Michigan attorney explains how employees suffering from back pain on the job can redeem workers’ comp benefits for settlements.
Data shows that nearly 1 in 4 Americans suffer from backaches. This is a huge number of people, and many can trace its origins to their jobs. We regularly get calls from employees who suffer from backaches and don’t understand their legal rights. Here is some information about back pain workers’ comp settlements that everyone should know.
Michigan work injury law protects employees who suffer from back pain. All medical treatment without any copayments or deductibles are covered under the law. The law also states that insurance will pay weekly checks that makeup a percentage of lost wages.
About backaches stemming from working on the job
Most employees who develop backaches get some medical treatment and quickly return to work. Others find their symptoms don’t go away and have trouble performing the requirements of their jobs.
Most backaches starts from lifting, pulling, or pushing items. It is common for employees to report immediate symptoms while bending or twisting. Common diagnoses include lumbar back strain, herniated disc, annular tear, fractured vertebrae, and pinched nerve.
Employees who develop nerve problems can have symptoms that travel down their bodies resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling in their lower extremities. Treatment includes prescription medications, physical therapy, injections, and surgery. Common surgical procedures are laminectomy, discectomy, and lumbar fusion. Some people who undergo back surgery will require lifetime medical care and permanent work restrictions.
Can I get workers’ comp for back pain?
Yes, employees are entitled to workers’ comp benefits for back pain if the pain was developed from working on the job. It covers medical treatment and lost wages. It does not matter who was at fault for the pain or injury that arose out of the course and scope of employment. Back pain workers’ comp settlements are common in Michigan.
What is the average settlement for back pain workers’ comp settlements?
There isn’t a specified average amount received for back pain workers’ settlements in Michigan. Statistics published by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency show the average payout amount for a work-related injury in Michigan was $59,235.42 in 2020.
How much is paid depends upon medical needs and time off from work. Many of our clients want to settle and move on with their lives because they don’t like being under the control of their employer. Fear of getting suddenly cut-off is also a strong motivating factor. Settlement money can be used for medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, paying off debt, starting a new business, or retirement.
Watch out for insurance companies
Watch out for insurance companies who dispute back pain claims. This is done by using so-called “independent” doctors who perform 15 minute examinations. Unfortunately, biased medical reports are the number one reason workers’ comp claims get disputed. This can have a dramatic impact on the value of back pain workers’ comp settlements. Less money owed means less money paid. Employers are also notorious for simply saying that it did not occur on the job and fighting all claims.
Hire an experienced attorney for back pain workers’ comp settlements
We recommend hiring an experienced workers’ comp attorney if an employee finds themselves unable to perform their job. Back pain workers’ comp settlements are tricky because nobody can really pinpoint the exact cause. This is especially true if a person has some preexisting arthritis or degeneration. It will be necessary to develop medical evidence that proves causation and disability.
Injured at work? Contact our work injury lawyers for a free consultation
To speak with an experienced work injury lawyer about back pain workers’ comp settlements, call us now, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan workers comp laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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