Workers’ Comp for Heavy Lifting Injuries
If you’ve hurt yourself lifting at work, whether it was a single incident or an injury that built up over time, you’re not alone. Heavy lifting is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries, especially in industries like healthcare, construction, warehousing, and manufacturing. As a Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer, I help employees who are struggling with painful lifting-related injuries get the benefits they need to recover and move forward.
How Heavy Lifting Injuries Happen at Work
Not every lifting injury is caused by a dramatic accident. Some happen instantly, others build up slowly over time. Common causes include:
- Sudden injuries: lifting a heavy box or piece of equipment and feeling a sharp pain in your back, shoulder, or knee.
- Repetitive strain injuries: doing the same lifting motion repeatedly over weeks, months, or years, leading to conditions like tendonitis, muscle strains, or herniated discs.
- Overexertion: pushing your body past its safe limit, especially if you weren’t provided proper training or mechanical assistance.
Employers often underestimate just how damaging lifting injuries can be, but they’re among the top reasons for workers’ comp claims in Ohio.
Common Lifting-Related Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp
If your injury happened while performing your job duties, it’s typically covered under Ohio workers’ compensation. Some of the most common heavy lifting injuries include:
Back injuries – sprains, strains, herniated or bulging discs, chronic low back pain
Neck injuries – whiplash-like strains or nerve compression
Shoulder injuries – torn rotator cuff, impingement, bursitis
Knee injuries – meniscus tears, ligament sprains
Repetitive motion injuries – carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, chronic muscle strains
Even if the pain developed gradually, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation. These are sometimes called cumulative trauma claims, and insurance companies often try to dispute them—this is where having an experienced attorney makes a difference.
Workers’ Comp Benefits for Lifting Injuries
When your claim is approved, you may be entitled to benefits such as:
- Medical treatment coverage – doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, surgery if needed
- Wage replacement – temporary total disability if you’re unable to work, or wage loss benefits if you can only return to lighter duty
- Permanent partial disability – if your injury leaves lasting impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation – training or assistance if you can’t return to your previous job due to physical restrictions
I’ve seen how quickly medical bills and lost income add up after a serious lifting injury. Workers’ comp exists to help you stay financially stable while you heal.
Why Heavy Lifting Claims Get Denied
Unfortunately, insurance companies often push back on these claims, arguing:
- Your injury was a pre-existing condition (not caused by work)
- You didn’t report your injury right away
- There’s not enough medical evidence connecting the injury to your job
- The injury was due to something outside of work
If this happens, don’t give up. Many valid lifting injury claims are denied at first, but I help workers successfully appeal and secure the benefits they deserve.
How I Can Help Columbus Workers with Lifting Injuries
I’ve been representing injured workers in Columbus and across Ohio for decades, and I know the tactics employers and insurers use to try to minimize lifting-related claims. When you work with me, I’ll:
- Gather the right medical documentation to prove your injury is work-related
- Handle communications with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and your employer’s insurer
- Represent you if your claim is denied or challenged
- Make sure you receive the full range of benefits you’re entitled to under Ohio law
📞 Call me today at (614) 486-3249 for a free consultation. I only get paid if you win your case.