Many New Jersey workers who suffer from back pain are not aware that they may be able to receive workers’ compensation for their injury. Workers’ compensation laws vary by location, but in general, this insurance provides financial security and medical care to employees who have suffered injuries on the job. If you’ve recently suffered a back pain injury, here’s what you need to know.
Your pain may be a result of the aging process
If you’re experiencing back pain, it may simply be a result of the aging process. As you get older, your risk for various health problems increases. Most people experience some degree of degeneration in their spine as they age, which is often called spinal osteoarthritis. In this case, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation because your back pain is a result of aging rather than an accident at work.
Your injury may have been a consequence of your job duties
If you got injured while performing your normal job duties or helping others to do so, then it’s likely that the injury has to do with something that happened on the job. For example, if you slipped and fell during a construction project, then you may receive compensation.
It helps to consult a doctor
If you’ve been having back pain, you may need to consult a doctor. Your physician will be able to provide you with documentation that shows your pain is directly related to something that happened at work or became worse after performing certain tasks as part of your normal responsibilities.
There are many factors that can lead to back pain, but one thing is for certain: Workers’ compensation can be of great help to those who are recovering from an accident at work. If you think that you may qualify, then it’s important to look into the source of your pain.