Understanding Workers' Comp Benefits for Back Injuries

Back injuries are among the most common reasons people miss work, and they can have a serious impact on our physical abilities, emotional well-being, and financial future. Whether it's a herniated disc from lifting heavy materials, a repetitive strain injury, or a slip-and-fall incident, back injuries can be debilitating and long-lasting. 

For workers in Hampton Roads, Virginia, knowing how to approach a workers' compensation claim for a back injury is critical to getting the help you need.

At Forbes Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorney has worked with countless clients who were hurt on the job and weren’t sure what came next. When pain, lost income, and medical expenses pile up, the legal process can feel overwhelming.

But workers’ compensation benefits exist to give you support when you need it most. In this blog, we’ll break down the key aspects of filing and managing a claim, what to expect from the process, and how to protect our rights if our claim hits a roadblock.

How Back Injuries Happen in the Workplace

Back injuries can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Either way, the pain and limitations they cause can affect every part of our lives. These injuries can happen in any type of job, from construction and warehouse work to healthcare and office roles.

Some common causes of work-related back injuries include:

• Lifting heavy objects without proper form

• Repetitive motions, such as bending or twisting

• Poor workstation ergonomics

• Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces

• Sudden trauma from falls or equipment accidents

Injured workers often try to push through the pain, hoping it will go away on its own—but waiting too long can make the injury worse and complicate your workers' compensation claim. If your back pain started at work or was aggravated by your job duties, it’s important to speak up, get medical attention, and document everything. Acting early helps create a clear connection between your injury and your work, which can be critical if your claim is questioned or denied.

Recognizing Symptoms of a Serious Back Injury

Not all back pain is the same. Sometimes, a minor strain resolves on its own with rest. But in many cases, especially after a workplace accident, the pain signals a deeper issue that qualifies for workers’ compensation.

Symptoms that may indicate a serious injury include:

• Sharp or shooting pain in the lower back or spine

• Pain radiating into the legs or feet (sciatica)

• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness

• Loss of mobility or difficulty standing

• Persistent discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest

If you’re experiencing any of these issues after a work-related incident, you should seek medical attention right away and tell your employer what happened.

Reporting the Injury and Starting the Claim

The workers' comp process begins with a formal report to our employer. Virginia law requires you to notify your employer within 30 days of the injury, though it’s best to report it as soon as possible.

To start a strong claim, you should:

• Report the injury to your supervisor or HR department in writing

• Request medical treatment from an approved provider

• Keep copies of any written communication or forms

• Document when, where, and how the injury happened

Timely, accurate reporting is key to avoiding disputes later in the process. The earlier you begin, the sooner you may start receiving benefits.

Medical Treatment and Employer-Approved Doctors

One of the unique aspects of workers’ comp in Virginia is that employers often provide a panel of approved physicians to choose from. You’re required to see one of these doctors for your treatment to be covered, unless you get special permission to see another provider.

When managing treatment through workers’ comp, you should:

• Select a doctor from the approved list as soon as it’s provided

• Attend all appointments and follow the treatment plan

• Keep a detailed record of your symptoms and how they affect your ability to work

• Request referrals to specialists, if needed

You may also be required to undergo an Independent Medical Examination (IME) if the insurer wants a second opinion. This can be a critical moment in the claim process, especially if there’s disagreement over your condition.

Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits for Back Injuries

Virginia’s workers’ comp program offers different types of benefits depending on the nature and severity of your injury. These are designed to replace lost income and cover medical costs.

Benefits available through workers’ comp include:

• Medical care: Payment for doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescriptions

• Temporary total disability (TTD): Partial wage replacement if you can’t work at all

• Temporary partial disability (TPD): Partial benefits if you can return to work with restrictions

• Permanent partial disability (PPD): Compensation for permanent damage to the back or spine

• Vocational rehabilitation: Help finding new employment if you can’t return to your old job

Each case is different, and the type and duration of benefits you receive will depend on your diagnosis, work restrictions, and recovery.

When Back Injuries Lead to Personal Injury Claims

Not all back injury claims are limited to workers’ comp. In some cases, if a third party caused the injury, like a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, you might also have grounds for a personal injury claim. These claims can offer additional compensation for pain, suffering, and long-term damages.

You may be eligible for a personal injury claim if:

• You were hurt by defective equipment or machinery

• A non-employee caused a vehicle accident while you were working

• Unsafe conditions on another company’s property contributed to your injury

Unlike workers’ comp, personal injury claims can include damages for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. It’s important to explore this option if our case involves a third party.

Dealing With Denials and Delays

Unfortunately, not every claim goes smoothly. Some workers find their claims denied or delayed, especially if the insurance company questions the severity or cause of the injury. When that happens, you need to know your rights.

If your claim is denied or delayed, you should:

• Request a written explanation of the denial

• Gather all medical records and documentation of the injury

• File a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission

• Contact a workers’ comp attorney for legal support

An experienced lawyer can help you build a strong appeal and push back against unfair practices that put your recovery at risk.

Returning to Work After a Back Injury

Getting back on the job is often a major milestone in your recovery, but it has to be done carefully. Returning too early or without accommodations can make the injury worse and jeopardize your benefits.

To safely return to work, you should:

• Follow the doctor’s recommendations for modified duties

• Communicate openly with our employer about restrictions

• Avoid lifting, bending, or twisting beyond our physical limits

• Report any new pain or setbacks immediately

You may qualify for light-duty work or transitional roles while you heal. If your employer can’t accommodate your needs, you may continue receiving benefits until you’re fully cleared.

Having someone in your corner means you don’t have to face the process alone, especially when your health and finances are on the line.

Contact Forbes Law Firm Today

At Forbes Law Firm, we’re proud to help injured workers in Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Poquoson County, and York County get the guidance and justice they deserve. If you’ve been hurt on the job, now is the time to protect your future and take control of the recovery process. Contact us today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.