Back Injuries at Work: What You Need to Know
Back injuries are among the most common work-related injuries—and they can have a devastating impact on your ability to work, provide for your family, and live a pain-free life. Whether you're experiencing daily pain, struggling to return to your job, or facing an uphill battle with the insurance company, getting the right treatment and legal help is critical.
At Lee Partners Law, we specialize in helping injured workers across Southern California get the care and compensation they deserve—especially for serious back injuries.
Two Common Types of Work-Related Back Injuries
1. Specific Injuries
These occur from a one-time event—like lifting a heavy box, falling on the job site, or getting into a motor vehicle accident while working. These injuries are typically easier to identify and report.
2. Cumulative Trauma Injuries
Even more common are cumulative trauma back injuries. These develop gradually over time due to repetitive job duties—such as lifting, bending, standing, or carrying. These injuries often go unreported at first because there's no single "accident" to point to, but they can be just as serious.
Common Professions That Lead to Back Injuries Over Time:
Warehouse workers who lift heavy items all day
Delivery drivers constantly loading and unloading packages
Landscapers who bend, lift, and operate equipment regularly
Construction workers lifting, bending, and using heavy tools
Janitors and maintenance workers performing repetitive physical tasks
If your job involves physically demanding or repetitive tasks, you may have a valid claim—even if your back pain didn’t come from one specific incident.
How Back Injuries Are Evaluated in California Workers’ Comp
Back injuries are assessed under Chapter 15 of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. There are two ways your impairment can be rated:
DRE Method (Diagnosis-Related Estimates)
ROM Method (Range of Motion)
While the ROM method often results in a higher rating, it usually requires evidence of nerve root involvement in at least two spinal discs—like a disc herniation or documented impingement.
Doctors may order MRIs or EMGs to confirm the diagnosis. Even if imaging is normal, if you report radiating pain down your legs (known as radiculopathy), you may still qualify for a 5–8% Whole Person Impairment under Page 384 of the AMA Guides.
Why You Need a Back Injury Lawyer
Getting fair treatment and compensation for your back injury is not guaranteed. Insurance companies routinely minimize injuries and push their own doctors to say you're fit to return to work without restrictions—even when you're not.
A skilled work injury lawyer will:
Prepare you before the medical exam
Make sure your symptoms are properly documented
Challenge biased medical opinions
Push for the care you need, including surgery if necessary
Maximize your disability rating and final settlement
David A. Lee and Michael Lee are experts in navigating the AMA Guides and handling complex back injury cases. They are known for being excellent back injury attorneys who understand how to maximize your rating, fight insurance denials, and get the treatment you need.
Serving Injured Workers Throughout Southern California
Lee Partners Law proudly serves clients across Los Angeles, Van Nuys, San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Valley Village, and surrounding areas.
If you’re searching for a work injury attorney near you who knows how to handle complex back injury cases—whether specific or cumulative trauma—don’t wait.
Call Lee Partners Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you get the treatment, rating, and financial compensation you deserve under California Workers’ Compensation law.
To learn more about the Workers’ Compensation Process please see: Workers’ Compensation in California: 90-Day Deadline to Deny or Accept Your Claim — Lee Partners Law