The human back endures much during the lifetime of an average person. We use it for everything from lifting heavy items to sweeping the floor. It is little wonder that chronic back pain plagues Ohio residents.
Many dealing with work-related back pain do not even bother to file for workers’ compensation. Those that do file often receive a notice their claim was denied rather than the benefits they need.
Why are back injuries and pain such a problem for workers’ comp?
Back problems are notoriously hard to diagnose. As such, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation may deny claims involving back pain. If the Bureau finds no evidence proving that the pain is related to your job, it cannot approve the claim.
Why are back problems hard to diagnose?
Back pain can occur for no apparent reason, making it challenging for doctors to identify the actual source of the pain. Below are two examples of back pain, one that is relatively simple to diagnose and one that is not:
- Scenario 1: You work in a hospital and are helping transfer a patient to a hospital bed when you feel a sharp pain in your back. Instead of going away after a couple of hours, the pain gets worse. A doctor would likely attribute your symptoms to the work task you were doing at the time, which can help prove your workers’ comp claim.
- Scenario 2: You work in a hospital, and your back has been hurting for several months. As the days pass, the pain increases, but you cannot determine its source. If you cannot tie your symptoms to a work task, a doctor will find it hard to diagnose. In turn, this could result in a denial of your workers’ compensation claim.
Despite these difficulties, you should not give up on your workers’ compensation claim. Instead, reach out for additional knowledge of Ohio workers’ compensation laws and learn more about your legal options.