HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT FROM A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BACK INJURY CLAIM?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back injuries account for almost 20 percent of all injuries in the workplace and are second only to the common cold for missed days of work. A back injury can happen suddenly as a result of a slip and fall or vehicle accident, or it can develop over time. Repeated lifting, moving heavy objects, poor posture, and sitting for extended periods can cause serious back injuries that may qualify employees for workers’ compensation benefits.

At The Law Office of Matthew Russell, our clients often ask us how much they can expect from a workers’ compensation back injury claim. While the exact amount depends on the unique facts of your case, there is a range that most claims fall within. If you’ve suffered a back injury at work, read on to find out how the amount of your claim is calculated and what factors influence the outcome.

HOW IS A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BACK INJURY SETTLEMENT CALCULATED?

Back injuries vary from minor muscle strains that heal with chiropractic care to herniated disks that require extensive surgery and rehabilitation. Because of this, the amount of cash compensation workers receive varies quite a bit, too. Another factor that determines the ultimate cost of a back injury settlement is the location of the trauma. Lower back injuries tend to grant workers more cash compensation than upper back injuries. The cause of the injury, whether it was a vehicle accident or repetitive stress injury, and the characteristics of the spinal injury (fracture, sprain, strain, herniated disk, pinched nerve, or another type of trauma), also affect the amount a worker receives for his or her injuries.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT FROM MY BACK INJURY CLAIM?

As we’ve explained, many factors influence the final settlement amount for a back injury. After you are evaluated by a doctor, your employer’s insurance carrier will assign a disability rating, which is used to determine the level of benefits you may receive. In California, injured workers with higher disability ratings are generally entitled to greater compensation than those with lower ratings.

 Average Settlement For A Back Injury in California

On average, workers’ compensation settlements for back injuries total approximately $23,600, which is slightly higher than the average cash compensation for all workers’ compensation claims, about $21,800. However, these figures represent averages only and do not reflect the full range of possible outcomes.

Settlement for Serious Back Injuries

In more serious cases, injured employees may receive significantly higher settlements, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. These higher amounts typically depend on the severity of the injury and whether the worker can return to their job or continue working in the same capacity.

Because every case is unique, the most reliable way to understand what your back injury claim may be worth is to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case, including your medical condition, work limitations, and long-term impact on your ability to earn a living.

DID YOU SUFFER A SPINAL INJURY ON THE JOB? IT’S TIME TO CONTACT AN ATTORNEY.

Back injuries can be difficult to diagnose and treat, which means workers’ compensation claims are sometimes denied. If you suffered an upper or lower back injury on the job, a back injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to. Injured workers deserve fair compensation for their losses, including payment for medical expenses, missed wages, and any permanent impairment.

At The Law Office of Matthew Russell, we have more than four decades of collective experience negotiating with insurance companies, filing appeals, and fighting for maximum compensation for our clients – and we can do the same for you. We have several cases that have settled for over a million dollars and 100 perfect disability ordered by the court. *Call us today to schedule your free consultation at (619) 544-1506