Newport Beach Workplace Back Injury Lawyer

Newport Beach Workplace Back Injury Attorney

The injury that can end your career faster than any other is a back injury. Our Newport Beach workplace back injury lawyers at Canlas Law Group, APLC, have seen how physically and financially devastating workplace back injuries can be. Whether your back pain was caused by a sudden accident or the result of repetitive motion over time, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under California’s workplace back injury laws.

About Canlas Law Group, APLC

At Canlas Law Group, APLC, we stand for fair treatment, respect, and all of the benefits to which every California worker is entitled under the law. We represent clients throughout Orange County, including Newport Beach and at the Santa Ana Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

Providing the highest quality representation for our clients when they need it most is our goal. Our firm takes a client-centered and service-intensive approach to your case by working diligently and proactively to get your matter resolved. We are here to help with all aspects of your claim, including denied claims and determining what benefits you are entitled to as a result of your on-the-job injury.

Understanding Workplace Back Injury Cases in California

Back injuries stand as one of the most prevalent yet misinterpreted types of workplace injuries. Warehouse workers aren’t the only people who suffer injuries to their backs. Office employees who sit in front of computers for hours on end can experience back strain, too.

California’s workers’ compensation system is there to protect employees who are injured or disabled as a result of their work. In practice, it can be hard to file a claim and actually get paid. Insurance companies are quick to deny injury claims, often disputing whether your injury is truly work-related. That’s especially true for injuries that develop over time rather than from one specific event.

A Newport Beach workplace back injury attorney who knows what to do and how to deal with insurance companies can help.

In California, nearly all employers provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. If you’re hurt on the job, you’re entitled to benefits for medical treatment, replacement of lost wages, and permanent disability. You also don’t have to show that your employer was in any way negligent or at fault. All you have to do is show that your injury occurred as a direct result of your work.

Relevant Statistics

In California in 2023, among first reports of injury (FROI) to the California Department of Industrial Relations Workers’ Compensation Information System, there were 65,940 reports of injuries to the “Low Back Area (Lumbar and Lumbo-Sacral),” or about 10% of total FROIs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that private-industry employers in California reported 363,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses during 2023, and these resulted in a case incidence rate of 3.0 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers.

Common Types of Workplace Back Injuries

Back injuries at work can take many different forms. Without the right care or rest, even a seemingly minor strain can get worse over time. The following are a few of the most prevalent back conditions we handle in cases of workplace back injuries:

• Herniated discs. These happen when one of the discs between your vertebrae slips or ruptures, pressing on nearby nerves and producing excruciating pain or numbness.
• Vertebrae slips. A condition known as spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips out of alignment, frequently as a result of trauma or repetitive lifting.
• Cervical radiculopathy. Radiating pain, weakness, or tingling in the arms and shoulders can result from cervical radiculopathy, which is brought on by nerve compression in the neck.
• Lumbar strain. Inflammation and limited mobility are frequently caused by overexertion or incorrect lifting techniques.

Normal results from X-rays or MRIs do not negate the reality or intensity of your pain. Despite valid claims, many employers and insurance adjusters reject them by focusing on the absence of visible damage. Our attorneys know how to refute these tactics and ensure your medical evidence is presented fairly.

FAQs About Newport Beach, CA Workplace Back Injury Law

What Should I Do After Suffering a Workplace Back Injury in California?

If you suffer a back injury on the job, report it to your employer, seek medical attention through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, and keep a record of your pain, treatment, and lost ability to work. Then, hire a workplace back injury lawyer to help you file a valid claim and protect your rights.

Are Back Injuries Covered Under California Workers’ Compensation Laws?

Yes. California workplace back injury laws provide workers’ compensation benefits for back injuries caused by performing job duties, even if they develop over time. This includes injuries from repetitive motion injuries, strain from lifting, and cumulative trauma injuries. Workers’ comp benefits will cover medical care, wage loss, and disability payments, no matter who was at fault.

What If My Employer Denies My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Denials are common with back injury claims, especially with conditions involving repetitive stress or cumulative trauma. If an employer or insurance carrier denies your claim, you can file an appeal with the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). An experienced Newport Beach workplace back injury lawyer can represent you during this process and present the evidence necessary to succeed with your appeal.

How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation Back Injury Case Take to Resolve?

The length of time a workers’ compensation back injury case takes to resolve depends on the case specifics. A straightforward case may take only a few months. A more complicated or contested case, such as a workplace back injury, may take longer. It may take a few months to determine the extent of your injury and the time it will take for your medical condition to improve. It may also take longer if your employer disputes your claim.

Hire a Workplace Back Injury Lawyer Today

If you suffered a back injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation. If your employer denies your claim, you may be able to file an appeal. This legal process can sometimes be complex. However, an attorney at Canlas Law Group, APLC, can help you understand your rights. Contact us today for more information.