Lifting injuries are a frequent occurrence in many industries, especially those where heavy lifting on the job is a daily occurrence. Workers in these fields have a greater-than-average risk of suffering severe back, neck or shoulder injuries on the job.
Jay Trucks discusses the careers with the highest risk for a lifting injury and the most common injuries these workers sustain. In Michigan, it is also important to understand why a claim for a work-related lifting injury to the back, neck or shoulder may be more difficult to get approved.
Our knowledgeable Flint workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to help you obtain the benefits you need after suffering a job-related lifting injury. There is no cost or obligation to speak with one of our licensed attorneys to discuss your potential claim and get answers to your legal questions.
Lifting Injuries Can Happen Anywhere
While workers in certain industries are more likely to suffer a lifting injury, the reality is that it can happen anywhere and to anyone – even office workers who rarely have to pick up or carry heavy items. Some lifting injuries can happen simply by overreaching to grab an item or turning the wrong way when picking an item up. Workers may suffer significant and debilitating pain from these common lifting injuries:
- Muscle sprain and strains
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries, such as a torn rotator cuff
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand injuries
- Muscle spasms
- Spinal cord damages
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Neck pain
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Sprained ankles
High-Risk Industries for Lifting Injuries
Certain careers require workers to be able to lift heavy items every day as part of their job duties. Therefore workers in these industries have an increased risk for sustaining a lifting injury:
- Warehouse workers
- Carrier and delivery services
- Manual laborers
- Construction workers
- Medical staff required to lift patients or equipment
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Comp Benefits After a Lifting Injury?
Under Michigan workers’ compensation laws, any employee who suffered an injury arising from and in the course of his or her job duties would likely be eligible.
Eligible employees may receive medical costs for treatment, lost wages and other benefits. That said, cases involving lifting injuries may also be challenging to prove – especially if the injuries occurred over time.
Lifting Injury Caused by a Single Incident
Injuries from a single incident are often easier to establish as there is little room for doubt that you were hurt while performing your work duties. Often, there may be also be a supervisor or other workers who witnessed what happened. Even with potential eyewitnesses, however, it is important to report the incident that caused your injury as soon as it happens. Once you leave the premises, your employer or workers’ comp insurance carrier may try to argue that you could have sustained your injury elsewhere.
Proving a Cumulative Lifting Injury Was Work Related
Cumulative injuries that develop over time are significantly harder to prove as there is no single event to support your claim of an injury, but there are some steps you can take to help build evidence for a claim:
- As soon as you are aware of an activity that is causing you pain, you should report the injury and complete an accident report
- See a doctor for the injury to get a diagnosis and start treatment – be sure to explain to the doctor how you got injured at work
- Follow your doctor’s orders for prescribed care, including follow-up appointments and physical therapy
Even with a diagnosis from your doctor, Michigan may initially deny your claim – especially if you sustained a back or neck injury. Back and neck injuries are among the most often denied workers’ comp claims in Michigan because they are harder to diagnose and treat, and often workers may also have a preexisting injury. These are just a few of the reasons you may benefit from having an attorney help you with your claim.
Contact Our Trusted Law Firm for Legal Help
Our knowledgeable lawyers are ready to help you build a strong claim. Even your claim was denied, we are well-versed in the appeals process and are ready to work hard to help you recover the benefits you need.
Call to schedule a free, no-obligation case review. We are available to take your call 24/7. If we represent you, there is nothing to pay up front and no fees unless we obtain benefits for you.
