Back-related injuries can be debilitating. It is increasingly common for workers especially to experience some form of back injury on the job. There are also incidents where accidents happen because of the negligence of store managers and workers. For those that have insurance, most times they will be covered under their insurance policies. However, without insurance, the cost for medical treatment and other issues related to the injury will have to be paid out-of-pocket.
Have You Suffered A Back Injury Recently?
If the injury is because of the negligence of another, then you may be entitled to compensation. The question then is how to get compensated and get compensated fairly? Something to consider is that back injuries can lead to long-term debilitation and shouldn’t be taken lightly. When may start as simple pain can turn into a condition that prevents you from supporting yourself or your family.
How to Get Compensation
Generally speaking, if you’re injured at work you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Those benefits pay for a lot of your expenses which include medical and therapy bills, any out-of-pocket fees, transportation, and a percentage of your lost wages.
Depending on the severity of your injury you may be able to claim more, things like bulging disc, nerve damage, and mobility issues fall under this category. You’ll want to seek legal assistance for bulging disc compensation or any other complications that fall under your back injury. Outside of legal counsel, there are things you should do immediately after your accident to make sure that you are fairly compensated.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
If you have suddenly sustained a back injury, seek immediate medical treatment. This is not the time to put on a tough facade. Outside of possible compensation, injuries to your back can be serious and if they aren’t treated properly can easily become a major issue.
If an ambulance is needed, don’t try to fight it. If you are experiencing severe pain, wait until help arrives and avoid moving as you can cause further injury.
In terms of the insurance company, they will try to find ways to get out of paying for your treatment where possible. Don’t give them the opportunity. Delaying getting medical treatment can give them the means to skirt around the issue. Get medical help right away and have your medical provider file the necessary paperwork with your insurance company. This will make sure that everything is legitimate on your end of things.
Give A Detailed Report of The Accident
Right after the accident, you may be in no condition to fill out paperwork after sustaining the back injury. Once you’re stable, it is important that you give a detailed report of the accident and the circumstances surrounding what happened. This is important when trying to claim compensation.
Be specific when describing your back injury. As you describe what happened, make sure to focus solely on that event. Prior situations can be taken out of context and used to negate your claim. If the other party has an excellent lawyer, they will pick up on these types of information and use it against you. Take your time to explain what you were doing at the time of the incident and you felt right before and right after. All of these things will help your case.
Take Note of Pre-Existing Conditions
It’s important to have an in-depth conversation with your medical provider. Explain in detail the situation surrounding your injury. Do this with every medical provider you go to in seeking treatment for your injury. Your record may not be that clear from one medical professional to another.
If you have pre-existing conditions, you may be tempted to hide them but please don’t. Be honest with your doctors. Be mindful to let them know that your symptoms did not exist prior to the injury. If you are an older person, they will tell you that you have some age-related deterioration but this should not influence the catalyst that was the accident that led to your injury.
There is no way to predict when a back injury, or any injury for that matter, will happen to you. It’s important to be prepared, remain calm, and try to think and process everything logically. Something to consider when going through a case for compensation is to refrain from posting on social media. You can’t claim a life-altering injury and still seem happy-go-lucky on social media. You should also be mindful of who you speak with about the case and keep things between you and your lawyer until a settlement has been reached. Follow these steps to help you get compensated for your back injury.