People who live in Illinois sometimes suffer injuries that prevent them from working. Back injuries can be particularly debilitating. It’s important to know whether you can collect workers’ compensation in this situation.
How common are back injuries?
Back injuries are a common type of injury suffered by workers on the job. They can develop as a result of repetitive motions and strain over time or from a sudden accident. In either situation, if you suffer a back injury while performing the regular duties of your job, you are entitled to file for workers’ compensation. Back injuries can affect workers in a wide range of industries and prevent them from working.
When can you not claim workers’ comp for a back injury?
In order to qualify for Illinois workers’ compensation for a back injury, your injury must be directly related to your work. That means you must have sustained it either while at your workplace or out of your workplace but while you were performing the normal tasks of your job. If the injury occurred at home, after hours, or during your commute, you cannot file a workers’ comp claim as you would not legally be covered.
How can you file a workers’ comp claim for a back injury?
If you suffered an on-the-job accident that caused your back injury or developed the injury from repetitive motions related to your job duties, you should immediately report it to your supervisor. Waiting to report the injury can hurt your chances of having your claim approved.
You will have to get a medical evaluation by a doctor. Sometimes, your employer will want to choose the doctor you see, but you might be able to see your own primary care physician or a specialist of your choosing. After you have medical documentation of your injury, it should be included with your workers’ comp claim as part of your evidence.