The Injured Worker’s Saga: Back Injury

An injured worker who has suffered a back injury often undergoes a series of frustrating events before receiving the help they need.  After experiencing pain, workers may be directed to a Concentra, Urgent Care, or Choice Care in Atlanta or DeKalb County, and the practitioner may dismiss the worker with a “back strain or sprain.”  Hopefully, an x-ray will be done and the worker will be given some prescription medication.  However, the injured worker frequently remains in pain.  After a few days, the employee feels no choice but to go back to work. He may return to the clinic in hopes of having an MRI done.

If the MRI scan demonstrates a disc herniation, this means that there may be a tear in the outer ring of a spinal disc.  Generally, inflammation may occur and cause pain.  The symptoms may depend on the level where the herniation occurred and whether it is touching a nerve.  For example, a herniation in the low back may cause pain in the buttocks or down the injured worker’s legs.  Treatment for back pain may include physical therapy and potentially surgery.  It is important that injured workers understand their course of treatment and options.

Lost Income Due to Back Injury

If the employee’s pain is bad enough that he or she is losing time from work, he or she may be entitled to income benefits under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, in addition to the medical treatment (provided at the expense of the Employer/Insurer).  There also may be a permanent impairment rating issued at some point in the life of the claim.

The employee tends to feel lost between the pain level, trying to maintain their life and navigate the workers comp claim. If you find yourself or someone you know in this position, have them contact our office for a consultation. We can help so that you can focus on getting better.

If you need some advice as to your rights under the workers’ compensation system, please contact our office at the Ramos Law Firm.

Ramos & Law has been supporting Georgia’s workforce for nearly a decade, practicing 100% Workers’ Compensation. Visit our website and blog for trends and news affecting Georgia workers.