Back Injuries from Lifting at Work
Perhaps no other injury besides falls is as common in the workplace as those to the back. The majority of these injuries result from lifting. While many occupations require workers to lift and move objects for their jobs routinely, employees who rarely lift items as a part of their duties may also suffer injury. Indeed, those who are less accustomed to lifting at work may even be more prone to injury. When an individual is hurt, a New Jersey work injury lawyer can often help him gain compensation.
How Lift Injuries Frequently Occur
The back is very strong, but it is also highly complex, comprised of tendons, muscles, and bones that are essential to the body in many ways. A back injury can render a worker unable to function in even a minimal capacity on the job. Lifting puts substantial strain on the back, and if one is not careful injury can easily occur. A worker may be busy lifting heavy boxes, moving them from one pallet to another. During the process he is likely to twist and turn, which, if he is not careful, can cause damage to his back.
Among the causes of injury related to lifting for which a New Jersey work injury lawyer is likely to represent clients are:
- Reaching out and lifting
- Twisting the trunk while lifting
- Moving of awkwardly shaped materials
- The worker’s posture while lifting
- Poor or incorrect grip on the material
- The distance the material is being carried
- The surface of the floor
Damage to the Back
When a back injury occurs, sometimes a worker never fully recovers. This is due to the fact that the back is the center of manipulation and movement. An injury to the back may, then, cause a worker to have difficulty walking or even standing. A severe enough injury to the spine can leave him paralyzed.
Sometimes employers are reticent to accept that a back lifting injury is real. If this sounds strange, consider that in many cases injury to the back cannot be diagnosed using conventional test equipment such as X-rays at CT scanners. A New Jersey work injury lawyer will be prepared to meet such opposition when representing the injured client.
If You Have Been Injured
If you are hurt on the job, you would do well to seek the assistance of a New Jersey work injury lawyer. Dan Matrafajlo is an experienced lawyer who will fight to help you gain compensation. Call 908-248-4404 today to arrange a free consultation.