Some of Gerber & Holder’s most frequently asked questions concern back and neck injuries in the workplace. It can be overwhelming after you’ve suffered an injury on the job.
Here are our answers to 4 of the top questions we receive:
Q: What happens if I hurt my back at work?
The first thing you should do is notify your employer if you’ve hurt your back while performing duties in the workplace. Even if the injury is minor, it could lead to further injuries or worsen down the road.
The next step is to seek medical attention from a professional doctor. Answer any and all questions as openly as possible so the doctor can properly treat the injury.
Thirdly, when the doctor gives the green light that you can return to work, be cautious not to do more than the doctor has outlined in the recovery plan, even if you feel 100 percent better.
Q: Should I go to work if I have back pain?
Many employers are knowledgeable when it comes to workers’ compensation protocols, so they should be able to work with your back or neck injury by placing restrictions on your assigned tasks or give you lighter duties.
If you’ve notified your boss and they refuse to follow those protocols, contact a professional Georgia attorney. They will ensure you receive the proper medical care and indemnity benefits to help you recover.
Q: How do I find a doctor for back or neck pain?
If you’ve injured your back or neck, finding a doctor is the best way to recover. When a worker is injured on the job, they’re entitled to receive medical attention paid for by the insurance carrier as long as they follow the proper procedures. Failure to do so could have a negative effect on your case.
Part of this procedure includes treatment by an authorized doctor. Your employer is required to keep a list of at all times so employees can choose the doctor that’s right for them.
Be careful because some doctors and employers may doubt the severity of the injury and try to offer you less than what you need. It’s important to contact a Georgia attorney if you feel you aren’t receiving proper medical attention.
Q: Can I sue if I hurt my back?
One of the biggest reasons why workers’ compensation exists is to prevent employees from suing their employers. The idea is that workers’ compensation will help pay for any treatment or loss of wages incurred because of the back injury.
This mutual understanding oftentimes means that an injured worker cannot sue their employer; however, this is case-specific. An attorney can help determine if a third-party claim is an option for your case.
If you have more questions about back and neck injuries in the workplace and whether you qualify for compensation, our experienced and trusted team of attorneys at Gerber & Holder are ready to answer them. Having solely represented injured workers in the state of Georgia with widespread success, there are few cases we haven’t seen, and no case will receive less than our fullest attention.
