Workers Comp for Truck Drivers with Back Pain in Cherry Hill, NJ
Back pain is the world’s leading cause of workplace disability. So why are dedicated truck drivers suffering from severe back pain often denied workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey? Unlike catastrophic spinal cord injuries, such as those sustained in truck accidents, Cherry Hill truckers often suffer from degenerative back pain caused by years of truck driving.
If you suffer from lower back or neck pain after so many hours of driving trucks, you might be entitled to claim workers’ compensation benefits. However, insurers deny lower back pain claims if legal counsel does not represent you. Do not file these WC claims alone. Contact a dedicated Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorney immediately to protect your right to benefits.
Common Causes of Back Pain and Spinal Cord Injuries in Truckers
Long-haul truck drivers most commonly suffer from chronic lower back pain caused by conditions such as sciatica and herniated discs. Numerous factors contribute to the severity and prevalence of back pain among truckers, including:
- Sitting in the same position for long periods
- Inability to stretch or move while driving
- Repeatably loading and unloading cargo
- Poor posture
- Non-ergonomic vehicle design
- Heavy vibrations from diesel engines
- Bending to check tires
- Uncomfortable and cramped sleeping conditions
Driving commercial motor vehicles such as semi-trucks and 18-wheelers requires absolute focus to prevent accidents. Medical professionals agree that forcing truck drivers to maintain this static driving posture for hours strains arm muscles, shoulders, neck, and back. Additionally, the vibrations from diesel engines send continual pulses through truckers’ bodies while in this relatively immobile position.
Every long-haul trip can cause damage until, eventually, they develop disabling back pain, jeopardizing their careers. These are called cumulative trauma disorders (cumulative injuries), and they might entitle truck drivers to claim workers’ compensation benefits in Cherry Hill.
Recovering Workers’ Compensation for Overuse Injuries
The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that truck drivers have one of the highest occupational risks of suffering from long-lasting lower back pain (LBP). Despite numerous studies linking chronic back pain to long-haul truck drivers, workers’ compensation insurers are known for denying Cherry Hill truckers benefits by claiming that their back pain is age-related.
Experienced workers’ compensation attorneys know how to prove your claims in cumulative injury cases linked to driving so many hours as truckers. They might retain medical and occupational experts to testify that your chronic back pain is work-related, demanding compensation for your lost wages and medical expenses. If the back pain prevents you from sitting for long periods and results in a permanent occupational disability, they could negotiate a substantial workers’ compensation settlement for you.
Connect with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Truck Drivers
Cumulative injuries, such as back pain from years of driving as a long-haul trucker, can be challenging to prove. However, the prevalence of chronic back and neck pain caused by hours of driving tractor-trailers is well documented among legal and medical professionals. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Cherry Hill, NJ, can help career truck drivers obtain needed benefits without upfront fees or costs. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a free and confidential case analysis today.