuries

Workers’ compensation is supposed to provide support for injured employees, covering medical costs and lost wages. For back and spine injuries, workers’ comp may include:

• Medical care. Doctor visits, imaging tests like MRIs, surgeries, pain management, and ongoing monitoring. Medical care costs may also include the cost of your medications.
• Rehabilitation. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and long-term pain management strategies.
• Wage replacement. Benefits to replace part of your income while you recover.
• Disability benefits. Partial or total disability payments if your injury leaves lasting limitations.

Because spinal injuries often require extensive treatment and rehabilitation, workers’ comp benefits are important. Without them, many families would struggle to afford necessary care or survive financially during a long recovery.

Why Back and Spine Injury Claims Are Often Disputed

Insurers are quick to recognize how expensive spinal injuries can be, and as a result, they often fight these claims harder than others. Common tactics include:

• Blaming pre-existing conditions. Insurers may argue your pain stems from age-related degeneration, not a workplace injury.
• Minimizing the injury. They may claim your condition is minor or doesn’t require extensive treatment. This is a typical tactic with conditions that are more difficult to prove, like chronic pain.
• Delaying care. Insurance companies sometimes stall authorizations for surgeries, MRIs, or therapy, making recovery harder.
• Challenging disability status. Even with clear evidence of limitations, insurers may dispute your eligibility for long-term disability benefits.

These disputes can leave injured workers in limbo, struggling without the care or income they need.

How a Lawyer Can Help

An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can make all the difference in securing the benefits you deserve. At Pond Lehocky, our attorneys have handled countless spinal injury cases and know the tactics insurers use to deny or reduce claims. We can:

• Document your injury fully. Gathering medical records, expert opinions, and imaging evidence to prove the extent of your injury.
• Challenge insurance denials. Appealing decisions that limit your treatment or benefits.
• Secure fair compensation. Fighting for full workers’ comp coverage, including disability benefits if you cannot return to your prior work.
• Protect your rights. Ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t reflect your long-term needs.

With back and spine injuries, the stakes are simply too high to face the system alone.

Get Help After a Back or Spine Injury

If you’ve suffered a back or spine injury at work, you’re dealing with a painful injury and uncertainty about your future. Will you be able to return to your job? How will you afford the care you need? And how will you support your family while you recover?

At Pond Lehocky, we understand the seriousness of spinal injuries and the impact they have on every aspect of your life. Our experienced workplace back and spine injury attorneys are here to guide you through the workers’ comp process, fight for your rights, and ensure you receive the benefits you need to move forward.

Contact Pond Lehocky today for guidance after a workplace back or spine injury. With our team on your side, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone.