Lifting heavy objects is an extremely common cause of workplace injuries, and they can happen anywhere. These injuries from lifting can be debilitating and painful, leaving individuals unable to work or maintain an active lifestyle that they once enjoyed. Whether it's a strained muscle, a herniated disc, or a more severe spinal injury, the impact of an injury from lifting can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming.
If you hurt yourself lifting something at work, there is a good chance that you are entitled to workers compensation benefits. Even so, your employer's workers’ compensation employer will do everything it can to minimize the benefits you actually receive. This is why you should always retain an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in New Jersey after a workplace accident.
Read on to learn more about injuries related to lifting things and what you can do to protect your legal rights.
Common Injuries from Lifting
Lifting heavy objects can put significant strain on your body, especially if you didn’t receive training on the proper lifting techniques or if the weight exceeds your physical capabilities. Some of the most common injuries that can occur from lifting include:
Strained Muscles
One of the most frequent injuries caused by lifting are strained muscles. When you lift an object that is too heavy or use incorrect lifting techniques, microscopic tears can occur in your muscle fibers. This can result in pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. Strained muscles can occur in various parts of the body, such as the back, shoulders, or legs.
Herniated Discs
Lifting heavy objects with improper technique can put excessive pressure on the spinal discs, which are the cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. This pressure can cause a disc to slip out of place or herniate, where the inner portion protrudes through the outer layer. A herniated disc can lead to intense pain, weakness, and numbness in your back and legs.
Spinal Injuries
Lifting heavy objects without proper precautions can also result in more severe spinal injuries. These injuries can range from fractures in the vertebrae to damage to the spinal cord. Spinal injuries can have long-lasting effects, including chronic pain and paralysis, and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you have suffered an injury from lifting while at work, you should seek legal representation. Insurance companies do not want to give you the benefits you deserve, and there are many ways a lawyer can help. Some of the issues your lawyer can handle on your behalf include the following:
Challenges with Your Claim
Insurance companies will not simply grant every workers’ compensation claim filed. They ensure the injuries were work-related and determine the minimum benefits the company must provide. On the other hand, your priority should be maximizing your benefits, and having a legal advocate can greatly improve your position. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can handle the workers' compensation process and secure the benefits the law entitles you. They can provide evidence to prove the cause of your injuries and the benefits you need to cover medical care and lost income.
Product Liability Claims
In some cases, your injury from lifting may have been due to a defective product, such as a faulty lifting device or equipment. If this is the case, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product. A attorney can oversee gathering evidence, filing a lawsuit, and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Third-Party Liability
If someone other than your employer or a product manufacturer was responsible for your lifting injury, you may have a personal injury claim against that third party. For example, if you were injured at a construction site due to the negligence of a subcontractor or another crew on the site, you may seek compensation from that party's insurance coverage. A work injury lawyer near you can determine if you have a viable third-party liability claim.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Getting legal help is crucial when dealing with lifting injuries at work, especially since insurance companies often try to minimize or deny valid claims. Let's explore why having strong legal representation matters:
- Navigating complex workers' compensation regulations
- Building evidence-backed injury documentation
- Calculating true long-term injury costs
- Challenging unfair insurance denials
- Pursuing both workers' comp and injury claims
Having skilled legal counsel makes a significant difference when facing insurance companies. These companies often employ tactics to reduce payouts, like questioning the severity of your injury or suggesting it was pre-existing. Your attorney will know how to counter these strategies effectively.
Your lawyer will handle all aspects of your case, from gathering detailed medical evidence to negotiating with resistant insurance adjusters. They understand how to document the full impact of your injury, including not just immediate medical costs but also long-term care needs and lost earning potential. This comprehensive approach is crucial when insurers try to offer quick, inadequate settlements.
Lifting injuries can deeply affect your life, impacting both your ability to work and your daily activities. While insurance companies may try to downplay these effects, your attorney will fight to ensure your claim reflects the true extent of your damages. They'll handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery, standing firm against insurance companies that prioritize profits over fair compensation.
Remember, many initial insurance offers fall far short of what you deserve. Having dedicated legal representation helps ensure you receive fair compensation that covers all your injury-related needs, even when facing resistant insurance companies.
Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Near You Today
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from lifting, it's important to seek legal guidance. Remember, you don't have to face this journey alone. Take the first step towards getting your life back on track. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve from insurers. Don't delay; take action today and let a skilled New Jersey injury attorney fight for your rights.