For many people, chronic back and neck injuries are more than just physical problems; they turn life into a constant struggle, robbing them of their independence, income, and peace of mind.
Around the world, this growing crisis pushes countless people to change careers due to their injuries or puts them out of work entirely, leaving them to navigate financial hardships and an underwhelming support system. Their stories reveal not just the physical toll of back pain but also the emotional and economic strain it creates.
Back injuries are the leading cause of disability among workers
Back pain is becoming a significant issue for workers worldwide, with millions of people worldwide unable to work due to back or neck problems, according to a recent article in The Guardian. The World Health Organization identifies low back pain as the leading cause of disability globally, with cases expected to rise from 619 million in 2020 to 843 million by 2050 due to aging populations.
Additionally, the article notes that in the U.K., the economic toll is substantial, with £1.4 billion spent annually on disability benefits related to back pain and many workers leaving the workforce altogether. In the U.S., the annual costs related to back pain injuries are more than $200 billion.
The Guardian notes that the personal impact is equally profound. Jean Rice, a 64-year-old nurse, described how severe back and leg pain ended her 30-year career:
“It’s really sad, because I love caring for people. I can’t do it anymore. I have to limit my activities, even walking, which I love.”
Similarly, John Gessler, a former programmer, shared how his chronic condition not only halted his career but also left him grappling with “several stages of grief.” Both stories highlight how these conditions affect mental health, financial stability, and quality of life.
Experts emphasize that proactive support from employers, such as better access to occupational health and more flexible roles, could help people with chronic conditions remain in the workforce. As one researcher noted, “Employers need to anticipate illness in the workplace and focus on supporting employees rather than sidelining them.”
Without such changes, millions across the globe will continue to face not only physical suffering but also the crushing burden of financial instability and social isolation.
How does back pain affect your ability to work?
According to researchers at the University of Portsmouth, chronic pain significantly impacts employment. Up to 42% of individuals with chronic pain, including chronic back pain, are unable to work. Workers with chronic pain are also significantly more likely to leave their jobs compared to those without pain.
For those who remain employed, chronic pain often leads to increased absenteeism, reduced work capacity, lower income, and stigma from being perceived as less productive.
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How long can I get workers’ comp benefits for back pain in Georgia?
Workers in Georgia can generally receive up to 400 weeks of indemnity benefits, also known as wage loss benefits, for temporary total disability (TTD) while they recover from a back injury. During this period, workers’ compensation covers a portion of lost wages, allowing you to focus on recovery without the financial stress of lost income.
If they can still work but only in a limited capacity, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation light duty or temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits.
Many injured workers also wonder when will workers’ comp insurance will offer a settlement. The timing often depends on your medical progress, whether you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, and how permanent your limitations appear to be.
Some additional benefits you may be entitled to based on the extent of your injury are:
- Permanent disability benefits. If your health care provider determines that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)—meaning your condition has stabilized as much as expected—you may be assessed for future work capabilities. If you’re unable to return to any kind of work, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These can include permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits, depending on the extent of your injury and its impact on your job.
- Medical benefits. In addition to wage-loss benefits, workers’ compensation will cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your back pain, including doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, and medications. These medical benefits continue as long as treatment is necessary.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits. If you’re unable to return to your prior job but you’re capable of working in a different capacity, workers’ comp may also provide vocational rehabilitation services. These programs can help you transition into a new role or even retrain for a different type of work within your physical limitations, supporting you in finding employment that suits your abilities post-injury.
Please note that back injury settlements can be worth millions when they lead to permanent disabilities and an inability to work. Discussing your options with a local Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you’re fully aware of and receive all available benefits, especially if you have ongoing needs after reaching MMI.
Does workers’ comp pay for pain and suffering in Georgia?
No. In Georgia, workers’ compensation only provides benefits for economic losses related to a work injury, such as medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. It does not directly compensate for pain and suffering as part of your claim. This is because workers’ comp is designed to quickly provide financial support without needing to prove who was at fault for the injury.
However, workers’ comp will pay for treatments related to your physical pain, including therapy, medications, surgeries, and other necessary care to manage and alleviate your symptoms.
Is it hard to prove that a back injury happened at work?
Proving that a back injury happened while at work can be challenging, as these injuries often develop gradually or result from repetitive strain rather than a single, identifiable incident. Employers or insurers may argue that the injury is pre-existing or happened outside the workplace, making it difficult for workers to establish a clear connection to their job, which is necessary for a successful workers’ comp claim.
Additionally, subjective complaints like back pain are not always visible on an X-ray or MRI, further complicating the claims process.
Because of these hurdles, having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is crucial. An attorney can help gather the necessary medical evidence, obtain expert opinions, and document how the injury is directly related to your work activities. They can also help negotiate your benefits, counter disputes from insurers or employers, and ensure your claim is handled properly, improving the chances of securing the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
Need help with a Georgia workers’ comp claim for a back injury?
If you’re facing challenges with a back injury or any chronic pain caused by your job, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation alone. At Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we understand the tactics insurers use to deny workers’ comp claims for back injuries, and we’re ready to build a solid case on your behalf.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our skilled Atlanta work injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers across Georgia secure the full range of benefits they’re entitled to under the law. Whether dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or vocational rehabilitation needs, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation to learn how we can help maximize your back injury claim.
References
Ma, V. Y., Chan, L., & Carruthers, K. J. (2014). Incidence, Prevalence, Costs, and Impact on Disability of Common Conditions Requiring Rehabilitation in the United States: Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Limb Loss, and Back Pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(5), 986-995.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2013.10.032
Niederstrasser, N. G., Wainwright, E., & Stevens, M. J. (2024). Musculoskeletal pain affects the age of retirement and the risk of work cessation among older people. PLOS ONE, 19(3), e0297155–e0297155. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297155
Stewart, H. (2024, January 19). “You’re on your own”: the misery of being out of work with back pain. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/19/youre-on-your-own-the-misery-of-being-out-of-work-with-back-pain
