The legal team at Golitko & Daly is one of the leading workplace injury law firms in the greater Indianapolis area. We offer strong legal guidance following construction accidents, with a focus on the injury victim and his or her loved ones.
Back injuries and back problems related to construction work always have to be taken seriously. With that in mind, let’s focus on what to do when you have a herniated disc due to a workplace injury.
What is a herniated disc?
To understand a herniated disc (aka ruptured disc, slipped disc), we should briefly note the anatomy of the spinal cord. Between the vertebrae, there is a spongy disc that helps serve as a shock absorber and allows for flexibility and a range of motion. A herniated disc occurs when an injury of some kind causes this disc between vertebrae to bulge outward. It can be quite painful, and it may have lasting repercussions depending on the nature of the injury.
What Causes a Herniated Disc to Occur?
The most common causes of herniated discs involve heavy lifting, major strain, blows to the back, or repeated motions that involve the back. Herniated discs are most common in the lower back (the lumbar region) since this part of the spine bears much of the weight of the human body.
Why Herniated Discs and Construction Accidents Are Related
At a construction site, any number of incidents may result in a ruptured disc. For instance, heavy lifting at a worksite can lead to major strain on the back and cause a ruptured disc. Falls from major heights and other impacts can harm various tissues of the spine, and can cause a disc to slip.
Because of the various physical dangers involved with construction work, it’s important that workers pay attention to potential back injuries.
Changes to Mobility and Back Health After a Herniated Disc
Depending on the nature of the injury, a herniated disc can lead to long-term issues with back and neck pain. Some patients will find that they have issues with twisting or turning in certain ways, or that they may suffer from back pain occasionally.
Core exercises and physical therapy can often alleviate these problems. However, an injury to the back can lead to major issues that can affect an injured person’s ability to do their job.
What Should Happen After a Worker Experiences a Slipped Disc
After a worker has experienced a herniated disc, their employer should give them proper time to recover. This means getting ample rest and not placing major stress on their back. As the employee returns to work, the employer ought to modify the injured worker’s duties to accommodate the injury and allow for a full recovery. As the injury heals, the worker can return to normal job duties with proper medical screening and clearance.
How to Prevent Herniated Discs
When it comes to lifting objects and doing any kind of strenuous work, be sure to bend at the knees and avoid overexertion. Workers should look out for each other, and employers should put safety measures in place to prevent back and joint injuries. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the work environment is kept as safe as possible.
Learn More About Back Injuries Following Workplace Accidents
To learn more about all of your options when it comes to serious accidents at a workplace, contact our construction accident and workplace injury lawyers today. The legal team at Golitko & Daly will work with you and your loved ones to ensure that you receive just compensation for injuries sustained while on the job.
