Seeking a Back Injury Settlement in Oregon

There are three main types of back injuries that the workers’ compensation board tends to recognize, and Mark Thesing is here to help you better understand all of them so you can know if you are entitled to a back injury settlement in Oregon.

Many different work-related injuries can happen on the job, but not all of them are covered by workers’ compensation. As your attorney, I will advise you on how to best approach your particular situation so that you can make the smart choice regarding getting what you are owed.

Common Types of Back Injuries

Herniated Discs – Lifting and twisting with heavy items in your hands can sometimes lead to tearing a disc in your back. The torn disc material then sits on the surrounding nerves, which causes pain and numbness down the legs. Herniated discs are usually repaired through surgery, as the disc material needs to be cleaned away. In many situations, after surgery, the doctor will limit you to not lifting items more than 50 to 75 pounds.

Backbone Fractures – Falling off of a ladder or other high area can end up leading to a fracture of the backbone. Surgery is not generally required for this injury, but if your back is deemed unstable, a medical professional may need to perform a fusion procedure. Depending on how you feel or recover, a full-duty release or restricted release may be issued.

Back Strains – It is relatively easy to sustain a strain. Sometimes all it takes is one slight overstretch of the back muscle to cause the connective material to start to cause problems. Medical professionals are mostly confident that the body can heal itself from a strain over a short period of time. Still, for this to happen, you must rest and avoid any strenuous activity while the muscle and tissues heal.

Injuries Not Recognized by Workers’ Compensation

Arthritic changes to your back, such as multi-level bulges, do not qualify for coverage under workers’ compensation plans. Why? It is because arthritis is considered a preexisting condition and not an injury sustained at work. There are some exceptions, however. Contact me today to schedule a consultation to find out whether you have an injury worthy of a settlement.