Back injuries are some of the most common each year in the United States. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine states that up to 31 million Americans suffer back pain at any given time. However, while most of us imagine that this pain is caused by traumatic injury, in reality many of these conditions are caused by mechanical or organic things we do every day. This does not mean that no one is ever culpable; an organic condition may occur as a result of an employer’s poor policy or stem from initial trauma. Either way, it is always a good idea to be on the lookout for potential issues that could one day wind up causing significant problems in your life. If you sustain a back injury due to someone else’s negligence, consulting a back injury lawyer near you can help you decide what path to pursue.
Occupational Back Pain
On the job injuries and conditions are by far the most common culprits in causing back pain. While injuries are common in jobs requiring active movement and lifting, something many do not realize is that highly sedentary jobs can also cause back pain, in the form of repetitive stress injuries and disc problems. Discs have poor blood supply, and do not replenish it without movement. When someone sits at a computer without a break for hours on end, they can cause serious harm to their spine. The risk of herniating or rupturing a disc rises significantly if someone has a job which requires extensive sedentary activity. Employers have a duty to minimize their employees’ risk of repetitive injury, though of course, they cannot all be prevented.
Absentmindedness
There is evidence to suggest that simply not thinking can cause injuries to the back, even in performing movements most people find innocuous. When your mind is on autopilot, your body can move in ways you do not anticipate – for example, you may bend your back in a way you normally know to be suboptimal. For example, the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) has published guidelines for ‘safe lifting.’ Normally, a worker may follow these to the letter. But at the end of a shift, their mind may drift. Their attention may wander, and as a result, an ‘unsafe lift’ may happen.
Improper Manipulation
Whether innocent or negligent, sometimes asking for assistance in ‘cracking’ or manipulating a sore back can make matters worse. Whether it is a friend offering to walk on your back, or a chiropractor who negligently fails to perform their job functions, it can be very painful to have someone mishandle your back. It can sometimes be difficult to prove negligence in such occasions, but it can be done.
Seek An Injury Attorney
Injuring one’s back can be very serious, and if it is due to someone else’s negligence, it can be very important to find an injury law firm in Ventura as quickly as possible. Are you asking, “where can I find a back injury attorney near me?” Attorney Trevor Quirk and the Quirk Law Firm can help you through what can be a difficult and confusing process. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.