What If My Doctor Says I Can’t Return to Construction Work After a Back Injury?
Back problems are a familiar source of frustration, whether they are your own or a loved one’s. When back issues are work related, they can become even more problematic. Worst of all, back pain gets carried home with you, long after your shift has ended. If you work in construction, a back injury is a real source of concern, now and in the future.
Did You Know That at Least 13% of Workplace Injuries Are Back Related?
It’s no surprise that back injuries are the most common injuries in construction, according to the Center for Construction Research and Training. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that back-related injuries account for 13% of all days away from work (DAFW) injuries. Some agencies rate the occurrence of back injuries even higher. For example, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that back injuries account for 25% of all non-fatal construction injuries.
Sometimes the connection between back pain and your job duties is not immediately known, especially when you did not suffer a specific single accident. It is important to talk to your doctor about your lifestyle and specific job duties. Your doctor can help identify the cause of your back injury, with the most common causes being:
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Bending at the waist
- Pushing and pulling
Note that all these actions happen repeatedly throughout the workday on construction sites.
Does My Back Injury Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
Dealing with a workplace back injury can leave you with questions about your:
- Medical treatment and bills
- Wage replacement benefits
- Chronic pain
- Legal rights
- Return-to-work options
These issues—and the best ways forward—can feel even more loaded for union workers or workers whose employers try to persuade them to use their own personal insurance instead of workers’ compensation benefits.
Your course of action can vary and may potentially include one of the following:
- Workers’ Compensation (WC) Benefits
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits
It’s a lot to navigate and no one should have to go it alone.
I’ve Always Worked Construction, but My Doctor Says “Not Anymore” Due to My Back Injury
You are feeling torn. You have always been a hard worker. You love working construction, and your compensation package has been good for you and your family. But now, your back injury has sidelined your work and is affecting your home life and future. You’ve heard stories from co-workers, friends and family members about other workers’ cases. It’s great to get their perspectives, but since everyone and every case is different, you need to learn what is best for your unique situation.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
Your questions regarding your Illinois Workers’ Compensation claim may include:
- Can my wages be replaced?
- Do I have to use my short-term and long-term disability?
- Can they fire me?
- When will my family’s health insurance coverage end?
- Are there retraining programs available if I can’t return to my job?
- How does this affect my future employment and earnings?
The right attorney with the appropriate experience can answer these questions and more—and help guide you through the process.
If you have a construction-related back injury, the team at Black & Jones is here to help. We’ve spent decades helping injured construction and union workers throughout Northern Illinois fight for the benefits they deserve. Contact us today at (815) 967-9000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options. Don’t let your work-related back issues keep you from your future.